Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1840-10-06
From the London Journal.
Il II Il FATAL REV EN- GE.
A HIGHLAND STORY.

/ ii Il i A L A IL X + V Il n G L.
A HIGHLAND STORY.
Norman said one Of the sons of the
laird of Knallan, to his brother, do you
intend going TO Soonart's party to-night?'
Most certainly, Hector. Dom; you?'
replied the other.
Are you aware that Kiimoran is to be
therc?' rojoined Hector, answering his
brothers question by asking another.
Perfectly replied Norman, but what
of that
Why, Of that, MiS,' said Hector fierce
ly: 'that would as soon throw myself
from the top of Dunavarty as to enter the
same housc-much less sit down at the
same table with kilmoran. | have sworn
TO be his death, and therefore will not break
bread at the same board with him. You
have sworn a similar oath, Norman. How
can you reconcile it 10 your conscience to
sit down in pretended peace with the man?
'Fairlyand softly, brother, replied Nor
man, in his usual quiet tone; you are hot
hcadod-you are rash, Hector. 1t is not
the most dangerous dog that barks most.
If keep fair side to ki!moran, it is that
| may make the more sure of my revenge
when the fitting opportunity presnts ITSELF
'And how long do you propose waiting
for that opportunityP said Hector, impa-
ticntly, and with slight expression of con-
tempt, which he could not suppress, for his
more cautious brothers. hardness in cxecu-
ting their common vengeance.
It'll it comes,' replied Norman calmly
but omphatically, You know that we dare
not attack him openly; otherwise we should
give mortal offence TO the duke, and there
by bring down on ruin on ourselves. We
must, therefore, 'bde our timc.''
'Umph!' rcjoned Hector, turning on
his heel, and without further remark quit
ting the apartment in which the conversa-
ton took place.
Awaiting ourselves Of the opportunity
which this incident presents, we will here
Introduce a word or two Of explanation
concerning the parties whom we have, ra-
Their abruptly perhaps, just introduced to
tho rca lCr, and of the circumstances in
which they stood with regard to each other.
The two brothers, Hector and Norman
MDougal, were the sons Of Alexander
M'Dougal, Of kinallan, a gentleman Of
considerable property in the West High
lands; they were neither of them very
young men, both considerably above thir-
~. AS may. in part, be gathered, from
what has already been said, the brothers.,
although agreeing in the attrocious resolve
which forms the subject of our tale, were
ofdiiIorcnt dispositions. Hector was fierce,
iraScible, and outspokcn, and although ca
pablo Of entertaining tho most violent ha-
tired against those who offended him, was
incapable Of concealing it; all the savage
nature Of the man was expressed in his
bold and determined countenancc 1t was
otherwise with Norman: equally vindictive
with his brother, he was more cautious and
guarded; quiet and reserved in his manners
slow and deliberate in his proceedings, ii
was not easy 10 discover whom he liked,
or whom he disliked. Nor, so carefully
did he conceal his rcscutments, were the
objects of his hatred always aware Of the
enmity he bore them: on the contrary, de-
ccivcd by his civil speech, his ready smile,
and apparently placid temperament, they
knew not Of their danger, till circumstan-
ccs having, by some sudden turn, put them
in his power, they felt tho sting which he
had hitherto so carefully concealed. He
never struck until he was sure his blow
would not only find but tell upon his vic
tim.
kimoran, ogoin,--wc adopt the High
land custom Of distinguishing persons by
the name of their property or place of re.
sidence, was n ncighboring laird. wit.
whom the family Of the M'Dougals haC
been long at fedd, and who had recent,
added to his offences, by securing through
his influence with the Duke of Argyle
with whom he was in great favor, n certain
farm which the M'Dougals had made som,
strenuous efforts to obtain.
Soonart, again-or the Laird of Soonarl
rs he was caled-was also a neighbor, oil
though not near one, his residence beln;
about five miles distant from those of tn
M'Dougals and Kilmorans, which wer'
within quarter of a mile of each other
Having mentioned these particulars, VI
Row proceed with our tale