22
HELL BRIDGE
There is a narrow pass between the mountains in the neighbourhood of Bendearg, in the Highlands of Scotland, which, at a little distance, has the appearance of an immense artificial bridge thrown over a tremendous chasm; but on nearer approach, is seen to be a wall of nature's own masonry, formed of vast and rugged bodies of solid rook, piled on each other, as if in the giant's sport of architecture. Its sides are in some places covered with trees of a considerable size; and the passenger who has a head steady enough to look down, may see the eyrie of birds of prey beneath his feet. The path across is so narrow, flat it cannot admit of two persons passing; and, indeed, none þut natives would attempt the dangerous route, though it saves a circuit of three miles: yet it sometimes happens that two travellers meet, owing to the curve formed by the pass preventing a view across from other side; and which this is the case, one lies down, while the other crawls over his body. One day, a Highlander, walking along the pass, when he had gained the highest part of the arch, observed another coming leisurely up, and being himself one of the patrician order, called him to lie down; the person, however, disregarded the command, anu the Highlanders met on the summit. They were Cairn and Bendearg, of two families in enmity to each other. “I was first at the top,” said Bendearg, “and called out first, lie down, that I might pass over in peace.” “When the Grant prostrates himself before the M Pherson,” answered the other, “it must be with a sword through his body;” “Turn back, then,” said Bendearg, “and repass as you camo;” “Go back yourself, if you liko it,” replied Grant; “I will not be the first of my name to turn before the M'Pherson.” They then threw
