It was but natural that Wallace's name should come so often forward, for his deeds, his hairbreadth escapes, his marvellous personal strength and courage, were the theme of talk in every Scotch home; but at Lanark at present it was specially prominent, for with his band he had taken up his abode in a wild and broken country known as Cart Lane Craigs, and more than once he had entered Lanark and had had frays with the English soldiers there.
It was near a year since the defeat of Dunbar; and although the feats of Wallace in storming small fortalices and cutting off English convoys had excited at once hope amongst the Scotch and anger in the English, the hold of the latter on the conquered country appeared more settled than ever.

Wallace's adherents had indeed gained in strength; but they were still regarded as a mere band of outlaws who might be troublesome, but were in no degree formidable.
Every great town and hold throughout Scotland was garrisoned by English in force deemed amply sufficient to repress any trouble which might arise, while behind them was the whole power of England ready to march north in case it should be needed.

It seemed, indeed, that Scotland was completely and for ever subjugated.
One afternoon, when Archie had escorted Mistress Bradfute to Lamington, she said to him as he bade her farewell: "I think you can keep a secret, Master Forbes." "I trust so," Archie replied.
"I know how much you admire and reverence Sir William Wallace.

If you will come hither this evening, at eight o'clock, you shall see him." Archie uttered an exclamation of delight and surprise.
"Mind, Archie, I am telling you a secret which is known only to Sir William himself and a few of his chosen followers; but I have obtained his permission to divulge it to you, assuring him that you can be fully trusted." "I would lay down my life for him," the lad said.
"I think you would, Archie; and so would I, for Sir William Wallace is my husband!" Archie gave a gasp of astonishment and surprise.
"Yes," she repeated, "he is my husband.

And now ride back to your uncle's.