Page:Life and exploits of Rob Roy M'Gregor (2).pdf/15

 Graham of Killearn, under circumstances of the utmost indignity and barbarity. When M’Gregor returned, and beheld his destitute family, his soul was filled with rage, and he determined to take revenge on the authors of his mis- fortunes. His first act of hostility against Montrose was at a term when he knew the tenantry of that nobleman were to pay their rents. He and his men called upon them, and obliged them to give him the money, for which, how-# ever he granted them acknowledgements, ‘that it was received on account of Montrose.’

In this compulsitory manner he levied the rents from the tenants for several years; and Montrose,, conscious, perhaps, that he had taken undue advantage of Rob Roy, seemed to overlook the matter till a subsequent occasion, when the factor was collecting his rents at Chapellaroch in Stirlingshire. Rob Roy had given out some days before by proclamation at the church door that he had gone to Ireland; and the factor consequently concluded that he would meet with no interruption in his duty. Towards evening, however, Rob Roy Placed his men in a wood in the neighbourhood, and went himself, with his