Page:Life and exploits of Rob Roy M'Gregor (3).pdf/19

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
19

taking a proper revenge. While the warlike music of the pipes animated their spirits, and inspired them with a courage almost irresistible.

The government now watched the motions of the Highland chiefs with a jealous eye, and thus they were obliged to communicate their sentiments respecting the exiled house of Stewart in the most secret and clandestine manner. Their opinions were unanimous, and a bond of faith and mutual support was signed. By the negligence of a chieftain to whom the bond was entrusted, it fell into the hands of Captain William Campbell of Glenlyon. When it was known that a man of such inhuman feelings held this bond, those who signed it were seriously alarmed, and various plans were suggested for recovering it. Rob Roy, with the clans, had also affixed his name; but on his own account he regarded neither the king nor his government. He was however, urged by several chiefs to exert himself, and, if possible, to recover the bond. To accomplish this, he went to Fort William in disguise; and getting access to Captain Campbell, who was his near relation, he discovered that he had cut the bond into the possession of the governor, who was determined to forward it to the Privy Council. Rob learned the