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The Seaforth News, 1939-07-06, Page 6PAGE SIX CHAPTER XVI, Such mountains steep, such craggy' abise. His army on one side ertclose: The other side. great 'griesly gills, Did fence with fenny mire and moss 'Which when the Earl understood, I -le routed craved of captains all, Who 'bade set forth with mournful mood, And take such fortune as would fall, Flndden Field Montrose had now -a splendid •career in his view, provided he could obtain the consent of his gallant, but desul- tory troops, and their independent chieftains. The Lowlands lay open 'before him without an army adequate to 'check his career; 'for Argyle's fol - dowers had left the Covenanters' host when their master threw up his com- :missibn, and many other troops, tired of the war, had taken the same oppor- tunity to disband themselves. By descending Strath Tay, therefore, one of the most convenient passes from the Highlands, Montrose had only to present himself in the Lowlands, in order to rouse the slumbering spirit of chivalry and of loyalty which animat- ed the gentlemen to the north of the Forth. The possession of these dis- tricts, with or without a victory, would give him 'the command of a wealthy and fertile part of the king- dom, and would enable him, by reg- ular pay to place his army on a more permanent footing, to penetrate as far as the capital, perhaps from thence to the Border, where he deemed it pos- sible to communicate with the yet un - subdued forces of King Charles. Such was the plan of operations .by which the truest glory was to he acquired, and the most important success insured for the royal cause, Accordingly it did nor escape the ambitious and daring spirit of )him whose services had already acquired him the title of rhe 'Great Marquis. But other motives actuated many of this followers, and perhaps were not 'without their secret and unacknow- ledged influence upon his own feel- ings.. The Western Chiefs in Montrose's army, almost to a man, regarded the Marquis of Argyle as the most direct and proper object of hostilities. Al - mese all of them had felt his power; almost all, in withdrawing their fencsble men from their own 'glens, left their families and property ex- posed to his vengeance; all, without 'exception, were desirous of diminish- ing his own sovereignty: and most of them lay so near his territories, that they might reasonably hope to be gratified by a share of his 'spoil, To these Chieefs the possession of Inver- ary and its castle was an event infin- itely more important and desirable than the capture of Edinburgh. The 'latter event could only afford their clansmen a little transitory pay or plunder; the former insured to the Chiefs themselves indemnity for the past, and security for the future. Besides these personal reasons, the leaders, who favored this opinion, plausibly urged, that though, at his first .descent into the Lowlands, Mon- trose might he superior to the enemy, net every :d'ay's march he made from the hills must diminish las own forces, and expose him to the ac- cumulated superiority of any army which the Covenanters could collect from the Lowland levies and garri- sons. :On the other hand, by crushing Argyle effectually, he would not only permit his present western friends to .bring out that proportion 'of their forces which they must otherwise leave at home for protection of their families; but further, he would draw to 'his standard several tribes already friendly to his 'cause, but who were ,,,prevented .from joining him 'hy :fear of M'Callum More. This argument., as we have already hinted, found something responsive in Montrosae own bosom, not quite •oonsonant with the general heroism of his •oharacter. The 'houses of Argyle and Montrose had been, In former • -times; repeatedly opposed to each other in war and in politics, and the superior advantages acquired by .the former had made them the subject of envy and dislike to the neighboring family, who, concious of equal desert, had not 'been so richly rewarded, This was not all. The existing 'treads of these rival families had stood in the most marked opposition to .each other since the .commencement of the pres- ent troubles. Montrose, coneious of the superior- ity of 'his talents, and of 'having ren- dered great •service -te' the Convenan- ters, at the 'beginning of the war, had expected from that party the superenh- inence of council and .command, which they judged it safer to intrust to the more limited faculties, and ;more ex- tensive power, of his rival Argyle. The having awarded this •preference was an injury which Montrose never forgave the Covenanters; and he was still less likely to extend his pardon to Argyle, to whom he had' been ,post- poned. He was therefore stimulated by every feeling of hatred which could animate a fiery temper in a fierce age, to see for revenge upon' the enemy of his house and person; and it is probable that these ,pnivate mot- ives operated not a • little upon his mind), when he found the principal part of his followers determined rather to undertake an expedition against the territories of Argyle, than to take the far more decisive step of descend- ing at once into the Lowlands, Yet whatever temptation Montrose found to carry 'into effect his attack upon Argyleshire, 'he could .not easily bring himself to renounce 'the splend- id achievement of a .descent upon the Lowlands. He held more than one council with the principal Chiefs, .combating, perhaps, his own secret inclination as well as theirs. He laid before them the extreme difficulty of marching even a Highland army from the eastward into Angyleshire, by passes scarcely practicable for s'hep- ards and deer stalkers, and over mountains with which even the clans lying nearest to .them did not pretend to be thoroughly acquainted. These difficulties were greatly enhanced by the season of the year, which was now advancing toward December, ,when the mountain -passes, in themselves so difficult, might be expected to be rendered utterely impassable 'hy snow -storms. These •oobjeotions nei- ther satisfied nor silenced the 'Chiefs who insisted upon their ancient mode of making war, driving the cattle which, according to the 'Gaelic phrase. "fed upon the ,grass of their enemy." The council was dismissed late at night, and without Doming to any decision, excepting that 'the Chiefs, who supported the opinion that Argyle should he invaded, promised to seek out among their followers those who might be most capable of undertaking the office of guides upon the expedition. Montrose had retired .to the cabin which served him for .a tent, and stre- ched himself upon a 'bed of dry fern the only place of 'respose which it aff- ordere.d But he courted sleep in vain, for the 'visions of anabition excluded those of Morpheus. In one :moment he imagined 'himself displaying the royal banner from the reconquered 'Castle of Edinburgh, detaching assist- ance to a monarch whose crown dep- ended upon his success, .and receiving in requital all the advantages and pre- ferments which .could Ibe heaped upon bin, whom a king d'eiighteth to hon- or. At another time this dream, splen- did as it was, 'faded 'before the 'vision of 'gratified vengeance, and personal triumph over a personal enemy. To surprise Argyle in his •stronghold of Inverary—tocrush in him at once the rival of his own house and the chief :support of the Presbyterians— to ,show the Covenanters the differ- ence between the preferred Argyle and the postponed Montrose, •was a 'picture eon flattering ,to feudal veng- eance to he easily relinquished, While he lay thus busied with con tradic't•ory tthoughts and .feelings, the soldier who, stood sentinel, upon his THE SEAFORTH NEWS quarters announced to theMarquis that two persons desired to speak with his Excellency. 'Their names?" ,answered ',Montrose "and the cause of their urgency at such a ]ate hour?" '00 these points, the sentinel, who was one of-Colkitto's Iris'hinen, could afford his General 'little information; so that Montrose, who at such. "a per- iod durst refuse .access to no one lent he aright !have been neglecting some important .intelligence, agave .direc- tions, as a necessary' precaution, to put the ,guard under arms, and .then prepared to receive his untimely 'vis- itors, 1-I'is 'groom .of •the .chambers had scarce lighted, a pair of :torches, and Montrose himself liad scarce risen from his couch, :when two men enter- ed, one wearing a Lowland 'dress, of chamois leather worn 'almost eo tat- ters; the other a tall Tpniglt told Highlander, of a comlilexion which aright be termed ` iron -grey, 'wasted and worn by ,frost and' iterepast, 'What may be your command 'with me, my friend?" 'said •the Marquis, his handl almost unconsciously seeking ,the 'butt of •ane 'of this pistols; for .the .period, es well es the time of night, warranted suspicions which the good niers :of his 'visitors was not.lby any means calculated to remove.• "1 pray leave to con'gratula:te you," said the Lowlander, "my most noble General,. and right honourable lord, upon. the great btt1es 'which you have aohieved since I bad the (fortune' to Ibe detached from you. It was a pretty affair that tuilzie at Tippermuir; nevertheless, if ''I 'night 'be permitted to counse:l'Ide "Before 'd•oingso," said t'he Marquis, "will you be pleased to let ane know who is so' kind as to favor me ;with his opinion?" "Truly, my lord," replies) the man, "I •shout) have hoped 'that was 'unnec- essary, seeing it is not so long since I took' on in your service, under promise of a commission es Major, with half a dollar of elaily pay and half a dollar of arrears; and 'I am to trust your lordship has not torgot:ten any py ,ss well as nay person?" "My good friend, .Mayor Dalgetty," said Montrose, who by this time perfectly recollected his man, "you must consider what important 'things have happened to 'put my friends' faces out of my memory, 'besides this imperfect light; but all :conditions shall be kept. And what news from Argyleshire , 'We 'have long given you up for lost, I was now .preparing to 'ta'ke 'the most signal •vengeance upon the old fox infringed the law of arms in your person," "Truly, my nothle lord," said Dal- getty, "I have no desire ,that my re- turn should put any stop to so proper and becoming an intention; verily it is in .no shape in the Earl of Argyle's favor or mercy that I now stand (be- fore you, and I shall he no intercessor for hint. But my •escape is, .under Heaven, and the excellent elexerity which, as an old and accomplished. cavalier, I displayed in effecting the same,—I say, under these, it is owing to the assistance of this old High- lander, whom I venture to recommend to your lordship's special 'favor, as the instrument of saving your :lord- ship's to command, ID'ttgald •Dalgetty of Drumthwacket." thankworthy service," said the Marquis, gravely, "which 'shall cent- ainly 'be requited in the manner it deserves," "Kneel down, Ranald," said Major Dalgetty (as we must now .call him), "kneel •down, and kiss his Excellency's hand." 'The prescribed form of acknowledg- ment not being according ea the .cus- tom of Ranald's country, he contented himself with folding his arms on his 'bosom, and making a low inclination of 'his head. "This poor swan, my lord," said Major Dalgetty, •continuing his speech with a dignified air of protection toward Ranald MacEagh, "has strain- ed all his slender means to defend my .person 'from mine enemies, although having no 'better weapons of a missile sort than 'bows and arrows, whilk your lordship will hardly 'believe." "You will see a great many such weapon:; in my .camp," 'said Montrose, "anal we find them serviceable." "Serviceable, my dordl" saki Dalg- etty; 1 trust your lordship 'will permit me to he surprised—+bows and arrows! —I ,trust you will .forgive my recom- mending the :so'bstitution of ,muskets, the first convenient opportunity. But besides ,defending me, this hones) Highlander also was at the pains of curing me, in 'merits my !best requital in :this special introduction of him to your lordship's notice .and 'protection." "What is your name, ,my "friend?" said :Montrose, turning to the High- lander. "it may not be spoken," answered the mountaineer. "That is ho say," interpreter) Major Dalgetty, "he desires to have' his mane concealed, in respect he hath in for- mer days .token a castle, slain certain children, 'elect done 'other things whillt, as your good lordship knows, are often practised in -war time, but excite no benevolence toward the perpetrator the friends 'of those who sustain injury, 1 have known, in my Military experience, many brave cavaliers 'put to death by the 'boors simply. for having used military license ,upon the country,' "'f• understand," said Montrose: "This person is at feud with some of our followers. Let thins retire to the court of .guard, and we will think of the (best node of .p'rotectin'g '"You hear,, .Ranald," said Major Dalgetty with an air of ,superiority, THURSDAY , JULY 6, 1939 soldado .could say no more for this own farther." "True," skid Montrose; ''bit as this is a chatter of particular hnoment, I would willingly know the 'grounds of so positive assurance:"' "Concisely then, my ,lord," said the Major, "not only did they disdain to profit Iby a handsome reward which Argyle 'did rhe the honor 'to'place up- on 'this poor 'head of mine, and not only 'slid they .abstain from pillaging my personal property, •whil'k was to "his 'Excellency wishes to hold ,privy an anvoudab that would have tempted council with ane, you must go to 'the court 'of 'guard.—H'e does not know where that is, poor. ;fellnwb-he is a young •soldier ;for so old a moan; 1 'will put him under the charge of a sentinel, and return ,to your lordship instantly," Ile did so, and returned ac000rdingly. Montrose's first healthy respected the embassy to Inverary; and he., listened with attention to Dlalgetty's reply notwithstanding the prolixity of the .Major's narrative. It required an ,effort 'from the marquis to maintain his attention: lint noone''better knew that where information tis to Ibe der- nived from 't'he report of 'such agents as Dalgetty, it can 'only be obtained by suffering thean vto tell their 'story in .their own sway, Accordjngl'y the lvfarquis' 'patience was at length re- warded. ,Among other spoils w'hiob the captain thought himself 'at liberty to take, was a (packet of Argyle's pri- vate ' papers. These the consigned 'to the hands of 'his 'General;, a humor .of accounting, however, which went ;o further, .for 1 ,do not 'understand that he made any mention of the purse of gold.which he had appropriated .at the sante 'tim•e'that he made seizure of the 'papers aforesaid. Snatching a torch from the wall, Montrose was in an instant 'deeply engaged in the per- usal of these documents, in which it is probable that 'he found 'something to animate his personal resentment against his rival Argyle. "Does he not fear rhe?" 'said he; "then the shall feel me. Will 'he fire my castle of Mngdock?—Inverary shall raise the first smoke—O for .a 'guide through the skirts of Strath Milani" Whatever might 'be Dalgetty's per- sonal conceit, he understood his 'busi- ness sufficiently to guess at Moot - rose's ;meaning. He instantly inter- rupted his own prolix narration 'of the skirmish which had taken place and 'the wound he had received in his retreat, and 'began' to speak to the point which 'he saw interested his General. "Id" said', he, "your Excellency wishes to make an infill into 'Argyle - shire, this poor man, Ranald, of whom I 'told you, together with his children and 'companions, know every pass in- to that land, both leading from the east and from the north." "Indeed 1" said Montrose; "'what reason have you to 'believe their knowledge so extensive?" "So please yoour 'Excellency, ",ans- wered .ars-wer ism Dalgetty, ""during 'the weeks 'that '1 remained with them for cure of my wound, 'they were repeatedly ob- ligated to shift their quarters, in res- pect of Argyle's repeated attempts to repossess himself of the person of an. officer who'was 'honored with your Excellency's confidence; 'so 'that 1 had occasion to admire the singular dex- terity and knowledge of the face of the country with which they alter- nately achieved their 'retreat and their advance; and when, at length, I was able 'to repair to your Excellency's standard, this 'hones'' simple •creature, Ranald MacEagh, guided me by paths which my steed Gustavus (which your lordship may remember) trod with 'perfect 'safety, so that I 'said to myself, that where guides, spies, or intelligencers were required in a "Highland campaign in that western country, more expert persons than he and his attendants could .not poss=. i•bly be desired. "And can yon answer for this man'e fidelity?" said Montrose; "'what is his name and condition?" "Ile is an .outlaw and robber by profession, :something also of a homi- cide or murderer,' answered 'Dalgetty; "and by 'name called Ranald Mac- Eagh; whilk signifies, Ranald, the Son of the Mist." "I tebould remember 'something of that name," said Montrose,. pausing, "Did not these •Children of the Mist perpetrate some act of cruelty -upon the •M'Aulays?" (Major Dalgetty mentioned the cir- cumstance of the ,murder of the For- ester, and Montrose's active memory at once recalled all the •circumstances of the feud. "Tt is 'most unlucky," said Mont- rose, 'this inexpiable quarrel between these men ,and the M'Aui.ays. Allan. ,has dxorrie himself bravely in .these wars, an•d possesses, by the wild mys- tery of his behavior and l.anguavege, so much influence over the 'minds of ,his countrymen. that the 'consequences of disobliging, him might 'be ;serious. At the 'sane time, these men being so capable of rendering -useful service, and hhein,g, as yoe say, Major Daiget- ty, perfectly trustworthy"— "T will ,pledge my pay and arrears, my horse and aims, my 'head and neck tmpnn their fidelity," said the. ielajor;' "and yO r Excellency knows - that a regular soldiers in .any'service of Eu-' rope; .and not 'only did they restore me my horse, whilk your Excellency 'knows to Ibe. of 'value, but I .could not prevail` on 'them to acc'ep't one .stiver, dears, or maravedi for ..the, trouble and expenses -of my sickbed, They .actual- ly refused my coined money when freely offered,—a tale seldom to Ibe told in a Christian ,land." .admit," .said Montrose, after a moment's reflection, "that their con- duct toward you is good evidence of their 'fideli'ty; • bit how to secure against the iirealcing out of this loud?" He 'paused .and then suddenly added, 'had forgot .I 'have stepped, 'while you, Major, have been traveling 'by moonlight." He ,called to. his attendants to fetch a stoup of wine and some refresh- ments. 'Major Dalgetty, who had the appetite of a convalescent returned from Highland quarters, needed not any pressing to partake of what was set 'before him, but proceeded to des +patc'h his food with such alacrity, that the Marquis, filling ,a cup of wine and 'drinking to his 'health, 'could not help remarking that coarse as the provisions of his camp were, he 'was afraidMajor Dalgetty had fared much worse delving his excursion into Ang- yleshire. "''Your Excellency may take . your corporal oath upon. that," said the 'worthy Major, •spea'king with his. mouth full; "for 'Argyle's (bread and water are yet stale and mouldy in may recollection, and :though they did their 'best, yet the viands . that the, Children of the Mist procured for me, poor helpless creatures as they were, were so nmrefresbfu:l to my )body, that when enclosed in my armor, whilk I was fain to leave 'behind me for ex- pedition's sake, I rattled :therein like the 'shriveled kernel in . a, . out .That hath been kept on to a 'second Hal- loween,' ... , "You ;mat take the due means to repair these losses, Major Dalgetty." "In troth," answered the 'soldier, shall hardly be able to compass that, unless My arrears are to 'be exchanged dor present pay; for 1 'protest to your Excellency, that •the three stone weight which I 'have lost were simply raised upon the regular accountings of the States of Holland," "In that .case," said. the 'Marquis, "'you are only reduced to good march- ing order, As for the pay 'let as once have victory—victory, Major, and your wishes, and all our wishes, shall Ibe amply fulfilled. Mean'tinme, help yourself to another eulp of wine," "To your Excellency's health," said 'the Major, filling a cup to the 'brim, to show 'the zeal with which he drank the toast, '"and victory over all our enemies, and particularly over Angylel I hope to 'twitc'h another handful from his 'beard .myself,—I have had one 'pluck at it already." "Very true," answered Montrose; '"But to return to these men of the Mist, 'You 'understand, Dalgetty, that their presence here, and the purpose for which we employ them, is a secret between you and me?" Delighted, as Montrose had anticip- ated, with this mark of his General's 'confidence; the Major laid his nose, and nodded intelligence. "H'ow many may •there be of Ran- ald's followers?" •continued the Mar- quis. "They are reduced, so 'far as 1 know to some eight or ten men," answered Major Dalgetty, "and a few women and 'c'hildren." "Where are they now? " demaneled Montros e. "In a valley, at three niter' dist- ance," answered the soldier,"await- ing your 'Excellency's •command; 1 jatdged it not fit to .bring them to your leaguer without your Excell- ency's orders," "You judged very well," said Montrose; "i't would 'be proper that they remain where they are, or seek some dlistant ;place .of refuge. I will send them money, 'though it is a scarce article •with me at present." "It is quite unnecessary," said Ma- jor 13algetty; "your Excellency 'has only to hint that the M'Aulays are going in that direction, and my friends ,of 'the Mist will instantly ma'ke volte-face, ,and go •to the right about." "That were 'scarce courteous," said the Marquis, 'Better ,send then , a few .dollars to purchase them some cattle 'for the support of'the women and ohiklren." • t"they know 'how to come ,by their cattle at a lar cheaper rate," said the Major; "but let it he as your Excel- lency will," (Continued) PROFESSIOrNAL CARDS Medical SEAFORTH CLINIC' Dr: E', A. McMaster, MB., ;Grada- te of University of Toronto, J. D. Colquhoun, M,D„ C.M., !Grad- uate of 'Dalhousie. University, Halifax. The Clinic is fully equipped with complete and modern xray and other• up-to-date diagnostic and thereuptic equipment. Dr, Margaret K. •Carpbell, M.D., L.A,B.P„ Specialist in Diseases in Infants and Children, will he at the Clinic 'last Thursday in every month from 3 to 6 p.m. Dr. F. 3, R. Forster, Specialist in Diseases of the Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat, will be at the Clinic the first Tuesday in every month from 4 to 6 p.m. Free well -baby clinic will be held on the second and last Thursday in every morltlh from 1 to 2 pan. JOHN A. GORWILL, B.A.,M:D. Physician and Surgeon ' In Dr. H. 11. Ross' office. Phone 5j W. C. SPROAT, M.D., F.A.0 S. Surgery Phone 90-W. Office 'John St., Seaforth DR. H. HUGH ROSS, Physician and Surgeon Late of London Hos- pital, London, England, Special at. tention to diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. Office and residence behind Dominion Bank, Office. Phone No. 5; Residence Phone 1014., DR. F. J. BIURROWS, Office Main St, Seaforth, over Dominion Bank. Hours 2 -IS and 7 to 8 pm. and by ap- pointment. Residence, 'Goderich St., two doors west of United Church. Phone 416. DR, F. J. R. FOIRS'TER — Eye Bar, 'Nose and Throat. 'Graduate in Medicine, University of Toronto 11997. Late Assistant New York Ophthal• .04 sic and Aural Institute, Moorefield's Eye, and 'Golden Square throat 'hospi- tals, London. At Commercial ,Hotel, Seaforth; third Wednesday in each month from L30 p.m. to 5 p.m. MARGARET IC. CAMPBELL, M.D. London, Ontario Graduate Toronto University Licentiate of American Board of •Pedi- atrics, Diseases of Children At Seaforth Clinic, last Thursday af- ternoon, each month Auctioneer. GEORGE ELLIOTT, Licensed Auctioneer for the County of Huron. Arrangements clan be made for Sale Date at The Seaforth News. Charges moderate and satisfaction guaranteed F. W. AH?REINS, Licensed Auctiot. eer for Perth and Huron Slounties. Sales Solicited. Terms on Application. Farm Stook, chattels and raj estate property. R. R. No. 4, Mitchel. Phone 634 r 6. Apply at this office. WATSON & REID REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE AGENCY (Successors to James Watson) MAIN ST., SEAFORTH, ONT. All kinds of Insurance risks effect- ed at lowest rates in •First -Class Companies. THE McKILLOP Mutual Fire Insurance Co HEAD OFFICE—SEAFORTH, Ont. OFFICERS President, Thomas Moylan, Sea - forth; Vice President, William Knox„ Londeeboro; Secretary Treasurer, M A. Reid, Seaforth. AGENTS F. MaKeraher, R.R.11, Dublin; John' E. Pepper, R.R,1, Brucefield; E, R. G. Yarmouth, Brodhagen; James Watt, Blyth; C. F. Hewitt, Kincardine,. Wm. Yeo, Holmes'ville, DIRECTORS Alex. Broadfoot, Seaforth No. 3;: Jaynes Sholdice, Walton; Wm. Knox„ Londes!boro; George Leonhardt, Bornholm No. 1; Frank McGregor„ Clinton No. '5; James Connolly, God erich; Alex iMdEwing, Blyth No. 1;. Thomas Moylan, Seaforth No. 51 Wm. R. ,Archi'balld, .Sealfortlh No. 4. Parties desirous to effect insurance• or transact other 'b'usiness, will he promptly attended to by applications. to any of the above named officers. addressed to their respective post-- o'SCuces"