The magical names of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace were much invoked during the Scottish referendum and 100 years ago this week readers of the Braidwood Dispatch were reading all about them in the serialised historical fiction potboiler, Sword of Freedom.
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This week 100 years ago it was "CHAPTER XIV. The Days of Bruce and Wallace". The news of Wallace's execution is sweeping England and "Scottish blood is boiling in the veins" of true Scots.
There is a manly knock at the door of the Earl of Gloucester's chambers. It is a Mills&Boon hunk. Yes, it is Bruce.
"A noble-looking man entered ... His broad shoulders and deep chest were suggestive of great strength, and his face, with its low, square brow and massive jaw gave indication of indomitable force of will."
He has "a fearless eye" but there is "an indignant sadness" in his eyes as he speaks.
" 'Tell me my Lord Gloucester was not yon [Wallace's torture and execution] a sight to rouse the ire of any man, be he Scot or Englishman? By Saint Andrew, I was very near offering to die in the martyr's stead. And when I saw his death throes, my heart smote me like a two-edged sword. ' "
Those present look at Bruce "with a mingled expression of awe and admiration" but warn him to "hush", be quiet "lest he be overheard by some treacherous ear". But he is too passionate to remain corked up any longer and swears he will soon hurtle northwards to join a fresh rebellion.
"TO BE CONTINUED" the Dispatch promises.
