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practices, he would both withdraw the mortgage upon his property, and give him a large sum of money. Rob Roy received this infamous proposal with the lofty contempt and proud scorn of a M'Gregor[1]; and, without deigning to
- ↑ A chieftain of the M'Gregors residing on his freehold in Glenorchy, had a son, who had gone in the shooting season, with a party of young associates, to the moors. They met with a young gentleman of the name of Lamont from Cowel, who, attended by a servant, was going to Fort William. They all went to a public house that was in the place, and took a refreshment together: in the course of which a trifling dispute arose between Lamont and young M'Gregor. Dirks were drawn, and, before friends could interfere, M'Gregor fell mortally wounded. In the confusion Lamont escaped, and got securely to the House of Gregor, which happened to be the first habitation that met his eye at the dawn of morning. The chieftain was up, and standing at the door. 'Save my life,' said the stranger, for men are in pursuit of me, to take it away. 'Whoever you are,' says M'Gregor, here you are safe.
Lamont was but just brought in, and introduced to the family, when a loud demand was made at the door, if a stranger had entered the house. He has,' says M'Gregor; and what is your business with him? 'In a scuffle,' cried the pursuers, he has killed your son ; deliver him up, that we may instantly revenge the deed.' M'Gregor's lady and his two daughters filled the house with their cries and lamentations. Be quiet,' said the chief, with the tears streaming from his eyes, 'and let no man presume to touch the youth—for he has M'Gre-
