The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-03-18

with the daughter of their lordF"
''Not for while" said Marion sadly. "And
| yet, methinks, my father might even now be
wrought upon 10 bury the remembrance of
our fatal feud in an alliance with Glenstrae,
were It not that at present his thoughts turn
on one who is eager for his connection"
The brow of Allister flushed crimson at
these words, and the fiery spirit Of his race
was in the flash of his deep blue eyes as he
exclaimed, "And who is this dares 10 WOO
thee openly, while MacGregor must Turk
by night like thief around the walls
wherein his hearts treasure is contain
ed? Who is he would rashly make my
plighted bride his OWN"
"No matter who he u.s." replied the maiden,
striving with her gentle tone to appeuse her
lovers Indignation. Enough that in Meth
or power, family, nor name, is he the equal
of Glenstrae: but he has my fathers favor.
Yet, let not that cloud thy brow, son of the
Mac Gregor from me he shall never get
ought but cold looks and chilling words and
when he no longer stands between us, then
will my father listen to his daughters prayers,
and the gates ofKilchurn shall be thrown o.
pen to the sons of Alpine. And however it
he," she added firmly, elf her hand belongs
not to him who holds it now, sooner will Mar
ion Campbell find a grave in the lowest
depths of Loeb Awe, than wed with my,
may urge her. Freely and unasked, have
snid this; will it not content thee, Allister"
All anger and jealousy were for while
forgotten in the happiness which this uneX
pected pledge awoke in the bosom ofthe list
ener, A lew wild expressions of his joy-a
few whispered assurances from the gentle
girl that the period would be short ere his RI
val was dismissed, and their fathers hands
joined in fiiendship-and there was no time
for more; the warning voice of Ian child his
kinsmnn's lingering steps: adieus were hasti-
y spoken; and the parting was over; and the
last of the young Mac Gregor's stolen visits
to Kilchurn Castle at an end.
Swiftly and silently as it came, glided the
boat away over the smooth waters; and after
the brief dialogue by which the knowledge
Of AlIisters hopes passed into Ian's keeping,
the young men rowed on to the shore with
ont another " ord. And then in Il short while
the friends were in the centre ola group of
clansmen, who, with dogs struggling eagerly
in the leashes, and themselves as eager to be
gone, awaiting their young lords presence to
commence the hunt which had been ordered.
Its course led that day among the noun
taius towards the bleak drear moor Of Ran
noch; and wild and dangerous were the I'M
trodden paths, along which the fearless hun
tiers sprang, deep the delIs they penetrated,
and dizzy the cliffs they climbed in the head
long pursuit oftheir exciting sport; and many
a red deer fed in vain, and many as vainIy
stood ut bay, ere the horn of Allstcr echoing
from rock TO rock. recalled his wearicd yet
reluctant clansmen, and brought it to close.
But we have nought to do with its events,
save that for the last hour the young Laird
of Lamont, who was travelling from Cowal
to Fort William, joined the chase, bringing 10
it as eager Il spirit, as quick an eye, and fleet
II foot, as any ofthe Clan Alpine, with whom
he had often hunte before that day.
il was near ridge called the Black Mount
that the sport concluded, and it was in the
lonely inn there that the hunters agreed to
dine, Lnmonfs single attendant having al
ready been sent on thither with his horses.
The large kitchen, whose very rallors shook
with loud laughter and wild Joyous songs of
the Mac Gregors, never held Il merrer party;
and scarce less mirth reigned in the little
parlor where sat the young Mac Oregon, with
his kinsman and Lamont, who was the most
intimate friend he had that did not share his
name and blood. They had known each 9TH
er well for years,nnd there was not thought
except of Marion, that Allister would 10 tllave
confded TO his frequent companion on the
mountain and the lake. Dinner was some
time over, and in the jests and the laughter
which for long while bore witness to the
light hearts and gay spirits ofthe young and
thoughtess lIghlanderS the voice of Ian Dhu
SFuuuaIly tnlugIeu less anu less us WeuT-
led with the chase, perchance overpower-
ed with the mountain dew which tho reckless
habits of the age had caused to circulate pref
ty freely his head sunk on his arm and fell
fast asleep. Still his companions laughed
and tested on, in all the freedom of closest
friendship. Al last, AIlister Mac Gregor raj
lied Lamont on his journey to Fort William,
and on the bright eyes ola certain pretty
maiden further north, which he asserted
drew him thithcr. The raillery at first was
parted gaily, but in the end Lamont drew
himself proudly up and said-"The girl was
no bride for him, for the daughter of Loeb
Awe should be lady of Lamont"
"You jest, man." said Allister,with frown
yet speaking calmly.
81 do not JEST" was the naughty reply.
ssMarion Campbell will be mine before the
SHOWS have fallen OH Rannoch Moor!
'Then the SHOWS will, never fall!' cried
young Mac Gregor fiercely, "What! is it you
would come between a Mac Gregor and his
love?"
"a Mac Gregor!" repeated Lamont, with a
sneer. "rhere is nothing in that often out
lawed name that should fear Think you,
Glenorchy would ever give his daughter TO
one Of you? We are better rievers of cattle
than wooers of noble maidens,I can tell YOU"
The very title he gave tn Campbell stung
his listener as an insult. Words grew fierc-
er aud fercer, both sprung TO their et,dirks
were drawn; and awakened by the scufile, Ian
lust opened his eyes to behold his kinsman
sink beneath the weapon of Lamont, who
fled from the room immediately. The wild
cry of Ian, and his own disordered air, drew
two or three of the MacGregors after the muir
derer, while the others rushed into the inner
IN of