 CHAPTER XII DRUM SHERGARD While these transactions occupied the morning, Lady Helen, who the night before had been removed into the quiet cell appointed for her, slept long and sweetly. Her exhausted frame found renovation, and she awoke with a heavenly calm at her heart. A cheering vision had visited her sleeping thoughts, and a trance of happy feelings absorbed her senses, while her hardly disengaged spirit still hovered over its fading images. She had seen in her dream a young knight enter her cell, bearing her father in his arms. He laid the earl down before her, but as she stooped to embrace him, the knight took her by the hand, leading her to the window of the apartment, which seemed extended to an immense size. He smiled and said, Look out, and see how I have performed my vow. She obeyed and saw crowds of rejoicing people who at sight of the young warrior raised such a shout that Helen awoke. She started. She looked around. She was still in the narrow cell, and lone. But the rapture of beholding her father yet fluttered in her breast, and the touch of the warrior's hand seemed still warm upon hers. Angels of rest cried she. I thank ye for this blessed vision. The prior of St. Philan might have read his own just sentiment in the heart of Lady Helen. While the gentlest of human beings, she was in evidence that an ardent and pious mind contains the true principles of heroism. Hope, in such a mind, dreds down impossibilities, and regardless of impediments or dangers, rushes forward to seize the prize. In the midst of hosts it feels a conqueror's power. Or, when its strengths fail, seize by the eye of faith legions of angels watching to support the natural weakness. Lady Helen knew that the cause was just which had put the sword into the hand of Wallace, that it was virtue which had prompted her father to second him, and where justice is there are the wings of the most high stretched out as a shield. This dream seemed prophetic. Yes, cried she. Though thousands of Edward's soldiers surrounded my father and his friend, I should not despair. Thy life, O noble Wallace, was not given to be extinguished in an hour. Thy mourn has hardly risen. The perfect day must come that is to develop by greatness, that is to prove thee, and, oh, gracious God, grant my prayer, the glory of Scotland. Going to the fervour of her apostrophe, she did not observe the door of the cell open till the prior stood before her. After expressing his pleasure at the renovation of her countenance, he informed her of the departure of the English soldier, and of the alarm which he and Murray had sustained for his safety by the adventure which had thrown a stranger from the craigs into their protection. At the mention of that now momentous spot, she blushed. The golden-haired warrior of her dream seemed ready to rise before her, and with a beating heart she prepared to hear some true but miraculous account of her father's rescue. Unconscious of what was passing in her young and eager mind, the prior calmly proceeded to relate all that Kerr had told of the dangerous extremity to which Wallace was reduced, and then closed his intelligence by mentioning the attempt which mediated to save him. The heightened colour gradually faded from the face of Helen, and low size were her only responses to the observations the good priest made on the difficulty of the enterprise. But when his pity for the brave man engaged in the cause betrayed him into expressing his fears that the patriotic zeal of Wallace would only make him and them a sacrifice, Helen looked up. There was inspiration on her lips and in her eyes. Father, said she, hast thou not taught me that God shieldeth the patriot as well as Armeth him? True, returned he, with an answering smile. Steadily believe this, and where will be the size you have just been breathing? Nature will shrink, replied she, but the Christian's hope checks her ere she falls. Pardon me, then, Holy Father, that I sometimes weep, but they are often tears of trust and consolation. Daughter of Heaven replied the good prior. You might teach devotion to age and cause youth to be enamoured of the graces of religion. Be ever thus, and you may look with indifference on the rep of the worlds. Son, having meekly replied to this burst from the heart of the holy man, begged to see her cousin before he set off on his expedition. The prior withdrew, and within an hour after Murray entered the apartment. Their conversation was long, and their parting full of an interest that dissolved them both into tears. When I see you again, my brave cousin, tell me that my father is free, and his preserver is safe. Your own life, dear Andrew, added she, as he pressed his cheek to hers, must always be precious to me. Murray hastily withdrew, and Helen was again alone. The young chieftain and curr covered their armour with shepherd's plads, and having received a thousand blessings from their prior and Helbert proceeded under shelter of the night through the obscure paths of the wood which divided Bothwell from Drumshogard. Sir John Murray was gone to rest when his nephew arrived, but Lord Andrew's voice being well known by the porter, he was admitted into the house, and leaving his companion in the dining hall went to the apartment of his uncle. The old night was soon aroused and welcomed his nephew with open arms, for he had feared from the accounts brought by the fugitive tenants of Bothwell that he also had been carried away prisoner. Murray now unfolded his errand, first to obtain a band of Sir John's trustiest people to assist in rescuing the preserver of the Earl's life from immediate destruction, and secondly, if a commission for Lord Mars release did not arrive from King Edward to aid him to free his uncle and the countess from Dumbarton Castle. Sir John listened with growing anxiety to his nephew's details. When he heard of Lady Helen's continuing in the convent, he highly approved it. That is well, said he. To bring her to any private protection would only spread calamity. She might be traced, and her protector put in danger. None but the church, with safety to itself, can grant asylum to the daughter of a state prisoner. Then I doubly rejoice she is there, replied Murray, and there she will remain till your generous assistant empowers me to rescue her father. Lord Marr has been very rash, nephew, returned Drumshire Guard. What occasion was there for him to volunteer sending men to support Sir William Wallace? And how durst he bring ruin on Bothwell Castle by collecting unauthorized by my brother its vassals for so dangerous an experiment? Murray started at these unexpected observations. He knew his uncle was timid, but he had never suspected him of meanness. However, in consideration of the respect he owed to him as his father's brother, he smothered his disgust, and gave him a mild answer. But the old man could not approve of a nobleman of his rank, running himself, his fortune, and his friends into peril, to pay any debt of gratitude, and as the patriotic sentiments being a stimulus, he treated the idea with contempt. Trust me, Andrew, said he. Nobody profits by these notions, but thieves and desperate fellows ready to become thieves. I do not understand you, sir. Not understand me, replied the knight, rather impatiently. Who suffers in these contests for liberty, as you choose to call them? But such men as Lord Marr and your father. Betrayed by artful declamation, they rush into conspiracies against the existing government, are detected, ruined, and perhaps finally lose their lives. Who gains by rebellion but a few penniless wretches that embrace these vaunted principles from the urgency of their necessities? They acquire plunder under the mask of extraordinary disinteressness, and, hazarding nothing of themselves but their worthless lives, they would make tools of the first man in the realm and throw the whole country into flames, that they may catch a few brands from the fire. Andrew Murray felt his anger rise with the speech. You do not speak to my point, sir. I do not come here to dispute the general evil of revolt, but to ask your assistance to snatch two of the bravest men in Scotland from the fangs of the tyrant who has made you a slave. Nephew, cried the knight, starting from his couch and darting a fierce look at him. If any man but one of my own blood had uttered that word, this hour should have been his last. Every man, sir, continued Murray, who acts upon your principles, must know himself to be a slave, and to resent being called so is to affront his conscience. A name is nothing. The fact ought to knock upon your heart, and there arouse the indignation of a scot and a Murray. See you not the villages in your country burning around you, the castles of your chieftains raised to the ground? Did not the plains of Dunbar reek with the blood of your kinsmen? And even now, do you not see them led away and changed to the strongholds of the tyrant? Are not your stoutest vassals pressed from your service and sent into foreign wars? And yet you exclaim, I see no injury. I spurn at the name of slave. Murray rose from his seat as he ended, and walking the room in agitation did not perceive the confusion of his uncle, who at once overcome with conviction and fear, again ventured to speak. It is too sure you speak truth, Andrew, but what am I, or any other private individual, that we should make ourselves a forlorn hope of the whole nation? Will Ballyol, who was the first to bow to the usurper, will he thank us for losing our heads in resentment of his indignity? Bruce himself, the rightful heir of the ground, leaves us to our fates, and has become a courtier in England. For whom, then, should I adventure my grey hairs, and the quiet of my home, to seek an uncertain liberty, and to meet almost certain death? For Scotland, uncle, replied he, just laws are her right, you are her son, and if you do not make one in the grand attempt to rescue her from the bloodhounds which tear her vitals, the guilt of parasite will be on your soul. Think not, sir, to preserve your home, or even your grey hairs, by hugging the chains by which you are bound. You are a scot, and that is sufficient to arm the enemy against your property and life. Remember the fate of Lord Monteith. At the very time he was beset at the parasites of Edward, and persuaded by their flatteries to be altogether as an Englishman, in that very hour when he had taken a niece of Cressingham to his arms, by her hands the vengeance of Edward reached him, he fell. Murray saw that his uncle was struck, and that he trembled. But I am too insignificant, Andrew. You are the brother of Lord Bothwell, answered Murray, with all the dignity of his father rising in his countenance. His large possessions made him a traitor in the eyes of the tyrant's representatives. Cressingham, as treasurer for the crew, has already sent his lieutenant to lord it in our paternal castle, and do not deceive yourself in believing that some one of his officers will not require the fertile fields of drum-shogart as a reward for his services. No. Cheat not yourself with the idea that the brother of Lord Bothwell will be too insignificant to share in the honour of bearing a part in the confiscations of his country. Trust me, my uncle, the forbearance of tyrants is not that of mercy, but of convenience. When they need your wealth or your lands, your submission is forgotten, and a prison or the axe ready to give them quiet possession. Sir John Murray, the timid and narrow-sighted man, now fully comprehended his nephew's reasoning, and his fears, taking a different turn, he hastily declared his determination to set off immediately for the Highlands. In the morning, by daybreak, said he, I will commence my journey and join my brother at Loch Ah, for I cannot believe myself safe a moment while so near the garrisons of the enemy. Murray approved this plan, and after obtaining his hard-rung leave to take thirty men from his vassals, he returned to Kerr to inform him of the success of his mission. It was not necessary. Neither would it have been agreeable to his pride to relate the arguments which had been required to obtain this small assistance, and in the course of an hour he brought together the appointed number of the bravest men on the estate. When equipped he led them into the hall to receive the last command from their feudal lord. On seeing them armed with every man his drawn dirk in his hand, Sir John turned pale. Murray, with the unfolded banner of mar and his grasp, and Kerr by his side, stood at their head. The young man said the old knight, striving to speak in a firm tone, in this expedition you are to consider yourselves the followers of my nephew. He is brave and honourable. Before I commit you to his command. But as you go on his earnest petition, I am not answerable to any man for the enterprises to which he may lead you. Be they all on my own head, cried Murray, blushing at his uncle's persil animity, and drawing out his sword with an impatience that made the old knight start. We now have your permission to depart, sir?" Sir John gave a ready assent. He was anxious to get so hot-headed a youth out of his house and to collect his gold and servants that he might commence his own flight by break of day. It was still dark as midnight when Murray and his little company passed the heights above Drumshergaard, and took their rapid, though silent march toward the cliffs, which would conduct them to the more dangerous passes of the Cartland craigs. CHAPTER XIII two days passed drearily away to Helen. She could not expect tidings from her cousin in so short a time. No more happy dreams cheered her lonely hours, and anxiety to learn what might be the condition of the earling Countess so possessed her that visions of a fright now disturbed both her waking and sleeping senses. Fancy showed them in irons and in a dungeon, and sometimes she started in horror, thinking that perhaps at that moment the assassin's steel was raised against the life of her father. On the morning of the third day, when she was chiding herself for such rebellious despondence, her female attendant entered to say that a friar was come to conduct her where she would see messengers from Lady Marr. Helen lingered not a moment, but giving her hand to the good father was led by him into the library where the friar was standing between two men in military habits. One wore English armour, with his visor closed. The other, a knight, was in tartans. The scott presented her with a signet set in gold. Helen looked on it and immediately recognized the same that her stepmother always used. The Scottish knight was preparing to address her, when the friar interrupted him and taking Lady Helen's hand made her seat herself. Compose yourself for a few minutes, he said. This transitory life hourly brings forward events to teach us to be calm and to resign our wishes and our wills to the Lord of all things. Helen looked fearfully in his face. Some evil tidings are to be told me. The blood left her lips. It seemed leaving her heart also. The friar, full of compassion, hesitated to speak. The scott abruptly answered her. Be not alarmed, lady. Your parents have fallen into humane hands. I am sent under the command of this noble southern knight to conduct you to them. Then my father lives. They are safe, cried she, in a transport of joy and bursting into tears. He yet lives, returned the officer, but his wounds opening afresh and the fatigues of his journey have so exhausted him that Lord Amor de Valence has granted the prayers of the Countess, and we come to take you to receive his last blessing. A cry of anguish burst from the heart of Lady Helen, and falling into the arms of the friar, she found refuge from woe and a merciful insensibility. The pitying exertions of the venerable father at last recalled her to recollection and to sorrow. She rose from the bench on which he had laid her, and begged permission to retire for a few minutes. Cheers took to further utterance, and, being let out by the friar, she once more re-entered herself. Lady Helen passed the moments she had requested in those duties which alone can give comfort to the afflicted, when all that is visible bids us to spare, and rising from her niece with that holy fortitude which none but the devout can know. She took her mantle and veil, and throwing them over her, sent her attendant to the friar, to say she was ready to set out on her journey, and wished to receive his parting benediction. The venerable father, followed by Halbert, obeyed her summons. On seeing the poor old Harper, Helen's heart lost some of its newly acquired composure. She held out her hand to him. He pressed it to his lips. Farewell, sweetest lady! May the prayers of the dear saint to whose remains your pious care gave a holy grave draw down upon your own head consolation and peace. The old man sobbed, and the tears of Lady Helen, as he bent upon her hand, dropped upon his silver hair. May heaven hear you, good Halbert, and cease not, venerable man, to pray for me, for I go into the hour of trial. All that dwell in this house my daughter rejoined the prior, shall put up orisons for your comfort, and for the soul of the departing earl. Observing that her grief augmented at these words, he proceeded in a yet more soothing voice. Regret not that he goes before you, for what is death but entrance into life? It is the narrow gate which shuts us from this dark world, to usher us into another of everlasting light and happiness. Weep not, then, dear child of the church, that your earthly parents precede you to the heavenly Father. Rather say, with the virgin saint bride, how long, O Lord, am I to be banished thy presence? How long endure the prison of my body, before I am admitted to the freedom of paradise, to the bliss of thy saints above? Helen raised her eyes, yet shining in tears, and with a divine smile pressing the crucifix to her breast, you do indeed arm me, my Father, this is my strength. And one that will never fail thee, exclaimed he. She dropped upon one knee before him. He crossed his hands over her head. He looked up to heaven. As bosom heaved, his lips moved, then pausing a moment. Go, said he, and may the angels which guard innocence minister to your sorrows and lead you into peace. Helen bowed, and, breathing inwardly, a devout response rose and followed the prior out of the cell. At the end of the cloister she again bade farewell to the halberd. Before the great gate stood the knights with their attendants. She once more kissed the crucifix held by the prior, and giving her hand to the scot was placed by him on a horse richly comparison'd. He sprung on another himself, while the English officer, who was already mounted, drawing up to her, she pulled down her veil, and all bowing to the holy brotherhood at the porch, rode off at a gentle pace. A long stretch of wood which spread out before the monastery, and screened the back of Bothwell Castle from being discernible on that side of the Clyde, lay before them. Through this green labournce they pursued their way till they crossed the river. Time wears, exclaimed a scot to his companion, we must push on. The English knight knotted and pressed his spurs into his steed. The whole troop now fell into a rapid trot. The banks of the Avon opened into a hundred beautiful seclusions, which intersecting the deep sides of the river with umbrageous shades and green helix seemed to shut it from the world. Helen and Vane looked for the distant towers of Dumbarton Castle, marking the horizon. No horizon appeared, but ranges of rocks and wooded precipices. A sweet breeze played through the valley and revived her harassed frame. She put aside her veil to enjoy its freshness, and saw that the knights turned their horses' heads into one of the obscursed mountain defiles. She started at its depth, and at the gloom which involved its extremity. "'It is our nearest path,' said the scot. Helen made no reply, but turning her steed also followed him, there being room for only one at a time to ride along the narrow margin of the river that floated at its base. The Englishman, whose voice she had not yet heard, and his attendants followed likewise in file, and with difficulty the horses could make their way through the thicket which interlaced the pathway, so confined indeed that it rather seemed a cleft made by an earthquake in the mountain than a road for the use of man. When they had been employed for an hour in breaking their way through this trackless glen, they came to a wider space where other and broader ravines opened before them. The scot, taking a pass to the right, raised his bugle, and blew so sudden a blast that the horse on which Lady Helen sat took fright, and began to plunge in rear, to the evident hazard of throwing her into the stream. Some of the dismounted men seeing her danger seized the horse by the bridle, while the English knight, extricating her from the saddle, carried her through some clustering bushes into a cave, and laid her at the feet of an armed man. Despite this extraordinary action she started up with a piercing shriek, but was at that moment enveloped in the arms of the stranger, while a loud shout of exultation resounded from the scot who stood at the entrance. It was echoed from without. There was horror in every sound. Blessed Virgin, protect me, she cried, striving to break from the fierce grasp that held her. Where am I, looking wildly at the two men who had brought her? Why am I not taken to my father? She received no answer, and both the scot and the Englishman left the place. The stranger still held her, locked in a grip that seemed of iron. In vain she struggled. In vain she shrieked. In vain she called on the earth and heaven for assistance. She was held, and still he kept silence. Exhausted with terror and fruitless attempt for release, she put her hands together, and in a calmer tone exclaimed, If you have honour or humility in your heart, release me. I am an unprotected woman, praying for your mercy. Withhold it not, for the sake of heaven and your own soul. Nailed to me then, thou siren, cried the warrior with fierceness. As he spoke, he threw the tender knees of Lady Helen upon the rocky floor. His voice echoed terribly in her ears, but obeying him. Free me, cried she, for the sake of my dying father. Never till I have had my revenge. At this dreadful denunciation she shuddered to the soul, but yet she spoke. Surely I am mistaken for someone else. Oh, how can I have offended any man to incur so cruel an outrage? The warrior burst into a satanic laugh. I'm throwing up his visor. Behold me, Helen, cried he, grasping her clasped hands with the horrible force. My hour is come. At the sight of the dreadful face of solace she comprehended all her danger, and with supernatural strength, resting her hands from his hold, she burst through the bushes out of the cave. Her betrayers stood at the entrance, and catching her in their arms brought her back to their lord. But it was an insensible form they now laid before him. Overcome with horror her senses had fled. Short was the suspension from misery. Water was thrown on her face, and she awoke to recollection, lying on the bosom of her enemy. Again she struggled. Again her cries echoed from side to side of the cavern. Peace! cried the monster. You cannot escape. You are now mine forever. Twice you refused to be my wife. You dared to despise my love and my power. Now you shall feel my hatred and my revenge. Kill me, cried the distracted Helen. Kill me, and I will bless you. That would be a poor vengeance, cried he. You must be humbled, proud minion. You must learn to fawn on me for a smile, to woo as my slave, for one of those caresses you spurn to receive is my wife. As he spoke he strained her to his breast, with the contending expressions of passion and revenge glaring in his eyes. Helen shrieked at the pollution of his lips, and as he more fiercely held her, her hand struck against the hilt of his dagger. In a moment she drew it, and armed with the strength of outraged innocence, unwitting whether it gave death or not only hoping it would release her, she struck it into his side. All was the action of an instant while. As instantaneously he caught her wrist and exclaiming, damnable traitorous, dashed her from him, stunned and motionless to the ground. The weapon had not penetrated far, but the sight of his blood drawn by the hand of a woman incensed the raging solace. He called aloud on McGregor. The two men who yet stood without the cave re-entered. They started when they saw a dagger in his hand and a Helen, lying apparently lifeless with blood sprinkled on her garments. McGregor, who had personated the Scottish Knight, in a tremulous voice, asked why he had killed the lady. Solace frowned. He here cried he, throwing open his vest. This wound, that beautiful fiend you so piteously look upon, aimed at my life. My lord said the other men who had heard her shrieks. I expect a different treatment for the Earl of Marr's daughter. Base Scott, returned Solace, when you brought a woman into these wilds to me, you had no right to expect that I should use her otherwise than as I pleased, and you as a servile minister of my pleasures. This language, Lord Solace rejoined the men, much agitated. But you mistook me. I meant not to reproach. To his well you did not, and turning from him with contempt he listened to McGregor, who, stooping towards the inanimate Helen, observed that her pulse beat. Fool! returned Solace. Did you think I would so rashly throw away what I have been at such pains to gain? Call your wife. She knows how to teach these minions submission to my will. The man obeyed, and while his companion by the command of Solace bound a fillet round the bleeding forehead of Helen, cut by the flints, the chief brought two chains and fastening them to her wrists and ankles exclaimed with brutal triumph, while he locked them on. There, my haughty damsel, flatter not thyself that the arms of Solace shall be thine only fetters. McGregor's wife entered and promised to obey all her lords injunctions. When she was left alone with the breathless body of Helen, water and a few cordial drops which she poured into the unhappy lady's mouth soon recalled her wretched senses. On opening her eyes the sight of one of her own sex inspired her with some hope. But attempting to stretch out her hands in supplication she was horror struck at finding them fastened and at the clink of the chains which bound her. Why am I thus demanded she of the woman? But suddenly recollecting having attempted to pierce Solace with his own dagger, and now supposing she had slain him, she added, Is Lord Solace killed? No, replied the woman. My husband says he is but slightly hurt, and surely her fair face belies your heart, if you could intend the death of so brave and loving a lord. You then belong to him, cried the wretched Helen, ringing her hands. What will be my unhappy fate? Virgin of heaven, take me to thyself. Heaven forbid, cried the woman, that you should pray against being the favorite lady of our noble chief. Many are the scores around Hermitage Castle, who would come hither on their hands and knees to arrive at that happiness. Happiness, cried Lady Helen, in anguish of spirit. It can visit me no more till I am restored to my father, till I am released from the power of Solace. Give me liberty, continued she, wildly grasping at the arm of the woman. Assist me to escape, and half the wealth of the Earl of Marr shall be your reward. Alas! returned the woman, my lord would burn me on the spot, and murder my husband, did he think I even listened to such a project. No, lady, you will never see your father more. For none who will enter my lord's Hermitage ever wish to come out again. The Hermitage, cried Helen, in augmented horror. Oh, father of mercy, never let me live to enter those accursed walls. They are frightful enough to be sure, returned the woman. But you, gentle lady, will be princess there, and in all things commanding the kingly heart of its lord have rather cause to bless than to curse the castle of Solace. Himself and all that bears his name are accused to me, returned Helen. His love is my abomination, his hatred my dread. Pity me, kind creature, and if you have a daughter whose honor is dear to your prayers, think you see her in me, and have compassion on me. My life is in your hands, for I swear before the throne of almighty purity that Solace shall see me die rather than dishonored. Poor young soul, cried the woman, looking at her frantic gestures with commiseration. I would pity you if I durst, but I repeat, my life and my husbands and my children, who are now near Hermitage, would all be sacrificed to the rage of Lord Solace. You must be content to submit to his will. Helen closed her hands over her face in mute despair, and the woman went on. And as for the matter of your making such lamentations about your father, if he be as little your friend as your mother is, you have not much cause to grieve on that score. Helen started. My mother? What of her? Speak, tell me. It is indeed her signet that betrayed me into these horrors. She cannot have consented. Oh, no, some villains speak. Tell me what you would say of Lady Marr. Regardless of the terrible emotion which now shook the frame of her auditor, the woman coolly replied, she had heard from her husband, who was the confidential servant of Lord Solace, that it was to Lady Marr he owed the knowledge of Helen being at Wathwell. The Countess had written a letter to her cousin, Lord Buchan, who, being a sworn friend of England, she intimated with Lord DeValence at Dumbarton. In this epistle, she intimated her wish that Lord Buchan would devise a plan to surprise Wathwell Castle the ensuing day, to prevent the departure of its armed vassals, then preparing to march to the support of the outlosser William Wallace, who, with his band of robbers, was lurking about the caverns of the Cartland Craigs. When this letter arrived, Lord Solace was at dinner with the other lords, and Buchan, laying it before DeValence, they all consulted what was best to be done. Lady Marr begged her cousin not to appear in the affair himself, that she might escape the suspicions of her lord, who she strongly declared was not arming his vassals from any disloyal disposition toward the King of England, but solely at the instigations of Wallace, to whom he romantically considered himself bound by the ties of gratitude. As she gave this information, she hoped that no attainer would fall upon her husband, and to keep the transaction as close as possible. She proposed that the Lord Solace, who she understood was then at Dumbarton, should take the command of two or three thousand troops, and marching to Wathwell next morning, seized a few hundred armed Scots who were there ready to proceed to the mountains. She ended by saying that her daughter-in-law was in the castle, which she hoped would be an inducement to Solace to ensure the Earl of Marr's safety for the sake of her hand as his reward. The greatest part of Lady Marr's injunctions could not be attended to, as Lord DeValence, as well as Solace, was made privy to the secret. The English nobleman declared that he should not do his duty to his King if he did not had the force that went to quell so dangerous a conspiracy, and Solace, eager to go at any rate, joyfully accepted the honor of being his companion. Lord Buchan was easily persuaded to the seizure of the Earl's person, as DeValence flattered him that the King would endow him with the Marr estates which now must be confiscated. Helen groaned at the latter part of the narrative, but the woman, without noticing it, proceeded to relate how when the party had executed their design at Bothwell Castle, she was to have been taken by Solace to his castle near Glasgow. But on that wily scot not finding her, he conceived the suspicion that Lord DeValence had prevailed on the countess to give her up to him. He observed that the woman who could be induced to betray her daughter to one man would easily be bribed to repeat the crime to another. And under this impression he accused the English nobleman of treachery. DeValence denied it vehemently, so quarrel ensued, and Solace departed with a few of his followers giving out that he was retiring in high indignation to Dunglass. But the fact was he lurked about Bothwell Wood, and from its recesses saw Cresingham's lieutenant march by to take possession of the castle in the King's name. A deserter from this troop fell in with Lord Solace's company, and flying to him for protection, a long private conversation took place between them. At this period one of the spies who had been left by that chief in quest of news returned with a female tenant of St. Philan's whom he had seduced from her home. She told Lord Solace all he wanted to know informing him that a beautiful young lady, who could be no other than Lady Helen Marr, was concealed in that convent. On this information he conversed a long time with the stranger from Cresingham's detachment, and determining on carrying off Helen immediately to Hermitage that the distance of Teviotdale might render a rescue less probable. He laid the plan accordingly. In consequence continued the woman, my husband and the stranger, the one habited as a Scottish, and the other as an English knight, for my lord being ever on some wild prank has always the chest of strange dresses with him, set out for St. Philan's, taking with them the signet which your mother had sent with her letter to the Earl, her cousin. They hoped that such a pledge of their truth would ensure them credit. You know the tale they invented, and its success proves, my lord, to be no bad contriver. CHAPTER XIV. THE PENTLAND HILLS. Helen listened with astonishment and grief to this two probable story of her stepmother's ill-judged tenderness or cruel treachery, and remembering the threats which had escaped that lady in their last conversation, she saw no reason to doubt what so clearly explained the before inexplicable seizure of her father, the betraying of Wallace, and her own present calamity. You do not answer me, rejoined the woman, but if you think I don't say true, Lord Solace himself will assure you of the fact. Alas, no, returned Helen, profoundly sighing. I believe it too well. I see the depth of misery into which I am plunged. And yet, cried she, recollecting the imposition the men had put upon her, yet I shall not be wholly so if my father lives and was not in the extremity they told me of. If that thought gives you comfort, retain it, returned the woman. The whole story of the Earl's illness was an invention to bring you at so short notice from the protection of the prior. I thank the gracious Providence for this comfort, exclaimed Helen. It inspires me with redoubled trust in thee. Marjorie shook her head. Ah, poor victim thought she. How vain is thy devotion! But she had not time to say so, for her husband and the deserter from Cressingham reentered the cave. Helen, afraid that it was Solace, started up. The stranger proceeded to lift her in his arms. She struggled, and in the evidence of her actions struck his beaver. It opened and discovered a pale and stern countenance with a large scar across his jaw. This mark of contest and the gloomy scowl of his eyes made Helen rush towards the woman for protection. The man hastily closed his helmet, and speaking through the clasped steel for the first time she heard his voice. It sounded hollow and decisive. He bade her prepared to accompany Lord Solace in a journey to the south. Helen looked at her shackled arms, and despairing of effecting her escape by any effort of her own, she thought that gaining time might be some advantage. And allowing the man to take her hand, while McGregor supported her on the other side, they led her out of the cave. She observed the latter smiled significantly at his wife. Oh! cried she. To what am I betrayed? Unhand me! Leave me! Almost fainting with dread, she leaned against the arm of the stranger. Thunder now peaked over her head, and lightning shot across the mountains. She looked up. Merciful Heaven! cried she, and a voice of deep horror. Send down thy bolt on me! At that moment Solace mounted on his steed, approached, and ordered her to be put into the litter. Incapable of contending with the numbers which surrounded her, she allowed them to execute their master's commands. McGregor's wife was set on a pillion behind him, and Solace giving the word they all marched on at a rapid pace. In a few hours having cleared the shady valleys of the Clyde, they entered the long and barren tracks of the Leadhill Moors. A dismal hue overspread the country. The thunder yet roared in distant peals, and the lightning came down in such vast sheets that the carriers were often obliged to set down their burden and cover their eyes to regain their sight. A shrill wind pierced the slight covering of the litter, and blowing it aside discovered the mist, or the gleaming of some wandering water, as it glided away over the cheerless waste. All is desolation, like myself, thought Helen, but neither the cold wind nor the rain now drifting into her vehicle occasioned her any sensation. It is only when the mind is at ease that the body is delicate. All within her was too expectant of the mental horrors to notice the casual inconveniences of season or situation. The cavalcade with difficulty mounted the steps of a mountainous hill, where the storm raged so turbulently that the man who carried the litter stopped and told their lord it would be impossible to proceed in the approaching darkness. They conjured him to look at the perpendicular rocks, rendered indistinct by the gathering mist, to observe the overwhelming gusts of the tempest, and then judge whether they dare venture with the litter on so dangerous a pathway made slippery by descending rain. Do halt in such a spot seem to solace as unsafe as to proceed? We shall not be better off, answered he, should we attempt to return. Precipices lie on either side, and to stand still would be equally perilous. The torrents from the heights increase so rapidly there's every chance of our being swept away should we remain exposed to the stream. Helen looked at these sublime cascades with a calm welcome as they poured from the hills and flung their spray upon the roof of her vehicle. She hailed her release in the depth they menaced, and far from being intimidated at the prospect, Castor resigned an even wistful glance into the swelling lake beneath under whose waves she expected soon to sleep. On the remonstrance of their master the men resumed their pace, and after a hard contention with the storm they gained the summit of the west side of the mountain, and were descending its eastern brow when the shades of night closed in upon them. Looking down into the black chaos on the brink of which they must pass along, they once more protested they could not advance a foot until the dawn should give them some security. At this declaration which solace saw could not now be disputed he ordered the troop to halt under the shelter of a projecting rock. Its huge arch overhung the ledge that formed the road, while the deep gulf at his feet, by the roaring of its waters, proclaimed itself the receptacle of those cataracts which rushed tremendous from the over-streaming Pentland hills. Solace dismounted. The man sat down the litter and removed to a distance as he approached. He opened one of the curtains and throwing himself beside the exhausted but watchful Helen clasped his arms roughly about her and exclaimed, Sweet minion, I must pillow on your bosom till the mourn awakes. His brutal lips were again riveted to her cheek. Ten thousand strengths seemed then to heave him from her heart, and struggling with the power that amazed even herself she threw him from her, and holding him off with her shackled arms, her shrieks again pierced the heavens. Scream thy soul away poor fellow, exclaimed Solace, seizing her fiercely in his arms, for thou art now so surely mine that heaven itself cannot deprive me. At that moment her couch was shaken by a sudden shock, and in the next she was covered with the blood of Solace. A stroke from an unseen arm had reached him, and starting on his feet a fearful battle of swords took place over the prostate Helen. One of the men, out of the numbers who hastened to the assistance of their master, fell dead on her body, while the chief himself, sorely wounded and breathing revenge and blasphemy, was forced off by the survivors. Where do you carry me, villains, cried he. Separate me not from the vengeance I will yet hurl on that demon who has robbed me of my victim, or ye shall die a death more horrible than hell can inflict. He raved, but more unheeded than the tempest. Terrified that the spirits of darkness were indeed their pursuers, in spite of his reiterated threats, the men carried him to a distant hollow in the rock and laid him down, now insensible from loss of blood. One or two of the most desperate return to see what was become of Lady Helen, well aware that if they could regain her their master would be satisfied. But on the reverse, should she be lost the whole troop knew their fate would be some merciless punishment. McGregor and the deserter of Cresingham were the first who reached the spot where the lady had been left. With horror they found the litter, but not herself. She was gone. But whether carried off by the mysterious arm which had felled their lord, or she had thrown herself into the foaming gulf beneath they could not determine. They decided, however, the latter should be their report to Solace, knowing he would rather believe the object of his passions had perished than that she had escaped his toils. Almost stupefied with consternation they returned to repeat this tale to their furious lord, who, on having his wounds staunch, had recovered from his swoon. On hearing that the beautiful creature he had so lately to believed his own beyond the power of fate, that his property, as he called her, the devoted slave of his will, the mistress of his destiny, was lost to him forever. Swallowed up in the well-ming wave, he became frantic. There was desperation in every word he raved, tore up the earth like a wild beast, and foaming at the mouth dashed the wife of McGregor from him as she approached with a fresh balsam for his wounds. Off, scum of the damned, sacks cry he. Where is she whom I entrusted to thy care? My lord answered the affrighted woman, you know best. You terrified the poor young creature. You forced yourself into a litter. And can you wonder that I should force you to perdition, Exocopro witch, cried he, that knew no better how to be pair a slave than to receive her lord? As he spoke he struck her again, but it was with his gauntlet hand, and the eyes of the unfortunate woman opened no more. The blow fell on her temple, and a motionless corpse lay before him. My wife cried the poor McGregor putting his trembling arms about her neck. Oh, my lord, how have I deserved this? You have slain her. Suppose I have returned the chief with a cold scorn. She was old and ugly, and could you recover Helen? You should cull hermitage for a substitute for this prating bedlam. McGregor made no reply, but feeling in his heart that he who sows the wind must reap the whirlwind, that such were the rewards of villainy to its vile instruments, he could not but say to himself, I have deserved it of my God, but not of thee. And sobbing over the remains of his equally criminal wife by the assistance of his comrades, he removed her from the now-hated presence of his lord. End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 The Hutt. Meanwhile the Lady Helen, hardly rational from the horror and hope that agitated her, extricated herself from the dead body, and in her eagerness to escape would certainly have fallen over the precipice, had not the same gallant arm which had covered her persecutor with wounds caught her as she sprung from the litter. Fear not, Lady exclaimed a gentle voice. You are under the protection of a Scottish knight. There was a kindness in the sound that seemed to proclaim the speaker to be of her own kindred. She felt as if suddenly rescued by a brother, and dropping her head on his bosom, a shower of grateful tears relieved her heart, and prevented her fainting. Aware that no time was to be lost, that the enemy might soon be on him again, he clasped her in his arms, and with the activity of a mountain deer, crossed two rushing streams, leaping from rock to rock, even under the foam of their flood, and then treading with a light and steady step, an alpine bridge of one single tree which arched the cataract below, he reached the opposite side, where, spreading his plaid upon the rock, he laid the trembling Helen upon it. Then softly breathing his bugle, in a moment he was surrounded by a number of men, whose rough graduations might have reawakened the alarm of Helen, had she not still heard his voice. There was graciousness and bomb distilling sweetness in every tone, and she listened in calm expectation. He directed the men to take their axes and cut away, on their side of the fall, the tree which arched it. It was probable the villain he had just assailed or his followers might pursue him, and he thought it prudent to demolish the bridge. The men obeyed, and the warrior returned to his fair charge. It was raining fast, and fearful of further exposing her to the inclemencies of the night, he proposed leading her to shelter. There's a hermit's cell on the northern side of this mountain. I will conduct you thither in the morning, as to the securest asylum. But, meanwhile, we must seek a nearer refuge. Anywhere, sir, with honour my guide answered Helen timidly. You are safe with me, lady, return tea, as in the arms of the Virgin. I am a man who can now have no joy in woman kind, but when as a brother I protect them, whoever you are confide in me, and you shall not be betrayed. Helen confidently gave him her hand, and strove to rise, but at the first attempt the shackles piercing her ankles she sunk again on the ground. The cold iron on her wrists touched the hand of her preserver. He now recollected his surprise on hearing the clank of chains when carrying her over the bridge. Who, inquired he, could have done this unmanly deed? The wretch from whom you rescued me, to prevent my escape from a captivity worse than death. While she spoke, he wrenched open the manacles from her wrists and ankles, and threw them over the precipice. As she heard them dash into the torrent, an unutterable gratitude filled her heart, and again giving her hand to him to lead her forward, she said with earnestness, Oh sir, if you have a wife or sister, should they ever fall into the light peril with mine? For in these terrific times, who is secure, may heaven reward your bravery by sending them such a preserver. The stranger sighed deeply. Sweet lady, returned he, I have no sister, no wife, but my kindred is nevertheless very numerous, and I thank thee for thy prayer. The hero sighed profoundly again, and let her silently down the windings of the declivity. Having proceeded with caution, they descended into a little wooded dale, and soon approached the half-standing remains of what had once been a shepherd's hut. This, said the night as they entered, was the habitation of a good old man who fed his flock on these mountains, but a band of southern soldiers forced his only daughter from him, and plundering his little abode drove him out upon the waist. He perished the same night by grief and the inclemancies of the weather. His son, a brave youth, was left for dead by his sister's ravagers. But I found him in this dreary solitude, and he told me the two general story of his wounds and his despair. Indeed, lady, when I heard your shrieks from the opposite side of the chasm, I thought they might proceed from this poor boy's sister, and I flew to restore them to each other. Helen shuddered as he related a tale so near resembling her own, and trembling with weakness and horror of what might have been her fate had she not been rescued by this gallant stranger, she sunk exhausted upon a turf seat. The chief still held her hand. It was very cold, and he called to his men to seek fuel to make a fire. While his messengers were exploring the crannies of the rocks for dried leaves and sticks, Helen, totally overcome, leaned almost motionless against the wall of the hut. Finding by her shortened breath that she was fainting, the night took her in his arms, and supporting her on his breast chafed her hands and her forehead. His efforts were in vain. She seemed to have ceased to breathe, hardly a pulse moved her heart. Alarmed at such signs of death he spoke to one of his men who remained in the hut. The man answered his master's inquiry by putting a flask into his hand. The night poured some of its contents into her mouth. Her streaming locks wedded his cheek. Poor lady said he, she will perish in these forlorn regions where neither warmth nor nourishment can be found. To his glad welcome several of his men soon after entered with a quantity of withered boughs which they had found in the fissures of the rock at some distance. With these the fire was speedily kindled, and its blaze diffusing comfort through the chamber he had the satisfaction of hearing a sigh from the breast of his charge. Her head still leaned on his bosom when she opened her eyes. The light shone full on her face. Lady said he, I bless God you are revived. Her delicacy shrunk at the situation in which she found herself, and raising herself though feebly she thanked him and requested a little water. It was given to her. She drank some, and would have met the fixed and compassionate gaze of the night had not weakness cast such a film before her eyes that she scarcely saw anything. Being still languid she leaned her head on the turf's seat. Her face was pale as marble, and her long hair saturated with wet by its darkness made her look of a more deadly hue. Death, how lovely can't thou be, sighed the night to himself, he even groaned. Helen started and looked around her with alarm. Fear not, said he, I only dreaded your pale looks, but you revive and will yet bless all that are dear to you. Suffer me, sweet lady, to drain the dangerous wet from these tresses? He took hold of them as he spoke. She saw the water running from her hair over his hands, and allowing his kind request he continued wiping her glossy locks with his scarf. Till exhausted by fatigue she gradually sunk into a profound sleep. Dawn had penetrated the ruined walls of the hut before Lady Helen awoke. But when she did she was refreshed, and opening her eyes, hardly conscious where she was, or whether all that floated in her memory were not the departing vapours of a frightful dream, she turned her head and fixed them upon the figure of the night who was seated near her. His noble air and the pensive expression of his fine features struck like a spell upon her gathering recollections. She at once remembered all she had suffered, all that she owed to him. She moved. Her preserver turned his eyes toward her. Seeing she was awake he arose from the side of the dying embers he had seduously kept alive during her slumber, and expressed his hopes that she felt restored. She returned him a grateful reply in the affirmative, and he quitted her to rouse his men for their journey to the hermit's cell. When he re-entered he found Helen braiding up the fine hair which had so lately been scattered by the elements. She would have risen at his approach, but he seated himself on a stone at her feet. We shall be detained here a few minutes longer, said he. I have ordered my men to make a litter of crossed branches to bear you on their shoulders. Your delicate limbs would not be equal to the tall of descending these heights to the Glen of Stones. The venerable man who inhabits there will protect you until he can summon your family or friends to receive his charge. At these words which Helen thought were meant to reprove her for not having revealed herself she blushed. But fearful of breathing a name under the interdict of the English governors, and which had already spread devastation over all with whom it had been connected, fearful of involving her preserver's safety by making him aware of the persecuted creature he had rescued, she paused for a moment, and then, with the color heightening on her cheeks, replied, For your humanity, brave sir, showing this night to a friendless woman, I must be ever grateful, but not even to the hermit may I reveal my name. It is fraught with danger to every honest scot who should know that he protects one who bears it, and therefore, least of all noble stranger, would I breathe it to you. She averted her face to conceal the emotion she could not subdue. The night looked at her intensely and profoundly sighed. Half her unbraided locks lay upon her bosom, which now heaved with suppressed feelings, and the fast-falling tears gliding through her long eyelashes dropped upon his hand. He sighed again and tore his eyes from her countenance. I asked not, Madam, to know what you think proper to conceal, but danger has no alarms for me, when by incurring it I serve those who need a protector. A sudden thought flashed across her mind. Might it not be possible that this tender guardian of her safety, this heroic profferer of service, was the noble Wallace? But the vain idea fled. He was pent up amidst the beleaguered defiles of Cartland Craigs, sworn to extricate the helpless families of his followers, or to perish with them. This night was accompanied by none but men, and his kind eyes shone in too serene a luster to be the mirrors of the disturbed soul of the suffering chief of Ellersley. Ah, then murmured she to herself. Are there two men in Scotland who will speak thus? She looked up in his face. The plumes of his bonnet shaded his features, but she saw they were paler than on his entrance, and a strange expression of distraction agitated their before composed lines. His eyes were bent to the ground as he proceeded. I am the servant of my fellow creatures. Command me and my few faithful followers. And if it be in the power of such small means to succour you or yours, I am ready to answer for their obedience. If the villain from whom I had the happiness to release you be yet more deeply implicated in your sorrows, tell me how they can be relieved, and I will attempt it. I shall make no new enemies by the deed, for the Sutherance and I are at eternal enmity. Helen could not withdraw her eyes from his varying countenance, which, from underneath his dark plumes seemed like a pretentious cloud, it intervals to emit the rays of the cheering sun, or the lightning of threatening thunder. Alas! replied she, ill should I repay such nobleness were I to involve it in the calamities of my house. No, generous stranger, I must remain unknown. Leave me with the hermit, and from his cell I will send to some relation to take me thence. I urge you no more, gentle lady, replied the night rising. Were I at the head of an army instead of a handful of men, I might then have a better argument for offering my services, but as it is I feel my weakness and seek to know no further. Helen trembled with an uncountable emotion. Were you at the head of an army, I might then dare to reveal the full weight of my anxieties. But heaven has already been sufficiently gracious to me by your hands in redeeming me from my cruelest enemy, and for the rest I put my trust in the same overruling providence. At this moment a man entered, and told the night the vehicle was finished, the morning fine, and his men ready to march. He turned toward Helen. May I conduct you to the rude carriage we have prepared? Helen gathered her mantle about her, and the night, throwing a scarf over her head, it had no other covering. She gave him her hand, and he let her out to the hut on the side of the buyer. It was overlaid with the men's plaids. The night placed her on it, and the carriers, raising it on their shoulders, her deliverer led the way, and they took their course down the mountain. End of Chapter 15 Chapter 16 of The Scottish Chiefs by Miss Jane Porter This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Shirley Ellen Chapter 16 The Glen of Stones They proceeded in silence through the curvings of the dell till it opened into a hazardous path along the top of a far extending cliff, which overhung and clasped in the western side of a deep loch. As they mounted the pending wall of this immense amphitheater, Helen watched the sublime uprise of the King of Light issuing from behind the opposite citadel of rocks, and borne aloft on a throne of clouds that swam in floating gold. The hermage on the cliffs glittered with liquid emeralds, as his beams kissed their summits, and the lake beneath sparkled like a sea of molten diamonds. All nature seemed to rejoice at the presence of this magnificent emblem of the most high. Helen's heart swelled with devotion, and its sacred voice breathed from her lips. Such thought she, O sun-art thou, the resplendent image of the giver of all good. Thy cheering beams, like his all- cheering spirit, pervade the soul, and drive dance the despondency of cold and darkness. But bright as thou art, how does the similitude fade before God-like man, the true image of his maker? How far to his protecting arms extend over the desolate? How mighty is the power of his benevolence to dispense succor, to administer consolation? As she thus mused, her eyes fell on the noble mean of the night, who with his spear in his hand and wrapped in his dark mantle of mingled greens led the way with a graceful but rapid step along the shelving declivity. Turning suddenly to the left, he struck into a defile between two prodigious craggy mountains, whose brown cheeks, trickling with ten thousand rills, seemed to weep over the deep gloom of the valley beneath. Scattered fragments of rock from the cliffs above covered with their huge and almost impassable masses the surface of the ground. Not an herb was to be seen. All was black, barren, and terrific. On entering this horrid pass Helen would have shuddered had she not placed implicit confidence in her conductor. As they advanced the veil gradually narrowed and at last shut them within an immense chasm which seemed to have been cleft at its towering summit, to admit a few beams of light to the desert below. A dark river flowed along, amid which the bases of the mountains showed their union by the mingling of many a rugged cliff projecting upward in a variety of strange and hideous forms. The man who carried Helen was some difficulty found a safe footing. However, after frequent rests and unremitted caution, they at last extricated themselves from the most intricate path and more lightly followed their chief into a less gloomy part of this chaos of nature. The night stopped and approaching the buyer told Helen they had arrived at the end of their journey. In the heart of that cliff, said he, is the hermit's cell, a desolate shelter, but a safe one. Old age and poverty hold no temptations to the enemies of Scotland. As he spoke the venerable man who had heard voices beneath appeared on the rock, and while his tall and majestic figure clad in gray moved forward and his silver beard flowed from his saintly countenance upon the air, he seemed the bard of Marvin issuing from his cave of shells to bid a hero's welcome to the young and warlike Oscar. Bless thee, my son, cried he as he descended. What good or evil accident hath returned thee so soon to these solitudes! The night briefly related the circumstances of Helen's rescue, and that he had brought her to share his asylum. The hermit took her by the hand and graciously promised her every service in his power. He then proceeded the night whose firmer arms supported her up the rock to the outer apartment of the cell. A sacred awe struck her as she entered this place, dedicated wholly to God. She bowed and crossed herself. The hermit, observing her devotion, blessed her and bade her welcome to the abode of peace. Here, daughter, said he, has one son of persecuted Scotland found a refuge. There is not alluring in these wilds to attract the spoiler. The green herb is all the food they afford, and the limpid water their best beverage. Ah! returned Helen with grateful animation. Would to heaven that all who loved the freedom of Scotland were now within this glen. The herb and the stream would be luxuries when tasted in liberty and hope my father, his friend. She stopped recollecting that she had almost betrayed the secrecy she meant to maintain, and looking down remained in confused silence. The night gazed at her, and much wished to penetrate what she concealed, but delicacy forbade him to urge her again. He spoke not, but the hermit, ignorant of her reluctance to reveal her family, resumed. I do not wonder, gentle lady, that you speak in terms which tell me even your tender sex feels the tyranny of Edward, who in Scotland is exempt. The whole country groans beneath his oppressions, and the cruelty of his agents makes its rivulets run with blood. Six months ago I was abbot of Scone, because I refused to betray my trust and resign the archives of the Kingdom Lodge there. Edward, the rebel anointed of the Lord, the profaner of the Sanctuary, sent his emissaries to sack the convent, to tear the holy pillow of Jacob from its shrine, and to rest from my grasp the records I refused to deliver. All was done as the usurper commanded. Most of my brethren were slain. Myself and the remainder were turned out upon the waste. We retired to the monastery of Cambus Kenneth, but their oppression found us. Crescentam, having seized on other religious houses, determined to swell his hordes with the plunder of that also. In the dead of night the attack was made. My brethren fled. I knew not whether to go, but determined to fly far from the tracks of our ravagers. I took my course over the hills, and finding the valley of stones fit for my purpose, for two months have lived alone in this wilderness. Unhappy Scotland, ejaculated Helen. Her eyes had followed the chief, who, during this narrative, leaned thoughtfully against the entrance of the cave. Her eyes were cast upward with an expression that made her heart utter the exclamation which had escaped her. The night turned and approached her. You hear from the lips of my venerable friend, said he, a direful story. Happy then, am I, gentle lady, that you and he have found a refuge, though a rough one. I must now tear myself from this tranquility to seek scenes more befitting a younger son of the country he deplores. Helen felt unable to answer, but the abbot spoke. And am I not to see you again? That is as Heaven wills, replied he. But as it is unlikely on this side of the grave my best pledge of friendship is this lady. To you she may reveal what she had withheld from me. But in either case she is secure in your goodness. Rely on my faith, my son, and may the Almighty's shield hang on your steps. The night turned to Helen. Farewell, sweet lady, said he. She trembled at the words, and hardly conscious of what she did held out her hand to him. He took it and drew it towards his lips. But checking himself, he only pressed it, while in a mournful voice he added. In your prayer sometimes remember the most desolate of men. A mist seemed to pass over the eyes of Lady Helen. She felt as if on the point of losing something most precious to her. My prayers for my own preserver, and for my father's cried she in an agitated voice, shall ever be mingled. And if ever it be safe to remember me, should Heaven indeed arm the Patriot's hand, then my father may be proud to know and to thank the brave deliverer of his child. The night paused. I looked with animation upon her. Then your father is in arms and against the tyrant. Tell me where, and you see before you a man who is ready to join him and lay down his life in the just cause. At this vehement declaration Lady Helen's full heart overflowed and she burst into tears. He drew toward her, and in a moderated voice continued, My man, though few, are brave. They are devoted to their country, and are willing for her sake to follow me to victory or to death. As I am a knight I am sworn to defend the cause of right. And where shall I so justly find it, as on the side of bleeding wasted Scotland? How shall I so well pursue my career as in the defence of her injured sons? Speak, gentle lady, trust me with your noble father's name, and he shall not have cause to blame the confidence you repose in a true though wandering scot. My father, replied Helen, weeping afresh, is not where your generous services can reach him. Two brave chiefs, one a kinsman of my own, and the other his friend, are now calling to free him. If they fail, my whole house falls in blood, and to add another victim to the destiny which in that case will overwhelm me, the thought is beyond my strength. Faint with agitation and the horrible images which reawakened her dire spheres, she stopped, and then added in a suppressed voice. Farewell. Not till you hear me further, replied he. I repeat, I have now a scanty number of followers, but I leave these mountains to gather more. Tell me then, where I may join these chiefs you speak of, give me a pledge that I come from you, and whoever may be your father, as he is a true scot, I will compass his release or perish in the attempt. A last-genious stranger, cried she, to what would you persuade me? You know not the peril that you seek. Nothing is perilous to me, replied he, with an heroic smile. That is to serve my country. I have no interest, no joy, but in her. Give me then the only happiness of which I am now capable, and send me to serve her by freeing one of her defenders. Helen hesitated. The tumult of her mind dried her tears. She looked up with all these inward agitations painted on her cheeks. His beaming eyes were full of patriotic ardor, and his fine countenance, composed into a heavenly calmness by the sublime sentiments which occupied his soul, made him appear to her, not as a man, but as an angel from the armed host of heaven. Fear not, lady, said the hermit, that you would plunge your deliverer into any extraordinary danger by involving him in what you might call rebellion against the usurper. He is already a prescribed man. Prescribed, repeated she. Wretched indeed is my country when her noblest spirits are denied the right to live, when every step they take to regain what has been torn from them only involves them in deeper ruin. No country is wretched, sweet lady, returned the night, till by a dastardly acquiescence it consents to its own slavery. Bonds and death are the utmost of her enemy's malice. The one is beyond his power to inflict, when a man is determined to die or live free. And for the other, which of us will think that ruin which leads to the blessed freedom of paradise? Helen looked on the chief as she used to look on her cousin, when expressions of virtuous enthusiasm burst from his lips. But now it was rather with the gaze of admiring awe than the exultation of one youthful mind sympathizing with another. You would teach confidence to despair herself, returned she. Again, I hope, for God does not create in vain. You shall know every danger with which that knowledge is surrounded. He is hemmed in by enemies. Alas! How closely are they connected with him? Not the English only, but the most powerful of his countrymen are leagues against him. They sold my father to captivity, and perhaps to death. And I, wretched I, was the price. To free him the noblest of Scottish knights is now engaged, but such hosts impede him that hope hardly dares hover over his tremendous path. Then, cried the stranger, let my arm be second to his in the great achievement. My heart yearns to meet a brother-in-arms who feels for Scotland what I do. And with such a coagulator I dare promise your father liberty, and that the power of England shall be shaken. Helen's heart beat violently at these words. I would not defer the union of two such minds. Go then to Cartland-Craigs. But alas! How can I direct you? cried she. The passes are beset with English, and I know not whether at this moment the brave Wallace survives to be again the deliverer of my father. Helen paused. The recollection of all that Wallace had suffered for the sake of her father, and of the mortal extremity in which Kerr had left him, rose like a dreadful train of apparitions before her. A pale horror overspread her countenance, and lost in these remembrances she did not remark the start and rushing colour of the night as she pronounced the name of Wallace. If Wallace ever had the happiness of serving any who belong to you returned the night, he has at least one source of pleasure in that remembrance. Tell me what he can further only say where is that father whom you say he once preserved, and I will hasten to yield my feeble aid to repeat the service. Alas! replied Helen, I cannot but repeat my fears that the bravest of men no longer exists. Two days before I was betrayed into the hands of the traitor from whom you rescued me, a messenger from Cartland-Craigs informed my cousin that the gallant Wallace was surrounded, and if my father did not send forces to relieve him he must inevitably perish. No forces could my father send, and was then made a prisoner by the English. His retainers shared the same fate, and none but my cousin escaped to accompany the honest scot back to his master. 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 night, and a thousand invisible angels guard them, fear not for them, but for your father, named to me the place of his confinement, and as I have not the besiegers of Cartland-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 mentioned her father's rank, and gazing at him with some astonishment. Do you know his name? Is the misfortune of my father already so far spread? Rather say his virtue, lady, answered the night. 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 the hermit who had listened in silent interest, now fearing the consequence of so much motion, presented her with a cup of water and a little fruit to refresh herself before she satisfied the inquiries of the night. 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 night 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, if heaven have yet spared the lives of Wallace and my cousin Andrew Murray you will meet them before its walls. Meanwhile I shall seek the protection of my father's sister, and in her castle near forth abide in safety. But, noble stranger, one bond I must lay upon you. Should you come up with my cousin, do not discover that you have met with me. He is precipitate in resentment, and his hatred is so hot against solace, my betrayer, that should he know the outrage I have sustained, he would, I fear, run himself and the general cause into danger by seeking an immediate revenge. The stranger readily passed his word to Helen, that he would never mention her name to any of her family until she herself should give him leave. But when your father is restored to his rights, continued he, in his presence I hope to claim my acquaintance with his admirable daughter. Helen blushed at this compliment. It was not more than any man in his situation might have said, but it confused her, and hardly knowing what were her thoughts she answered. His personal freedom may be effected, and God grants such regard to your powers. But his other rights, what can recover them? His estates, sequestrated, his vassals and bonds, all the power of the Earl of Marr will be annihilated, and from some obscure refuge like this must he utter his thanks to his daughter's preserver. Not so, lady, replied he. The sword is now raised in Scotland that cannot be laid down till it be broken or has conquered. All have suffered by Edward, the powerful banished into other countries, that their wealth might reward foreign mercenaries, the poor driven into the waste that the meanest southern might share the spoil. Where all have suffered, all must be ready to avenge. And when a whole people take arms to regain their rights, what force can prevent restitution? God is with them. So I felt, returned Helen, while I have not yet seen the horrors of the contest. While my father commanded in Bothwell Castle and was sending out auxiliaries to the Patriot Chief, I too felt nothing but the inspiration which led them on, and saw nothing but the victory which must crown so just to cause. But now, when all whom my father commanded are slain or carried away by the enemy, when he is himself a prisoner and awaiting the sentence of the tyrant he opposed, when the gallant Wallace, instead of being able to hasten to his rescue, is besieged by a numberless host, hope almost dies within me, and I fear that whoever may be fated to free Scotland, my beloved father, and those belonging to him, are first to be made a sacrifice. She turned pale as she spoke, and the stranger resumed. No, lady, if there be that virtue in Scotland which can alone deserve freedom, it will be achieved. I am an inconsiderable man, but relying on the God of Justice, I promise you your father's liberty, and let his freedom be a pledge to you for that of your country. I now go to rouse a few brave spirits to arms. Remember, the battle is not to the strong, nor the victory with a multitude of hosts. The banner of St. Andrew was once held from the heavens over a little band of Scots, while they discomforted a thousand enemies. The same arm leads me on, and if need be, I despair not to see it again, like the flaming pillar before the Israelites, consuming the enemies of liberty, even in the fullness of their might. Note. At a time when Achius, King of Scots, and Hungus, King of Pips, were fiercely driven by Aethelstan, King of Northumberland, even to East Lothian, full of terrors of what the next morning might bring forth, Hungus fell into asleep, and beheld a vision which, tradition tells, was verified the ensuing day by the appearance of the Cross of St. Andrew, held out to him from the heavens, and waving him to victory. Under this banner he conquered the Northumberland forces and slaying their leader. The scene of the battle has henceforth been called Atheus Stanford, 1809. While he yet spoke, the hermit re-entered from the inner cell, supporting a youth on his arm. At sight of the night, who held out his hand to him, he dropped on his knees and burst into tears. Do you then leave me, cry he? Am I not to serve my preserver? Helen rose in strange surprise. There was something in the feelings of the boy that was infectious, and while her own heart beat violently, she looked first on his emanciated figure, and then at the noble contour of the night, where every god had seemed to set his seal. His beaming eyes appeared the very fountains of consolation. His cheek was bright with generous emotions, and turning from the supplicant boy to Helen, rise, said he to the youth, and behold in this lady the object of the service to which I appoint you. You will soon, I hope, be sufficiently recovered to attend upon her wishes as you would upon mine. Be her servant and her guard, and when we meet again, as she will then be under the protection of her father, if you do not prefer so gentle a service before the rougher one of war, I will resume you to myself. The youth, who had obeyed the night and risen, bowed respectfully, and Helen, uttering some incoherent words of thanks, to hide her agitation, turned away. The hermit exclaimed, Again, my son, I bless each heaven to bless thee, and may its guardian care shield all here, replied the night. Helen looked up to bid him a last farewell, but he was gone. The hermit had left the cell with him, and the youth also had disappeared into the inner cave. Being left alone, she threw herself down before the altar, and giving way to a burst of tears, inwardly implored protection for that brave knight's life, and by his means to grant safety to Wallace and freedom to her father. As she prayed, her emotions subsided, and a holy confidence elevating her mind, she remained in an ecstasy of hope till a solemn voice from behind her called her from this happy trance. Blessed are they which put their trust in God. She calmly rose and perceived the hermit, who, unanswering, had observed her devout position, and the spontaneous benediction broke from his lips. Daughter said he led her to a seat. This hero will prevail, for the power before whose altar you have just knelt, has declared, my might is with them who obey my laws and put their trust in me. You speak highly of the young and valiant Sir William Wallace, but I cannot conceive that he can be better formed for great and heroic deeds than this chief. Suppose them, then, to be equal. When they have met with two such leaders, what may not a few determined scots perform? Helen sympathized with the cheering prognostications of the hermit, and wishing to learn the name of this rival of a character she had regarded as unparalleled, she asked with a blush by what title she must call the knight who had undertaken so hazardous an enterprise for her. Chapter 17 The Hermit's Cell I know not, returned the hermit, I never saw your gallant deliverer before yesterday morning. Broken from my mantons by a sudden noise, I beheld a deer rush down the precipice and fall headlong. As he lay struggling amongst the stones at the entrance to my cave I had just observed an arrow in his side when a shout issued from the rocks above, and looking up I beheld a young chieftain with a bow in his hand leaping from cliff to cliff till springing from a high projection on the right he alighted at once at the head of the wounded deer. I emerged from the recess that concealed me and addressed him with the benediction of the morning. His plaited followers immediately appeared and with a stroke of their ready weapons slew the animal. The chief left them to dress it for their own refreshment, and on my invitation entered the cell to share a hermit's fare. I told him who I was and what had driven me to this seclusion. In return he informed me of a design he had conceived to stimulate the surrounding chiefs to some exertions for their country. But he never mentioned his name. I concluded he wished it to remain unrevealed, and therefore I forboh to inquire it. I imparted to him my doubts of the possibility of any single individual being able to arouse the slumbering courage of thoughts. The arguments he means to use are few and conclusive. They are these. The perfidity of King Edward, who deemed a prince of high honour, had been chosen umpire in the cause of Bruce and Balliol. He accepted the task and the character of a friend to Scotland. But no sooner was he advanced into the heart of our kingdom, and at the head of the large army he had treacherously introduced as a mere appendage of state, then he declared the act of judgment was his right as liege, Lord of the realm. This falsehood which our records disproved at the outset was not his only baseness. He brought the conscience of Balliol and a judge to him, the throne. The requient prince acknowledged him his master, and in that degrading ceremony of homage he was followed by almost all the lowland Scottish lords. But this vile yielding did not purchase them peace. Edward demanded a press of services from the King, and the castles of the nobility to be re-signed to the English governors. These requisitions being remonstrated against by a few of our boldest chiefs, amongst whom your illustrious father, gentle lady, stood the most conspicuous. The tyrant repeated them with additional demands and prepared to resent the appeal on the whole nation. Three months have hardly elapsed since the fatal battle of Dunbar, where indignant at the accumulated outrages committed on their passive monarch are irritated nobles at last rose, but too late to assert their rights. Alas, one defeat drove them to despair. Balliol was taken and themselves obliged to again swear fealty to their enemy. Then came the seizure of the treasures of our monasteries, the burning of the national records, the sequestration of our property, the banishment of our chiefs, the violation of our women, and the slavery or murder of the poor people yoked to the land. The storm of desolation, thus raging over our country, how, cried the young warrior to me, can any of her sons shrink from the glory of again attempting her restoration? He then informed me that Earl de Warren, whom Edward had left Lord Warden of Scotland, was taken ill and retired to London, leaving Amor de Valence to be his deputy. To this new tyrant de Warren has lately sent a host of mercenaries to hold the south of Scotland in subjection, and to reinforce Cresingham and Ormsby, two noted plunderers who command northward from Stirling to the shores of Sutherland. With these representations of conduct over our pressers, the brave knight demonstrated the facility with which invaders drunk with power and gorged with rapine could be vanquished by a resolute and hearty people. The absence of Edward, who is now abroad, increases the possibility of success. The knight's design is to infuse his own spirit into the bosoms of the chiefs in this part of the kingdom, by their assistance to seize the fortresses in the lowlands, and so form a chain of repulsion against the admission of fresh troops from England. Then, while other chiefs, to whom he means to apply, rise in the highlands, the southern garrisons there, being unsupported by supplies, must become an easy prey, and would yield men of consequence to be exchanged for our countrymen, now prisoners in England. For the present, he wishes to be furnished with troops merely enough to take some castle of power sufficient to give confidence to his friends. 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 always been considered the key of the country. May heaven-granted Holy Father return, Helen, and whoever this night may be, I pray the blessed Saint 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 the 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 he is not too young, inquired Helen. I have heard my father say that Bruce, Lord of Anondale, the opponent of Balliol for the crown, as 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. You may see by this silver beard, lady, that the winter of my life is far spent. The elder Bruce, Robert, Lord of Anondale, was my contemporary. We were boys together and educated at the same college in Eichelm Kill. He was brave and passed his manhood in visiting different courts, at last marrying a lady of the princely house of Clare. He took her to France, and invited his only son to be brought up under the renowned Saint Louis. This young Robert took the cross while quite a youth, and carrying the banner of the Holy King of France to the plains of Palestine, covered himself with glory. In storming the Saracen fortress he rescued the person of Prince Edward of England. The horrible tyrant, who now tramples on all laws human and divine, was then in the bloom of youth, defending the cause of Christianity. Think on that, sweet lady, and marvel at the changing power of ambition. From that hour a strict friendship subsisted between the two young crusaders, and when Edward mounted the throne of England, it being then the ally of Scotland, the old Earl of Anondale, to please his brave son, took up his residence at the English court. When the male issue of our King David failed in the untimely death of Alexander III, then came the contention between Bruce and Balliol for the vacant crown. Our most venerable chiefs, the guardians of our laws, and the witnesses of the parliamentary settlement made on the house of Bruce during the reign of the late King, all declared for Lord Anondale. He was not only the male heir in propinquity of blood, but his experienced years and no one virtues excited all true Scots to place him on the throne. Meanwhile Edward, forgetting friendship to his friend and fidelity to a faithful ally, was undermining the interests of Bruce and the peace of the kingdom. Inferior rivals to our favorite prince were soon discounted. But by covert ways, with bribes and promises, the King of England raised such an opposition on the side of Balliol as threatened a civil war. Securing his right and adverse to plunging his country in blood, Bruce easily fell in with a proposal insidiously hinted to him by one of Edward's creatures, to require that monarch to be umpire between him and Balliol. Then it was that Edward, after soliciting the requisition as an honour to be conferred on him, declared it was his right as Supreme Lord of Scotland. The Earl of Anondale refused to acknowledge this assumption. Balliol bowed to it, and for such obedience the unrighteous judge gave him the crown. Bruce absolutely refused to acknowledge the justice of this decision, and so to avoid the power of the King who had betrayed his rights, and the jealousy of the other who had usurped them, he immediately left the scene of action, going overseas to join his son, who had been cajoled away to Paris. But alas, he died on the road of a broken heart. When his son Robert, who was Earl of Carrick in right of his wife, returned to Britain, he, like his father, disdained to acknowledge Balliol as King. But being more incensed at his successful rival than at the treachery of his false friend Edward, he believed his glossing speeches, and by what infatuation I cannot tell, established his residence at the monarch's court. This forgetfulness of his royal blood, and of the independence of Scotland, has nearly obliterated him from every Scottish heart. For when we look at Bruce, the courtier, we cease to remember Bruce, the descendant of St. David Bruce, the valiant Knight of the Cross, who bled for true liberty before the walls of Jerusalem. His eldest son may now be about the age of the young Knight who has just left us, and when I look on his royal port and listen to the patriotic fervours of his royal soul, I cannot but think that the spirit of his noble grandsire has revived in his breast, and that, leaving his indolent father to the vassal luxuries of Edward's palace, he has come hither in secret to arouse Scotland and to assert his claim. It is very likely rejoined Helen, deeply sighing, and may heaven reward his virtue with the crown of his ancestors. To that end, replied the hermit, shall my hands be lifted up in prayer day and night. May I, o gracious power, cried he, looking upward and pressing the cross to his breast, live but to see that hero victorious and Scotland free, and then let thy servant depart in peace, since mine eyes will have seen her salvation. Her salvation, father, said Helen timidly, is not that too sacred a word to apply to anything, however dear, that relates to the earth? She blushed as she spoke, and fearful of having daringly objected, looked down as she awaited his answer. The hermit observed her attentively, and with a benign smile replied, earth and heaven are the work of the Creator. He careth alike for angel and for man, and therefore nothing that he has made is too mean to be the object of his salvation. The word is comprehensive. In one sense it may signify our redemption from sin and death by the coming of the Lord of life into this world, and in another it intimates the different means by which providence decrees the ultimate happiness of man. Happiness can only be found in virtue. Virtue cannot exist without liberty, and the seat of liberty is good laws. Hence, when Scotland is again made free, the bonds of the tyrant who corrupts her principles with temptations, or compels her to inequity by threats are broken. Again the honest peasant may cultivate his lands in security. The liberal hand feed the hungry, and industry spread smiling plenty through all the ranks. Every man to whom his Maker hath given talents, let them be one or five, may apply them to their use, and by eating the bread of peaceful labour, rear families to virtuous action and the worship of God. The nobles meanwhile, looking alone to the legislation of heaven and to the laws of Scotland, which alike demand justice and mercy from all, will live the fathers of their country, teaching her brave sons that the only homage which does not debase a man is that which he pays to virtue and to God. This it is to be free. This it is to be virtuous. This it is to be happy. This it is to live the life of righteousness, and to die in the hope of immortal glory. Say then, dear daughter, if in praying for the liberty of Scotland I said too much in calling at her salvation. Forgive me, Father, cried Helen, overcome with shame at having questioned him. Forgive you what, return tea? I love the holy zeal which is jealous of allowing objects, dear even to your wishes, to encroach on the sanctuary of heaven, the ever thus meek child of the church, and no human idol will be able to usurp that part of your virgin heart which belongs to God. Helen blushed. My heart, Rev. Father, returned she, has but one wish, the liberty of Scotland, and with that the safety of my father and his brave deliverers. Sir William Wallace I have never seen rejoined the hermit, but when he was quite a youth I heard of his graceful victories in the Mimic War at the joust at Burwick, when Edward first marched into this country under the mask of friendship. From what you have said I do not doubt his being a worthy supporter of Bruce. However, dear daughter, as it is only a suspicion of mine that this night is that young Prince, for his safety, and for the sake of the cause, we must not let that name escape our lips. No, not even to your relations when you rejoin them, nor to the youth whom his humanity put under my protection, till he reveals his own secret for us to divulge it would be folly and dishonour. Helen bowed acquiescence, and the hermit proceeded to inform her who the youth was whom the stranger had left to be her page. In addition to what the knight had himself told her of Walter Hay, the unfortunate shepherd boy of the ruined hut, her venerable host narrated that the young warrior, having quitted the Holy Cell after his first appearance there, soon returned with the wounded youth whom he had found. He committed him to the care of the hermit, promising to revisit him on his way from the south, and take the recovered Walter under his own protection. He then left us, continued the old man, but soon reappeared with you, showing in the strongest language that he, who in spite of every danger suckers the sons and daughters of violated Scotland, is proclaimed by the spirit of heaven to be her future deliverer and king. As he ended speaking he rose, and taking Helen by the hand led her to an inner excavation of the rock, where a bed of dried leaves lay on the ground. Here, gentle lady said he, I leave you to repose. In the evening I expect a lay-brother from St. Oran's Monastery, and he will be your messenger to the friends you may wish to rejoin. At present may gentlest seraphs guard your slumbers. Helen, fatigued in spirit and in body, thanked the good hermit for his care, and bowing to his blessing, he left her to repose. End of Chapter 17