“I have an enterprise on hand,” he said, “which will need all your care, and may call for your bravery.  Sir William Wallace purposes to enter Stirling in disguise, to attend a meeting of nobles to be held at the residence of Sir Robert Cunninghame.  I am to accompany him thither.  I intend that the band shall watch over his safety, and this without his having knowledge of it, so that if nought comes of it he may not chide me for being over careful of his person.  You will both, with sixteen of the band, accompany me.  You will choose two of your most trusty men to carry out the important matter of securing our retreat.  They will procure a boat capable of carrying us all, and will take their place in the bend of the links of Forth nearest to the castle, and will hoist, when the time comes, a garment on an oar, so that we may make straight for the boat.  The ground is low and swampy, and if we get a fair start even mounted men would scarce overtake us across it.  I think, William, that the last recruit who joined was from Stirling?”

“He was, Sir Archie.  His parents reside there.  They are vendors of wood, as I have heard him say.”

“It could not be better,” Archie replied; “and seeing that they have allowed their son to join us, they must surely be patriots.  My purpose is, that on the morning of the interview you shall appear before the gates with a cart laden with firewood, and this you shall take to the house of Campbell’s father.  There you will unload the firewood, and store the arms hidden beneath it, placing them so that they may be readily caught up in case of necessity.  In twos and threes, carrying eggs, fowls, firewood, and other articles, as for sale, the rest of the band will come into the town, joining themselves with parties of country people, so that the arrival of so many lads unaccompanied will not attract notice.  James Campbell will go with you, and will show you the way to his father’s house.  He will remain near the gate, and as the others enter will guide them there, so that they will know where to run for their arms should there be need.  You must start tomorrow, so as to enter Stirling on the next day and arrange with his father for the keeping of the arms.  His mother had best leave the town that evening.  Should nought occur she can return unsuspected; but should a tumult arise, and the arms have to be used, his father must leave the town with us.  He shall be handsomely rewarded, and provision made for him in the future.  When you see me enter with Sir William, bid Jock Farrell follow me at a little distance; he will keep me always in sight, and if he see me lift my hand above my head he will run with all speed to give you the news.  On his arrival, you, Andrew, with the half you command, will hurry up to my assistance; while you, William, with the others, will fall suddenly upon the guard at the gate, and will at all hazards prevent them from closing it, and so cutting off our retreat, until we arrive.