A rope had been brought, and this was now cut into lengths of some four feet.

Wallace placed ten of his men on each side of the tree, and the cords being placed under it, it was lifted and carried along with them.
Before they started Wallace briefly gave them his orders, so that no word need be spoken when near the town.

The band were, when they entered, to divide in three.

Sir John Grahame, with a party, was to make for the dwelling of Sir Robert Thorne.

Auchinleck, who had arrived with the party summoned by the bugle, was to arouse the town and attack any parties of soldiers in the street, while Wallace himself was to assault the house of Hazelrig.