Page:Rob Roy, the celebrated Highland freebooter, or, Memoirs of the Osbaldistone family (2).pdf/20

 Captain Thornton, the skirmish at the pass, and, lastly, the recovery of his father's property from Rashleigh.

Rob was highly diverted on hearing the Bailie's exploits with the red-hot poker at Aberfoyle, and observed, that his cousin, Nicol Jarvie, had got some good blood in his veins, although bred to a mechanical business. He told Frank, that his enemies were laying snares to catch him (Rob Roy) on his return from Glasgow, of which he had been apprized; therefore he found it impossible to meet the Bailie and him at the clachan of Aberfoyle.

They had nearly reached the village, when three armed Highlanders sprung upon them; but Rob uttering the word Gregarach they recognised him, and burst into joyful acclamations. After an extravagant but kindly embrace, two of them ran off to communicate the pleasing intelligence, and so speedily did the information spread, that, before Frank and he could reach the inn at Aberfoyle, they were surrounded by a multitude. When Rob had satisfied the curiosity of his friends, by relating the story above a dozen times, they were suffered to enter the house, where they found the Bailie seated at the fireside. The welcomes, apologies, and congratulations, being over, the Bailie, after filling up a stoup of brandy, which held above three ordinary glasses, drank it off to the health of Rob and his family, and then began to descant on the impropriety of Rob's bringing up his sons in the same wicked ways with himself; and he proposed to take them, without any apprentice-fee, and to discharge the debt of 1000 pounds Scots which he owed him. Rob, in high indignation, rejected the proposal; and ordering one of his retainers to bring in his sporran, he took out 1000 pounds Scots, which he gave to the Bailie. With great formality the Bailie produced the hondbond [sic] for the debt, regularly discharged, which he wished to get attested by witnesses; but Rob laid hold of the paper, and threw it into the fire, saying, it was the way he settled accounts in the Highlands. Next morning, the Bailie was observing, that they should immediately set out for Glasgow, when Rob entered, and persuaded them to visit his abode. Frank learned from RohRob [sic], that Rashleigh, finding he could not get Diana, and then being obliged to give up Mr Osbaldistone's papers, was so irritated, that he posted to Stirling, and betrayed all the plans of King James' adherents to the commander, who was induced to send the detachment by whom Rob was taken prisoner. Rob concluded his information with most deadly threats of vengeance on Rashleigh, and at the time, frowning darkly, he grasped the handle of his dirk. They had now proceeded along the sides of the Lake about six miles, when they came to a number of Highland huts, and found a numerous party of the Macgregors assembled to receive them, with Rob's wife and two sons at their head. Helen gave them a kindly but dignified welcome, and apologizing for