But the brave child's constancy found admirers, and her respite was procured; it was drawn up in a somewhat loose form, and sent off to Wigtown. Either it did not arrive in time, or (more likely) those in authority determined to ignore it; at any rate, the sentence was carried out. The chief actors were Grierson of Lag, the central figure of "Wandering Willie's Tale" in "Redgauntlet"; and David Graham, brother to Dundee. On the fated eleventh of May the two women, being brought from prison, were tied to stakes on the Solway shore. A horror-struck multitude lined the banks, but a force of soldiery rendered any chance of rescue impossible. The women sang psalms; then the fierce tide rushed in, and Margaret McLachlin's sufferings were over. Margaret Wilson had been placed close to the bank of set purpose, and before the Solway had done its fell work there ensued the most moving incident in the martyrology of the Covenant. "While at prayer the water covered her; but before she was quite dead, they pulled her up, and held her out of the water till she was recovered and able to speak; and then, by Major Windram's orders, she was asked if she would pray for the king. She answered that she wished the salvation of all men and the damnation of none. One deeply affected with the death of the other and her case, said, 'Dear Margaret, say "God save the king!" say "God save the king!"' She answered with the greatest steadiness and composure, 'God save him if He will, for it is his salvation I desire.' Whereupon some of her relations near by, desirous to have her life spared if possible, called out to Major Windram, 'Sir, she hath said it; she hath said it.' Whereupon the Major came near and offered her the abjuration, charging her instantly to swear it or else return to the water. Most deliberately she refused, and said, 'I will not; I am one of Christ's children; let me go!' Upon which she was thrust down again into the water, where she finished her course with joy." And so we bid the Solway farewell! /FRANCIS WATT./ [Illustration: _Photo: Poulton & Son, London._ THE CREE AT NEWTON STEWART (_p. 323_).] [Illustration: THE AYR ABOVE MUIRKIRK.] RIVERS OF AYRSHIRE. Poetic Association--Headstreams of the Ayrshire Rivers--"The Land of Barns"--The Ayr and the Doon--Sorn--Catrine--Ballochmyle-- Mossgiel--Manchline--Barskimming--Coilsfield House and the Fail Water--The Coyl--Auchencruive--Craigie--Ayr--The Doon.