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

70
LIFE OF
an old veteran knight, named Butler, who had
rendered himself peculiarly obnoxious to the
Scots, by the cruelties which he had inflicted
upon them.
The intelligence of this intended movement
was obtained by Wallace, who, having disguised
himself in the dress of a borderer, got introduced
into St. Johnstone under the name of William
Malcolmson. The Mayor before whom he had
to appear, was so well pleased with his humorous
conversation, and the account which he gave of
himself that he allowed him to go in search of
the employment he pretended to have come in
quest of. By this means he had all the facilities
he could desire, for becoming acquainted with
the strength and condition of the garrison.
Having ascertained the intended removal of the
troops alluded to, he hastened back to his retreat
in the woods, where, sounding his horn, he ral¬
lied his associates around him, and found them
all willing to engage in the enterprize.
Sir James Butler, who was esteemed one of
the bravest old warriors among the English,
had on this occasion, about a hundred choice
soldiers under his command. With this force
he was quietly proceeding through the thick
haze of an autumnal morning, to reinforce the
garrison of Kincleven; when, from behind a