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frequent journies for carrying on this traffic. When McGregor was fairly settled, and tacitly confirmed, as laird of Craigerostan, his friendship became valuable and was solicited by his wealthy neighbours. At this time the political variance between the families of Montrose and Argyle had grown into personal enmity ; this enduced each of them to court the favour of Rob Roy, whose personal prowess, and daring spirit, rendered him a desirable auxiliary, or a formidable enemy.

Montrose, to gain the confidence, and secure the friendship of M‘Gregor, made a proposal to enter into copartnerv with him in the trade of cattle-dealing, a plan in which he readily acquiesced. Montrose accordingly advanced Rob 1000 merks (about 50l. Sterling) who was also expected to lay out a similar sum, and the profits were to be divided. Argyle also laboured to form an alliance with Rob, hoping that, from his resolute bravery and local situation, he would be a source of constant annoyance to Montrose. Besides, he might suppose that Rob Roy had evinced a friendly disposition by assuming the name of Campbell, that, of M’Gregor being under proscription. But though Rob had chosen