154 DOUGLAS 



and lay them on the backs of their horses. Then they 

 were to defile in full view of the castle, as if they were 

 farmers on their way to the market. De Wanton was 

 known to be short of provender, and Douglas reckoned 

 on his laying a strong hand on the sacks, apparently 

 full of corn. Sure enough, no sooner did the warder 

 spy the little company than he sent word to the con- 

 stable, who himself rode out with a small party to 

 overhaul it. But he caught a Tartar; the supposed 

 rustics entered into parley; but no sooner were the 

 soldiers completely off their guard than the brave lads 

 threw off their frocks, tumbled the sacks on the ground, 

 sprang into their saddles, and attacked Sir John's party. 

 At the same moment Douglas led up his ambush, and 

 the English were taken in front and rear. Sir John de 

 Wanton was slain, and there was found on his person 

 the fatal letter from his lady-love, obedience to which 

 had cost him his life. Douglas caused the unfinished 

 works at the castle to be levelled with the ground, but 

 this time the lives of its garrison were spared. 



Such are some of the crowded memories that haunt 

 this dale, peaceful though it lies before us now in this 

 soft July weather; such, and many more of a like 

 stirring kind, filled the thoughts of Sir Walter Scott 

 when, broken in fortune and in health, he travelled 

 hither to study the scenery of his last romance, Castle 

 Dangerous. It is said that as he gazed in silence on 

 the landscape, his aged eyes filled with tears, till he 

 turned away, repeating the words of the dying Douglas 

 to his nephew at Otterburn : 



