Another party of equal strength he placed 100 yards further on, and with them himself took post; while he placed four, armed with bows and arrows, on either side, near the party which he commanded.

Scarcely had his preparations been made when a trampling of horses was heard, and the party were seen approaching.

They consisted of Robert Bruce, his brother Nigel, and three of his sisters--Isabel, Mary, and Christina.

Behind rode four men-at-arms.

From the description which he had heard of him Archie had no doubt that the elder of the two knights was Robert Bruce himself, and when they approached within thirty yards he gave a shout, and, with his band, with levelled spears, drew up across the road.