15
pressed upon his retreat was Bruce, who had deserted the Scottish cause, and was now fighting against them in the ranks of the op- pressor. Enraged at the sight of a man whom he considered, in an especial manner, a traitor to his country, Wallace aimed a blow at his head, which, though it missed him, brought his horse to the ground. He after- wards effected his retreat across the river, by the assistance of his trusty follower, Karle. While they were slowly moving along the banks of the river, Bruce, from the opposite bank having recognised Wallace, raised his voice, and requested an interview. This was granted ; and they approached each other where the river was narrow, deep, and rocky. Bruce, although awed by the appearance of the hero, upbraided him with entertaining de- signs upon the crown of Scotland. “No,” replied Wallace, “my thoughts never soared so high: I only mean to deliver my country from oppression and slavery, and to support a cause which you have abandoned. But,
