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140 THE CELTIC MAGAZINE.well knew the impossibility of holding out against the combined influenceand power of the Western Chiefs. His whole affections were concentratedon his only surviving son, and, on realizing the common danger,he bedewed him Avith tears, and strongly urged upon him the dire necessityof fleeing from the land of his fathers to some foreign land until thedanger had passed a-way. He, at the same time, called his clan together,absolved them from their allegiance, and implored them also to savethemselves by flight ; and to their honour be it said, one and all spurnedthe idea of leaving tlieir chief, in his old age, alone to his fate, exclaiming—'that death itself Avas i^referable to shame and dishonour.' To the surpriseof all, however, the son, dressed in his best garb, and armed to theteeth, after taking a formal and affectionate farewell of his father, took tothe hills amidst the contemptuous sneers of his brave retainers. But hewas no sooner out of sight than he directed his course to Lochduich, determinedto attend the great council at Eilean-donnan Castle, at Avhich hisfather's fate Avas to be sealed. He arrived in the district on the appointedday and carefully haljilitating huuself in a fine INIackenzie tartan plaidwith Avhich he had provided himself, he made for the stronghold andpassed the outer gate Avith tlie usual salutation—' Who is Avelcome here ?and passed by unheeded, the guard replying in tlie most unsuspiciousmanner—' Any, any but a MacdonnelL' On being admitted to the greathall he carefully scanned the brilliant assembly. The Mackenzie plaid putthe company completely off' their guard ; for in tliose days no one Avouldever dream of Avearing the tartan of any but that of his OAvn leader. Thechiefs had already, as tliey entered the great hall, draAvn their dirks andstuck tliem in the tables before them as an earnest of their unsAvervingresolution to rid the Avorld of their hated enemy. The brave andintrepid stranger coolly Avalked up to tlie head of the table Avhere theChief of Kintail presided over tlie great coitncil, thrcAV off his disguise,seized INIackenzie by the throat, drew out his glittering dagger, held itagainst his enemy's heart, and exclaimed Avith a voice and a determinationAvirich struck terror into every breast—' Mackenzie, if you or any of yourassembled guests make the slighest movement, as I live, by the greatCreator of the universe I Avill instantly pierce you to tlie heart.'Mackenzie Avell kncAV by the appearance of the youth, and the commandingtone of his voice, that the threat Avould be instantly executed if any movementAvas made, and tremulously exclaimed''J\fy friends, for the love of Godstir not lest I perish at the hands of my inveterate foe at my OAvn table.'The appeal Avas hardly necessary, fur all Avere terror-stricken and confused,'sitting Avith open mouths, gazing vacantly, at each other. Noav,' saidthe yoimg hero, ' lift up your hands to heaven and swear by the Longam Bradan, agtis an Lamh JJhearf/ (the ship, the salmon, and thebloody hand) that you Avill never again molest my father or any of hisclan.' 'I do now sAvear as you reixuest' ansAvercd the confused chief.'SAvear noAV,' continued tlie dauntless youth, 'you, and all ye round thistable, that I Avill depart from here and be permitted to go home unmolestedby you or any of your retainers.' All Avitli uplifted hands repeated theoath. Young Glengarry released his hold on ISIackenzie's throat, sheathed hisdirk and prepared to take his departure, but Avas, extraordinary to relate,prevailed upoii to remain at the feast and s^jend the night Avitli the sworn