As he drew the bolt, he whispered to Lord Mar, "These severities are the hard policy of Governor Cressingham." He pushed the door slowly open, and discovered a small, miserable cell--its walls, of rugged stone, having no other covering than the incrustations which time, and many a dripping winter, had strewn over their vaulted service.

On the ground, on a pallet of straw, lay a female figure in a profound sleep.

But the light which the lieutenant held, streaming full upon the uncurtained slumberer, she started, and, with a shriek of terror at the sight of so many armed men, discovered the pallid features of the Countess of Mar.

With an anguish which hardly the freedom he was going to bestow could ameliorate, the earl rushed forward, and, throwing himself beside her, caught her in his arms.
"Are we, then, to die ?" cried she, in a voice of horror.

"Has Wallace abandoned us?
Are we to perish?
Heartless-heartless man!" Overcome by his emotions, the earl could only strain her to his breast in speechless agitation.