Page:The Celtic Review volume 3.djvu/200

Rh the island of Tarinsay, situated without the entrance to the harbour of West Loch Tarbet, in Harris, then under cultivation, and well stocked with sheep, black cattle, and horses, as a place where they could, without fear of any great opposition, it being wholly unprotected, reap a good harvest. How many boats and men the expedition consisted of the story does not record, but of the latter there could not have been less than forty or fifty. They met with little or no inconvenience on the voyage, and reached the island whither they were bound somewhat early in the morning. They dropped their anchors near the east end of it, in a small exposed creek or ‘port,’ as it is called, where boats are always hauled up high and dry, even in the most peaceable weather in summer, unless their stay is to be of but a few hours’ duration. This ‘port’ is neither so exposed as Portroy in Heiskeir, alluded to in the story preceding, nor is it so dangerous in its approach. They effected an easy landing, no opposition being offered, and lost no time in setting about the accomplishment of the object of their visit. The pillaging commenced. Sheep, cattle, and whatever they considered it worth their while to lay hands upon, were being gathered into one place at the port for shipment. At first they were somewhat surprised at the passive behaviour of the Tarinsay people, who looked on, ‘silent and sullen,’ while strangers were despoiling them of their little all. But their surprise subsided when they recollected that they themselves, well-armed, and pretty strong in numbers, looked formidable enough to their victims, whom they now set down for a parcel of poor, inoffensive islanders, unaccustomed to the sight of such invaders, as well as to the use of arms. But they calculated entirely without their host, for there was one genius on the island, John Mòr Mac Rory, who was actively engaged in planning a fearful retribution, all unobserved. He was keeping out of sight with the main strength of the island, until the spoiler should be off his guard, and the tide should rise at the port, for it had been low water when the Lewismen came to anchor; the latter circumstance, not less