Edifices, Either Standing Or Ruined, Are The Chief Records Of An
Illiterate Nation.
In some part of this journey, at no great
distance from our way, stood a shattered fortress, of which the
learned minister, to whose communication we are much indebted, gave
us an account.
Those, said he, are the walls of a place of refuge, built in the
time of James the Sixth, by Hugh Macdonald, who was next heir to
the dignity and fortune of his chief. Hugh, being so near his
wish, was impatient of delay; and had art and influence sufficient
to engage several gentlemen in a plot against the Laird's life.
Something must be stipulated on both sides; for they would not dip
their hands in blood merely for Hugh's advancement. The compact
was formerly written, signed by the conspirators, and placed in the
hands of one Macleod.
It happened that Macleod had sold some cattle to a drover, who, not
having ready money, gave him a bond for payment. The debt was
discharged, and the bond re-demanded; which Macleod, who could not
read, intending to put into his hands, gave him the conspiracy.
The drover, when he had read the paper, delivered it privately to
Macdonald; who, being thus informed of his danger, called his
friends together, and provided for his safety. He made a public
feast, and inviting Hugh Macdonald and his confederates, placed
each of them at the table between two men of known fidelity. The
compact of conspiracy was then shewn, and every man confronted with
his own name.
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