Page:Life and exploits of Rob Roy MacGregor.pdf/19

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but he killed two of them, and the rest fled to the town, leaving him master of the field, to the unspeakable joy of the young woman, and the great delight of the peasantry who stood around.

Our hero now devoted himself to military pursuits. He selected a body of men no less resolute than himself. These bold M'Gregors entered into a bond of union which no hardships could tear asunder, nor contention overcome, while the masterly discipline established by Rob rendered them the terror of surrounding counties. They mutually recited the wrongs of their clan, and renewed the determination of taking a proper revenge. While the warlike music of the pipes animated their spirits, 2nd inspired them with a courage almost irresistable.

The government now watched the motions of the Highland chiefs with a jealous' aye, and thus they were obliged to communicate their sentiments respecting the exhiled house of Stuart in the most sacred 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 intrusted, it fell into the hands of Captain William