But no time must now be lost in unavailing lamentation.

Heselrigge will return; and if we also would not be sacrificed to his rage, we must hence immediately." The earl, struck dumb at this recital, gave the soldier time to recount the particulars.

When he had finished, Lord Mar saw the necessity for instant flight, and ordered horses to be brought from the stables.
Though he had fainted in the well, the present shock gave such tension to his nerves, that he found, in spite of his wound, he could now ride without difficulty.
Halbert went as commanded, and returned with two horses.

Having amongst rocks and glens to go, he did not bring one for himself; and begging the good soldier might attend the earl to Bothwell, he added, "He will guard you and this box, which Sir William Wallace holds as his life.

What it contains I know not: and none, he says, may dare to search into.