Page:Life and exploits of Rob Roy MacGregor.pdf/11

 this name in compliment to his mother, and in compliance with the law, he was acknowledged in the country, and by his clan, under no other name than that of M'Gregor. He therefore spurned the overtures of Argyle with indignation.

Rob Roy, in carrying on business with the Marquis of Montrose, was the active manager. But a M'Donald, an inferior partner, on one occasion was intrusted with a large sum of money, with which he made off. This greatly deranged Rob's affairs, and he was unable either to pay Montrose his money, or to support his own credit. Montrose acted with uncommon severity and harshness: he dissolved the copartnery, and I insisted that Rob should transfer his property in security of the claims he preferred. This proposition was firmly rejected, nor could the threats of Montrose's factor alter his purpose. A law-suit was entered against Rob, and he was ultimately compelled to give up his lands in mortgage to Montrose, under condition that they should again revert to himself when he could pay the debt.

Rob Roy was extremely indignant at the ungererous conduct of Montrose. However, his mind was too strong to be weakened by misfortune; he redoubled