Again he withdrew from sight, this time down an archway, whence he could still see the door on the opposite side.

Hitherto he had been wishing to see it open and for Wallace to appear; and now he dreaded this above all things.

His worst fears were realized, for just as the horsemen reached the spot the door opened, and Wallace stepped out.

His figure was too remarkable to avoid notice; and no sooner did Sir John Kerr's eye fall upon him than he exclaimed, "The traitor Wallace! Seize him, men; there is a high reward offered for him; and King Edward will give honour and wealth to all who capture him." As Sir John spoke Archie darted across the street and placed himself by Wallace's side, holding his hand high above his head as he did so; and at the instant he saw Jock Farrell, who had been lounging at a corner a few yards away, dart off down the street at the top of his speed.
Sir John and his retainers drew their swords and spurred forward; but the horses recoiled from the flashing swords of Wallace and his companion.
"Dismount," Sir John shouted, setting the example; "cut them both down; one is as bad as the other.

Ten pounds to the man who slays the young Forbes." Wallace cut down two of the retainers as they advanced against them, and Archie badly wounded a third.