If I led you as an armed band to Wallace he might deem you too young.

I must present you merely as lads whom I know to be faithful and trustworthy, and who are willing to act as messengers and scouts to his force." So saying Archie led the band to the thicket where he had placed their arms, and the lads were pleased when they saw the pikes, swords, and head pieces.

Then he led them up the craig to Wallace.
"Why, whom have you here ?" Sir William exclaimed in surprise.

"This will not do, Sir Archie.

All lads are not like yourself, and were I to take such boys into my ranks I should have all the mothers in Scotland calling out against me." "I have not brought them to join your ranks, Sir William, although many of them are stout fellows who might do good service at a pinch.