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 dreadful catastrophe, though the most strict and extended inquiry was made, neither this stranger, nor his business, could be discovered. The countenance of the Major was so visibly altered on his return, and bore such evident marks of trepidation, that the mirth of the party was marred during the remainder of the excursion, and none of them cared to ask him any questions concerning his visitant, or the errand that he came on.

This was early in the week, and on the Friday immediately following, Macpherson proposed to his companions a second expedition to the mountains. They all objected to it on the account of the weather, which was broken and rough; but he persisted in his resolution, and finally told them, that he must go and would go, and those who did not chuse to accompany him might tarry at home. The consequence was, that the same party, with the exception of one man, went again to hunt in the forest of Glenmore.

Although none of them returned the first night after their departure, that was little regarded; it being customary for the sportsman to lodge occasionally in the bothies of the forest; but when Saturday night arrived, and no word from them, their friends became dreadfully alarmed. On Sunday, servants were despatched to all the inns and gentlemen's houses in the bounds; but no accounts of them could be learned. One solitary dog only returned, and he was wounded and maimed. The alarm spread—a number of people rose, and in the utmost consternation went to search for their friends among the mountains. When they reached the bothy—dreadful to re-