He seized Edwin; and while his falchion flashed terrible threatenings in their eyes, with a backward step he fought his passage to one of the wooden towers he had fastened to the wall.
Cressingham, being wounded in the head, commanded a parley to be sounded.
"We have already taken Lord de Valence and his host prisoners," returned Wallace; "and we grant you no cessation of hostilities till you deliver up the Earl of Mar and his family, and surrender the castle into our hands." "Think not, proud boaster!" cried the herald of Cressingham, "that we ask a parley to conciliate.

It was to tell you that if you do not draw off directly, not only the Earl of Mar and his family, but every Scottish prisoner within these walls, shall perish in your sight." While he yet spoke, the Southrons uttered a great shout, and the Scots looking up, beheld several high poles erected on the roof of the keep, and the Earl of Mar, as before, was led forward.

But he seemed no longer the bold and tranquil patriot.

He was surrounded by shrieking female forms, clinging to his knees; and his trembling hands were lifted to heaven, as if imploring its pity.
"Stop!" cried Wallace, in a voice whose thundering mandate rung from tower to tower.

"The instant he dies, Lord Aymer de Valence shall perish!" He had only to make the sign, and in a few minutes that nobleman appeared between Ramsay and Kirkpatrick.