bond upon the property of his needy neighbour, and this was generally turned into an authority to seize their lands by force. Glengyle was under a bond of this kind, when Rob Roy’s nephew succeeded to it. Rob knowing what advantage would be taken of the contract, gave his nephew the money, for the purpose of retrieving the bond. The period of redemption had only a few months to run; and, under pretence that the bond could not be found, the money was refused.— Rob Roy at this time having been otherwise engaged, the matter lay over, and the bond was allowed to expire; when young M‘Gregor was ordered to remove himself, his dependants, and cattle, in eight days. Rob Roy could not suffer such treatment; and assembling his gillies, took the chieftain prisoner, who, knowing Rob’s disposition, agreed to give up the bond when he got home. Rob, putting no confidence in his promise, compelled him to send for it, and give it up to him presently.
The incursions of our hero induced Montrose to apply to the Privy Council for protection: obtained an act which was expressed in terms—‘to repress scorners, robbers, and broken men, to raise hue and cry after them, to recover the goods stolen, and to seize their persons.’
