Scotland/Scots > Life of Sir William Wallace, Knight of Ellerslie, and Guardian of Scotland

LIFE OF
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tenant of the district, and, of course, not likely
to overlook such conduct in one so immediately
under his inspection, as his late deposed prede¬
cessor in authority. Wallace, in order to allay
the well-grounded fears of his uncle, instantly
determined to betake himself to some more dis¬
tant part of the country; and, after receiving
the old man’s benediction, accompanied by a
supply of money, he rode off to seek associates
more congenial to his present feelings.
The fortalice of Auchencruive was at that
time in possession of a gentleman of th4 name
of Wallace, who though obliged, like most of
his neighbours, to submit to the pressure of the
times, was a secret and ardent friend to the li¬
berties of his country. From this namesake
our hero experienced those acts of kind¬
ness which his situation required, and by
his assistance he frequently procured supplies
of provisions for himself and his companions.
The spring of the year was now pretty far ad¬
vanced, and their woodland retreats were be¬
coming every day more pleasant; from these
Wallace would issue in disguise, and mingle
with the soldiers belonging to the English gar¬
risons, for the purpose of ascertaining their
numbers and condition.