Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series - 1819.djvu/326

316 bly, "when Scottish men of rank and family cannot meet in the house of a common friend without an inquisitorial visit and demand, on the part of our rulers, to know the subject of our conference. Methinks our ancestors were accustomed to hold Highland huntings, or other purposes of meeting, without asking the leave either of the great M'Callum More himself, or of any of his emissaries or dependants."

"The times have been such in Scotland," answered one of the Western Chiefs "and such they will again be, when the intruders on our ancient possessions are again reduced to be lairds of Lochow, instead of overspreading us like a band of devouring locusts."

"Am I to understand, then," said Sir Duncan, "that it is against my name alone that these preparations are directed? or are we only to be sufferers in common with the peaceful and orderly inhabitants of Scotland?"