The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

368 Ike Highland Monthly.
men, and have little hope of being left longer at Anard to
be a constant source of danger and loss to their neighbours,"
" I would hope, Alister, that your informant may have
exaggerated my danger; but no less am I deeply sensible
of the kind interest you have shown in my welfare. Forewarned
is to be foremared, they say, and I'll not forget
your advice."
" Leave not home alone. Have at least one companion
of stout arm with you as you journey through the wild and
solitary passes that lie between Keilangus and Brig o'
Teith. Above all, see that you carry not the price of your
cattle about your person. And now farewell, and as you
value the life of him who may have saved you from spolia-
tion, and, perhaps, from death, let no one know that Black
Alister Macindrui spoke with you this night by the
Gallows Ford."
Having said this, without listening to any reply which
Mark Teviot might desire to make, the old man turned
awaj/, ascending a rough track which led through the
bottom of the gorge, and would enable him to reach his
house in Balmoses unobserved.
The tacksman of Glenbeltane, although uncertain what
amount of importance should be attached to the wild story
of Macindrui, resolved to take wise precautions against
whatever danger might be impending from his cunning and
malicious enemies. So on reaching home, he arranged that
Gillespie should accompany him to the tryst of Teithmuir,
and occupy the same room with him at every hostelry
where they would have to pass a night.
[to be continued]