In the reign of Edward the First of England, the gallant Robert Bruce
formed a conspiracy against that monarch, to effect the liberation of
his country: Of this Edward was secretly informed, and planted spies to
watch the motions of Bruce and his coadjutors: But a young nobleman,
a particular friend of the latter, understanding by some means the
situation of affairs respecting both parties, and unwilling to act
disloyally towards his sovereign, yet solicitous for the safety of his
friend, sent him as a present a pair of gilt spurs and a purse of gold.
This Robert Bruce considered as a warning to make his escape, which he
effected by ordering his horses to be shod with their shoes turned
backwards, to prevent his being tracked in the snow which had just
fallen.
* * * * *