Then so heavy a drowsiness fell on King Robert, that, for all the danger he was in, he could not resist an inclination to sleep.  But first, he desired his foster brother to watch while he slept, for he had great suspicion of their new acquaintances.  His foster brother promised to keep awake, and did his best to keep his word.  But the king had not long been asleep ere his foster brother fell into a deep slumber also, for he had undergone as much fatigue as the king.  When the three villains saw the king and his attendant asleep, they made signs to each other, and rising up at once, drew their swords with the purpose to kill them both.  But the king slept but lightly, and little noise as the traitors made in rising, he was awakened by it, and starting up, drew his sword, and went to meet them.  At the same moment he pushed his foster brother with his foot, to awaken him, and he got on his feet; but ere he got his eyes to see clearly, one of the ruffians that were advancing to slay the king, killed him with a stroke of his sword.  The king was now alone, one man against three, and in the greatest danger of his life; but his amazing strength, and the good armor which he wore, freed him once more from this great peril, and he killed the three men, one after another.  He then left the cottage, very sorrowful for the death of his faithful foster brother, and took his direction toward the place where he had appointed his men to assemble.  It was now near night, and the place of meeting being a farmhouse, he went boldly into it, where he found the mistress, an old true-hearted Scotswoman, sitting alone.  Upon seeing a stranger enter, she asked him who and what he was.  The king answered that he was a traveler journeying through the country.

“All travelers,” answered the good woman, “are welcome here, for the sake of one.”

“And who is that one,” said the king, “for whose sake you make all travelers welcome?”

“It is our rightful king, Robert the Bruce,” answered the mistress, “who is the lawful lord of this country; and although he is now pursued and hunted after with hounds and horns, I hope to live to see him king over all Scotland.”

“Since you love him so well, dame,” said the king, “know that you see him before you.  I am Robert the Bruce.”

[ILLUSTRATION:  SHE BROUGHT HER TWO SONS]

“You!” said the good woman, in great surprise; “and wherefore are you thus alone?—­where are all your men?”

“I have none with me at this moment,” answered Bruce, “and therefore I must travel alone.”

“But that shall not be,” said the brave old dame, “for I have two stout sons, gallant and trusty men, who shall be your servants for life and death.”

So she brought her two sons, and though she well knew the dangers to which she exposed them, she made them swear fidelity to the king; and they afterward became high officers in his service.