Seize, if you can, the moment when a cart is passing in or out, and slay the horse in the shafts, so that as he falls the cart will prevent the gate from being closed, and so keep the way open, even should you not be able to resist the English until we come up.  Have all the band outside Stirling on the night before, so that you will be able to make every arrangement and obtain a cart in readiness for taking in the wood and arms in the morning.  Let all bring their bows and arrows, in addition to pike and sword, for the missiles may aid us to keep the soldiers at bay.  Now, Andrew, repeat all my instructions, so that I may be sure that you thoroughly understand my wishes, for any small error in the plan might ruin the whole adventure.”

On the morning of the day fixed for the meeting Sir William Wallace, accompanied by Archie, entered the gates of Stirling.  Both were attired as young farmers, and they attracted no special attention from the guards.  For a time they strolled about the streets.  They saw the gentlemen who had been invited by Sir Robert Cunninghame arrive one by one.  Others, too, known as being specially attached to the English party, rode in, for the governor had invited those who assembled at Cunninghame’s to meet him afterwards in the castle in order that he might hear the result of their deliberations; and he had asked several others attached to the English party to be present.

When most of the gentlemen invited had entered Sir Robert Cunninghame’s Wallace boldly followed them; and Archie sat down on a doorstep nearly opposite.  Presently he saw two figures which he recognized riding up the street, followed, as the others had been by four armed retainers.  They were Sir John Kerr and his son.  Archie rose at once, and turned down at a side street before they came up, as a recognition of him would be fatal to all their plans.  When they had passed up the street to the castle he returned and resumed his seat, feeling more uneasy than before, for the Kerrs had seen Wallace in the affray at Lanark, and a chance meeting now would betray him.  An hour and a half passed, and then Archie saw the Kerrs riding down the street from the castle.  Again he withdrew from sight, this time down an archway, whence he could still see the door on the opposite side.  Hitherto he had been wishing to see it open and for Wallace to appear; and now he dreaded this above all things.  His worst fears were realized, for just as the horsemen reached the spot the door opened, and Wallace stepped out.  His figure was too remarkable to avoid notice; and no sooner did Sir John Kerr’s eye fall upon him than he exclaimed, “The traitor Wallace!  Seize him, men; there is a high reward offered for him; and King Edward will give honour and wealth to all who capture him.”

As Sir John spoke Archie darted across the street and placed himself by Wallace’s side, holding his hand high above his head as he did so; and at the instant he saw Jock Farrell, who had been lounging at a corner a few yards away, dart off down the street at the top of his speed.