192 BuCHANAN’S ACCOUNT OF THE DEATH OF CUMIN. 
producing the letter he accused him. But as he shamelessly 
denied that the letter was his, Robert could not restrain his 
wrath, and driving his dagger into his belly, he left him lying as 
if dead. As he was mounting the horse James Lindesey, a 
“kinsman of his, and Roger Kirkpatrick, an old friend, perceiving 
from his countenance fhat his mind was perturbed, asked him the 
reason. Having briefly explained, he added that he thought 
Cuming was dead. “What,”’ said Lindesey, “have you then left 
so important a thing in doubt?’’ and with the word he entered 
the church and finished not only him but also Robert Cumin, 
who tried to protect his kinsman. This murder was committed 
in the year 1305, on the 10th of February.”’ 
Here Buchanan relates that Lindesey finished the deed com- 
menced by Bruce, and gives Kirkpatrick the position of an 
accessory only. He calls him “ Roger from the cell of Patrick.” 
Like all legends this one took a long time in growing to maturity. 
ee” 
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