I received that bugle from a brave Scot who dwells amongst the eastern mountains; and who gave it to me to assure the Earl of Mar that I came from him." The prior apprehended that it was of Wallace he spoke.

"You come to request a military aid from the Earl of Mar!" rejoined the father, willing to sound him, before he committed Murray, by calling him to the conference.
The stranger replied: "If, reverend sir, you are in the confidence of the good earl, pronounce but the Christian name of the man who charged me with the bugle, and allow me, then, for his sake, to ask you what has indeed happened to the earl! that I was seized by foes, when I expected to meet with friends only! Reply to this, and I shall speak freely; but at present, though I would confide all of myself to your sacred character, yet the confidence of others is not mine to bestow." The prior, being convinced by this caution, that he was indeed speaking with some messenger from Wallace, made no hesitation to answer.

"Your master is a knight, and a braver never drew breath since the time of his royal namesake, William the Lion!" The man rose hastily from his seat, and falling on his knees before the prior, put his garment to his lips: "Father, I now know that I am with a friend of my persecuted master! But if, indeed, the situation of Lord Mar precludes assistance from him, all hope is lost! The noble Wallace is penned within the hills, without any hopes of escape.
Suffer me, then, thou venerable saint! to rejoin him immediately, that I may at least die with my friend!" "Hope for a better destiny," returned the prior; "I am a servant, and not to be worshiped; turn to that altar, and kneel to Him who can alone send the succor you need!" The good man, thinking it was now time to call the young lord of Bothwell, by a side-door from the chapter-house entered the library, where Murray was anxiously awaiting his return.

On his entrance, the impatient youth eagerly exclaimed, "Have you rescued him ?" "Grimsby, I hope, is far and safely on his journey," answered the good priest; "but the man those murderers were dragging to death, is in the chapter-house.

Follow me, and he will give you news of Wallace." Murray gladly obeyed.
At sight of a Scottish knight in armor, the messenger of Wallace thought his prayers were answered, and that he saw before him the leader of the host which was to march to the preservation of his brave commander.