Page:Life and exploits of Rob Roy MacGregor.pdf/12

 his exertions, and was soon able to tender the sum for which bis estate was held. But Montrose refused to deliver up his property, pretending the amount bad greatly increased, and that it would take a considerable time to make out the statement. In this equivocal manner the Marquis' factor endeavoured to evade the lawful claims of an injured Just at this time the revolution took place, and many of the chieftains were arraying their followers to be in readiness for acting in favour of the house of Stuart. Argyle attached himself to the Prince of Orange; but not having been restored to his property, since the attainder and judicial murder of his father, he was hesitating in his sentiments; and aware that Rob, in the event of a war would be a valuable auxiliary, he renewed his overtures to him, and warmly solicited his assistance.

The suspicious Montrose soon discovered that a correspondence had commenced between M'Gregor and Argyle; and, eager for the destruction of a family that had rivalled him in greatness, he wrote a letter to Rob Roy, in which he promised, that if he would go to Edinburgh, and give such information as would convict Argyle of treasonable