To reach the Firth of Clyde it was necessary to cross Loch Lomond.

This was a difficult undertaking; but after great search Sir James Douglas discovered a small boat sunk beneath the surface of the lake.

On being pulled out it was found to be old and leaky, and would hold at best but three.

With strips torn from their garments they stopped the leaks as best they could, and then started across the lake.

There were two hundred to cross, and the passage occupied a night and a day; those who could not swim being taken over in the boat, while the swimmers kept alongside and when fatigued rested their hands on her gunwales.