Kirkpatrick of Closeburn

6 KIRKPATRICK
burn the last male of his family, anxious to save Bruce, but afraid to compromise
himself, sent a piece of money and a pair of golden spurs. Bruce, understanding the
hint, instantly started for Scotland, reaching Lochmaben Castle the fifth day. Here
he met his brother, Edward Bruce, and his kinsman Sir Roger Kirkpatrick, whom
Buchanan calls ' vetus amicus ' of King Robert Bruce, and whom Abercromby calls the
constant friend of Sir William Wallace. They were joined by James Lindsay,
Robert Fleming, ancestor to the Earls of Wigton, and Sir Thomas Charteris, com-
monly called Thomas of Longueville. Accompanied by these Barons, he immediately
repaired to Dumfries, where Comyn then was, and sought a private interview. Comyn
perhaps suspecting that his treachery had been discovered, appointed the Grey Friars
Church in the Convent of the Minorites. Here Bruce passionately upbraided him
for his treachery, a violent altercation ensued, Comyn gave him the he, whereupon he
instantly drew his dagger and stabbed him. Hastening from the Church, he met his
friends, who seeing him agitated and pale eagerly inquired the cause. ' I doubt,' said
he, 'I have slain the Comyn.' ' Doubt' st thou,' said Kirkpatrick, ' I mak sicker,' and
rushed into the Church. In the meantime the followers of Comyn having taken
alarm, rallied round their fallen chief, but Kirkpatrick burst through them, struck
down and slew Sir Robert Comyn the uncle, and dispatched the Red Comyn with
his dagger, 10th February, 1306. Hence the crest and motto of the family
' conferred,' says Playfair, ' by King Robert himself, and adopted from an action
which, however sanguinary and shocking it may now appear, was highly admired