I will mount in the court." Five minutes later Bruce and Archie, enveloped in thick cloaks with hoods drawn over their faces, rode north from Westminster.

At first they went slowly, but as soon as they were out in the fields they set spur to their horses and galloped on in the darkness.
The snow lay thick upon the ground, and the roads were entirely deserted.
"Farewell to London!" Bruce exclaimed.

"Except as a prisoner I shall never see it again.

The die is cast this time, Sir Archie, and for good; even if I would I can never draw back again.

Comyn's treachery has made my action irrevocable--it is now indeed death or victory!" All night they rode without drawing rein, save that they once changed horses where a relay had been provided.