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

58
LIFE OF
Lanark, soon suspected the cause. A circum¬
stance, however, occurred at this juncture, which
in some measure, served to divide his attention
with the fair object of his solicitude. A report
was circulated about the country, that on a cer¬
tain day a celebrated prize-fighter would exhibit
himself in the play-ground at Ayr, as a general
challenger. An occurrence of this kind had al¬
ways great attractions for the English; and Wal¬
lace, in hopes of gaining some useful information
regarding their numbers and future operations,
determined to be present on the occasion. Hav¬
ing arrayed himself and fifteen of his most trusty
associates in suitable disguises, they proceeded
towards the scene of attraction. After fixing a
place of meeting, they agreed to leave their
horses in a place of safety at the outside of the
town, and make their entry in different direc¬
tions, and in such numbers as would not excite
the suspicion of their enemies.
In the midst of the crowd that was collected
to witness the feats of the English champion,
Wallace stood, to all appearance an unconcerned
spectator, till he saw several of his countrymen,
who had been baffled by the superior dexterity
of their more practised antagonist, afterwards in¬
sulted by the English soldiery. The feelings
which this conduct excited, were displayed on