Page:Life and exploits of Rob Roy M'Gregor (3).pdf/23

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This decree, though despised by Rob, made him more watchful of his foes.— But Montrose, under authority of the act of Council, called out a number of his people, headed by a confidential Graham, and accompanied by some military, sent them to lay hold of Rob Roy; he chanced to be absent when the Grahams assailed hismhouse during the night. Having learned that Rob and his men were at a publichouse in Strathfillan. he in the house, and they in an adjoining barn. The Grahams immediately broke open the door. Rob was instantly accoutred to meet them, and revelled them man by man as they approached, until his own lads, roused by the noise, attacked the Grahams in the rear, with such determination, that they retreated, leaving behind them several of their party sorely wounded; but Rob,having refreshed his men with a glass of whisky, ascended the hill towards the head of Loch Lomond.

When nearly exhausted, and worn out by the laborious vicissitudes of a restless life, and confined to bed in a state of approaching dissolution, a person with whom in former times he had a disagreement, called upon him, and wished to see him. “Raise me up,” said he to his attendants, “dress me in my best clothes; tie on my