The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

Sce7ies of Long Ago. 417
observed one within a few yards of him, whom, by his gait,
he was certain could be no other than Gillies Macilvaine
but he was too prudent to make any start or other sign of
recognition, far less of suspicion. He turned to close the
gate through which he had just passed, and then looking
round saw the man who had arrested his attention, among
other drivers, and hurrying in the direction of the Inn with
a plaid wrapped round his head. This confirmed Teviot
as to the correctness of the information which Macindriii
by some means procured.
Did any doubts linger in his mind as to personal
danger, they were dissipated by the report of Gillespie.
When his master had left the Inn the young man
proceeded to the stable, and, while attending to the
horses, he saw Gillies and Farquhar Macilvaine approaching
from the direction of the Brig o' Teith. They
had evidently caught sight of Glenbeltane ; for Gillies
gave his brother his dog and set off in a cautious
manner in the same direction. Farquhar then made for the
stable, and Gillespie, anxious to see what would happen,
went into a far-off corner of the stall in which his horse
stood. Farquhar entered, and ascended a ladder which led
to the loft overhead. In a moment he returned with his
plaid, in which all a drover's baggage and provisions used
to be tied up. This was a sign that the brothers thought
good to shift quarters for the night, and so it was. Soon
Farquhar was rejoined by Gillies, and the two set off in
the direction whence they had come.
Teviot had no fear as to the safety of the cattle.
There would be many in the neighbourhood of the
field, walking about all night in charge of their respec-
tive herds. Although known to be desperadoes, he
scarcely could conceive that they meditated violence
against his person. He felt convinced that his danger
would begin after the cattle were sold, and while he
would have a very large sum of money in his possession.
Daring and successful robberies had repeatedly been per-
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