The enemy, seeing Bruce alone, pressed forward with all haste; and the king, knowing that if he retired his followers would be attacked unprepared, determined alone to defend the narrow path.

He retired from the river bank to the spot where the path was narrowest and the morass most impassable, and then drew his sword.

His pursuers, crossing the river, rode forward against him; Bruce charged the first, and with his lance slew him; then with a blow with his mace he stretched his horse beside him, blocking the narrow passage.

One by one his foes advanced, and five fell beneath his blows, before his companions ran up from behind.

The Galloway men then took to flight, but nine more were slain before they could cross the ford.
The admiration and confidence of Bruce's followers were greatly aroused by this new proof of his courage and prowess.