Page:Life and exploits of Rob Roy MacGregor.pdf/23

 that the bond could not be found, the money was refused. Rob Roy at this time having been otherwise engaged, the matter lay over, and the bond was allowed to expire; when young M'Gregor was ordered to remove himself, his dependants and cattle, in eight days. Rob Roy could not suffer such treatment; and, assembling his gillies, took the chieftain prisoner, who, knowing Rob's disposition, agreed to give up the bond when he got home. Rob, putting no confidence in his promise, compelled him to send for it, and give it up to him presently.

The incursions of our hero induced Montrose to apply to the Privy Council for protection; and obtained an act, which was expressed in these terms—'to repress scorners, robbers, and broken men, to raise hue and cry after them, to recover the goods stolen, and to seize their persons.'

This decree, though despised by Rob, made him more watchful of his foes. But Montrose, under authority of the act of council, called out a number of his people, headed by a confidential Graham, and accompanied by some military, sent them to lay hold of Rob Roy; he changed to be absent when the