We have been attacked by Wallace and the Scots, and they will speedily be here." The attention of the guard had already been attracted by the sudden burst of light by the barns.

They had heard distant shouts, and deemed that a conflagration had broken out in the banqueting hall.
Not doubting for an instant the truth of Grahame's story, they lowered the drawbridge instantly, and Sir John and his companions rushed across.
The guard were only undeceived when Grahame and his followers fell upon them with their heavy broadswords.

They had left their arms behind when they had assembled on the walls to look at the distant flames, and were cut down to a man by the Scots.

By this time the rest of Grahame's band had arrived.
So short and speedy had been the struggle that no alarm had been given in the town.

The inmates of a few houses near opened their windows and looked out.
"Come down as quickly as you may," Sir John said to them; "we have taken Ayr." Several of the burghers were soon in the street.
"Now," Sir John said, "do two of you who know the town well go with me and point out the houses in which the English troops are quartered; let the others go from house to house, and bid every man come quickly with his sword to strike a blow for freedom." Sir John now went round the town with the guides and posted two or more men at the door of each house occupied by the English.