Page:Life and exploits of Rob Roy MacGregor.pdf/10

 frequent journies for carrying on this traffic. When M'Gregor was fairly settled, and tacitly confirmed, as laird of Craigcrostan, his friendship became valuable, and was solicted by his wealthy neighbours. At this time the political variance between the families of Montrose and Argyle had grown into personal enmity; this induced 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 copartnery with him in the trade of cattle dealing, a plan in which he readily acquiesced. Montrose accordingly advanced Rob 1000 merks (about 501. 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 has evinced a friendly, disposition by assuming the name of Campbell, that, of M'Gregor being under proscription. But though Rob had chosen