Scotland/Scots > Wilson's tales of the Borders and of Scotland > Volume 3

THE GUIDWIFE OP COLDINGHAM,
19
the entire soldiery who had defended it had either fled,
were slain, or made prisoners.
Besides striking the first blow, Madge had not permitted
the sword of her late husband to remain idle in her hands
during the conflict. And, as the conquerors gathered
round Florence Wilson, to acknowledge to him that to
his counsel, presence of mind, and courage, as their leader,
in the midst of the confusion that prevailed, they owed
their victory, and the deliverance of the east of Berwick¬
shire from its invaders, Madge pressed forward, and, pre
senting him her husband’s sword, said—
“ Tak this, my son, and keep it—it was the sword o’ a
brave man, and to a brave man I gie it—and this night
shall ye be my son indeed.”
“Thank ye, mother mother!” said Florence. And
as he spoke a faint smile crossed his features.
But scarce had he taken the sword in his hand, ere a
voice was heard, crying—
“ Where is he ?—where shall I find him ?—does he live ?
—where is my mother?”
“ Here, love!—here! It is my Janet! ” cried Florence;
but his voice seemed to fail him as he spoke.
“ Come here, my bairn,” cried her mother, “ and in the
presence of these witnesses receive a hand that ye may be
proud o’.”
As part of the garrison fled through Coldingham, Janet
had heard of the surprise by which the castle had been
taken, and ran towards it to gather tidings of her mother
and affianced husband; for she now knew the secret which
they would not reveal to her.
As she rushed forward, the crowd that surrounded Flo¬
rence gave way, and, as he moved forward to meet her,
it was observed that he shook or staggered as he went;
but it was thought no more of; and when she fell upon
his bosom, and her mother took their hands and pressed