To give the mourning father time to recover himself, Wallace was moving away, when he was met by Ker, bringing information that a youth had just arrived in breathless haste from Stirling, with a sealed packet, which he would not deliver into any hands but those of Sir William Wallace.

Wallace requested his friends to show every attention to the Lord of Thirlestane, and then withdrew to meet the messenger.
On his entering the ante-room, the youth sprung forward, but suddenly checking himself, he stood as if irresolute whom to address.
"This is Sir William Wallace, young man," said Ker; "deliver your embassy." At these words the youth pulled a packet from his bosom, and putting it into the chief's hand, retired in confusion.

Wallace gave orders to Ker to take care of him, and then turned to inspect its contents.

He wondered from whom it would come, aware of no Scot in Stirling who would dare to write to him while that town was possessed by the enemy.
But not losing a moment in conjecture, he broke the seal.
How was he startled at the first words! and how was every energy of his heart roused to redoubled action when he turned to the signature! The first words in the letter were these: "A daughter, trembling for the life of her father, presumes to address Sir William Wallace." The signature was "Helen Mar." He began the letter again: "A daughter, trembling for the life of her father, presumes to address Sir William Wallace.

Alas! it will be a long letter! for it is to tell of our countless distresses.