This bugle, with its crowned falcon, proves it," added the Southron, holding up the very bugle which the earl had sent by Halbert to Wallace, and which was ornamented with the crest of Mar wrought in gold.
"That this has been Lord Mar's," replied the prior, "there is no doubt; but may not this man have found it?
Or may it not have been given to him by the earl, before that chief incurred the displeasure of King Edward?
Which of you would think it just to be made to die because your friend was condemned to the scaffold?
Unless you substantiate your charge against this man, by a better proof than this bugle, his death would be a murder, which the Lord of life will requite in the perdition of your souls." As the father spoke, he again elevated the cross: the men turned pale.
"I am a minister of Christ," continued he, "and must be the friend of justice.

Release, therefore, that wounded man to me.

Before the altar of the Searcher of all hearts he shall confess himself; and if I find that he is guilty unto death, I promise you by the holy St.Fillan, to release him to your commanding officer, and so let justice take its course.

But if he proves innocent, I am the soldier of Christ, and no monarch on earth shall wrest his children from the protection of the church." While he spoke, the men who held the prisoner let go their hold, and the prior stretching out his hand, gave him to a party of monks to conduct into the convent.

Then, to convince the soldiers that it was the man's life he sought to save, and not the spoil, he returned the golden bugle, and bade him depart in peace.
Awed by the father's address, and satisfied with the money and arms of which they had rifled the stranger, the marauders retreated; determining, indeed, to say nothing of the matter to the officer in the castle, lest he should demand the horn; and, elated with the present booty, they marched off to pursue their plundering excursion.