Page:Life and transactions of James Sharp.pdf/12

 shrieks that ever were heard. At last, the commander struck him with a shable on the face, and one of his chods fell down. He tried to speak but was not understood. They redoubled their strokes, and killed him outright; but they took nothing with them but arms and papers; his servants, they rode away in a body to a place three or four mills from Magus muir, and continued till night, when they separated, and shifted for themselves the best way they could.

When they reflected on what they had done, they were much surprised at their own preservation, since the whole was transacted between twelve and one at mid-day.

It likewise deserves a remark, that after the most diligent and exact search, none were ever apprehended that were actually concerned. They who were executed on this account, on Magus muir, afterwards, were no-ways accessary. Mr Hackstoun of Rathillet was indeed present, and afterwards taken and put to death: One Andrew Guillan was likewise present, and afterwards executed; but all the hand he had was, that, living near the place, he was taken out of his house, held their horses, and was witness of what was done.