Baliol is a captive in London, and it is to Comyn or Bruce that Scotland must look for her king.

So long as only I, a poor knight, am at the head of this rising, it is but a rebellion against Edward, and its chances are still so weak that but few men, who have aught to lose, join us; but if Bruce or Comyn should raise his banner all would receive him as our future king.

Both are lords of wide territories, and besides the forces they could bring into the field, they would be joined by many of the principal nobles, although it is true that the adherents of the other would probably arm for Edward.

Still the thought of a king of their own would inflame the popular mind, and vast numbers who now hesitate to join a movement supported by so little authority, would then take up arms." "Which of the two would you rather ?" Archie asked.
"I would rather the Bruce," Wallace said.

"His father is an inert man and a mere cypher, and the death of his grandfather, the competitor, has now brought him prominently forward.