Page:A Companion and Useful Guide to the Beauties of Scotland.djvu/248

230 time; and M'Donald promised to take the utmost care of the beasts, if Culloden would have them driven up to his lands; which was accordingly done. In about two months a man from M'Donald came down with a long face, saying, "his chief was in great trouble and dismay, at Culloden's cattle having been all stolen, and driven away." Culloden, who perfectly well understood the meaning of all this, without expressing either anger or concern, ordered his chief man to take great care of this messenger, and ply him well with meat and drink. After a day or two, the man signified he must return. Culloden, before he departed, called him before him, and without saying a syllable of the cattle, asked him if he had been treated to his heart's content; gave him money, and dismissed him. Them an went up to M'Donald, and said to him dryly, "the man must have his cattle back again." This peremptory speech astonished the Highland thief, who remonstrated; but the man insisted, and swore if he did not comply, he would blaze abroad his roguery, and oblige him to it by force. M'Donald knew his man, and the consequences if he continued obstinate. He therefore quietly submitted; and in a short time sent the same