DOUGLAS 191 



frocks over their harness, to stuff some sacks with 

 grass 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 constable, who him- 

 self 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 



