This I know will be done to intercept Sir William Wallace should he attempt to return." "Oh! That he were indeed far distant!" thought the anxious Marion.
The officer then added, "However, you shall be relieved of my detachment directly." And as he spoke, he waved his sword to them who had seized the harper.

They advanced, still holding their prisoner.
He ordered them to commit the man to him, and to sound.

The trumpeter obeyed; and in a few seconds the whole detachment were assembled before their commander.
"Soldiers!" cried he, "Sir William Wallace has escaped our hands.
Mount your horses, that we may return to Lanark, and search the other side of the town.

Lead forth, and I will follow." The troops obeyed, and falling back through the open gates, left Sir Gilbert Hambledon alone with Lady Wallace and the wondering Halbert.
The brave young man took the now no longer withdrawn hand of the grateful Marion, who had stood trembling while so many of her husband's mortal enemies were assembled under the place of his concealment.
"Noble Englishman," said she, as the last body of soldiers passed from her sight, "I cannot enough thank you for this generous conduct; but should you or yours be ever in the like extremity with my beloved Wallace (and in these tyrannous times, what brave spirit can answer for its continued safety ?) may the ear which has heard you this night, at that hour repay my gratitude!" "Sweet lady," answered Hambledon, "I thank you for your prayer.

God is indeed the benefactor of a true soldier; and though I serve my king, and obey my commanders, yet it is only to the Lord of battles that I look for a sure reward.