As Wallace proceeded, the wonder of Graham was raised to a pitch, only to be equaled by his admiration; and taking the hand of Edwin, "Receive me, brave youth," said he, "as your second brother; Sir William Wallace is your first; but, this night, we shall fight side by side for our fathers; and let that be our bond of kindred." Edwin pressed the young chief's cheek with his innocent lips; "Let us, together, free them;" cried he' "and then we shall be born twins in happiness." "So be it," cried Graham; "and Sir William Wallace be the sponser of that hour!" Wallace smiled on them; and turning his head toward the shore, when the vessel doubled a certain point, he saw the beach covered with armed men.

To be sure they were his own, he drew his sword, and waved it in the air.

At that moment a hundred falchions flashed in the sunbeams, and the shouts of "Wallace!" came loudly on the breeze.
Graham and Edwin started on their feet; the seamen piled their oars; the boat dashed into the breakers--and Wallace, leaping on shore, was received with acclamations by his eager soldiers.
He no sooner landed, than he commenced his march.

Murray joined him on the banks of the Irwin; and as Ayr was no very great distance from that river, at two hours before midnight the little army entered Laglane Wood; where they halted, while Wallace, with his chieftains proceeded to reconnoiter the town.

The wind swept in gusts through the trees, and seemed by its dismal yellings, to utter warnings of the dreadful retributions he was about to inflict.