The guard, hearing the tumult, had turned out, and seeing them running, strove to bar their way.

Wallace, however, cleared a path by sweeping blows with his sword, and dashing through the gates into the open country they were safe.

For some distance they ran without checking their speed, and then as they neared a wood, where they no longer feared pursuit, they broke into a walk.
"My best thanks to you," Wallace said to Archie.

"You have indeed proved yourself a staunch and skilful swordsman, and Duncan's opinion is well founded.

Indeed I could wish for no stouter sword beside me in a fight; but what will you do now?
If you think that you were not recognized you can return to your uncle; but if any there knew you, you must even then take to the woods with me." "I was recognized," Archie said in a tone of satisfaction.