Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-08-05
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The Highland Herdsman.

The Highland Herdsman.
The summer dawn reflected hue
10 purple changed Lock Katrime blue
Mildly and softly the western breeze
just kissed the lake, just stirred the trees,
And the pleased lake, like maiden coy,
Trembled, but dimpled not for joy.
LADY OF THE LAKE;
1t was In summer when we reached the
Highlands. Three hours riding from Stir
ling brought us to the borders of that syl-
van lake of which the Scottish bard has CIV
given such inimitabls descriptions Hav-
ing spent an hour on its calm, sunny waters,
our party landed and proceeded to Lock
Lomond; some in carringes, while others
preferred to walk through the country which
was once the abode of those proud noun
taineers, the Macgregors. Along the pas
toral slopes and mountainous ridges of Be-
venue I deserted the wild goats cropping
the fresh herbage, while here and there,
along the base of the oak and the birch,
stood the hamlets Of the Highland shep-
herds. From the lips of those simple herds
men the stranger may gather, if he choose,
many incidents of local and traditionary
interest, and which serve to throw light on
the ethnographical history of the people.
The following narrative shows the truth of
the remark applied by German author to
the Scotchman He is as brave as a
Spaniard, as shy as fox, and as slippery
as an eel"
Several years ago brave, hardy High
lander, whom we will call Duncan, left his
home among the glens and hills of Argyle
shire with large herd of cattle destined
for the summer fields and more fertile
meadows of Yorkshire.
With his uniform success, he soon dis
posed Of his stock to the English grazers,
and with we'll settled purse he started on
his return. He had nearly reached the
confines of Scotland, when, quietly walking
along the highway, accompanied by his
faithful dog, he was overtaken by an En-
glishman, well dressed, and of pleasing,
appearance. He drew near Duncan, and
familiarly accosted him, "Well, my good
fellow, whittier are you bound? You are
a herdsman, I see."
eyes, from Argyleshire, SIR
And do you not fear to travel alone
with your wallet we'll filled, I doubt not
with English gold %
"Not quite alone" the brave Highlan
der replied, drawing his dirk, L" for there
a real Scotch blade that never failed me
yet; and here. too, is as fine dog as evel
roamed Highlands or Lewlands.i
A noble fellow indeed, but is that re
ally true Scotch blade ?" inquired tn,
gentleman, as he approached still neare
to examine it.
" Sure, man, it is !; take it in your hand,
and the unsuspecting drover, as he wake
along, examined its curious workmanshi
with apparently great interest. Watchin
his opportunity, the gentlemanly highway
man plunged the dagger into the neck {
the dog beside him and at the same instar
sprung upon the astonished Duncan, thre
him on the ground, and planting his knee
upon his breast, held him firmly By th
throat.
"Now," cried the robber, 'give up yor
money, or I'll take both your money an
your life;' adding with cruel sarcasm, 'yc
see how even Highlander may be outwi
ted
Poor fellow he was in fix. His fait
full dog had expired without groan, ar
his trusty steel was now In an assassin
hand. >fIt was all the work of a momeu
Seeing no possible alternative, he very r
luctantly gave up his gold, and was 81
fered to rise, the highwayman still holdir
fast Who'll believe" said the crestf;
len Scotchman, that such man as [, wi
such dog, could have been robbed by
Englishman p
"Don't give yourself any uneasiness
that score, old fellow" retorted the othe
for you are not the first of your countr
men that made my acquaintance. Beside
| always give them a mark to remember Z
by" At the same time he drew out
sword, and leading him to the stump OF
decayed old oak near by, bade him lay l
hand thereon.
Now the idea of losing this useful al
important member, and especially by su
an unnecessary and unscientifc amputatio
was peculialy disagreeable to the wort
Scotchman. A bright thought just th'
suggested itself to his mind. Witho
saving a word, he did as he was ordere
. and very meekly placed his hand on Il
, stump, calmly awaiting the blow. Il
, robber drew himself up to his full lengt
/ and lifting his sword high in the air, broug
it down with laundering stroke. b
the cunning Highlander, at that very
) slant, had slipped aside his hand, a
? while the enraged Englishman was yair
! trying to withdraw the blade from the wo
f into which, it had deeply penetrated,
rushed upon him, and locking his sine,
arms around him with as fierce grip
e Roderick held Fitz James at Coilanto,
e Ford.
] "Now, gallant Saxon, hold thine own
: No maiden's hand is round thee thrown
That desperate grasp thy frame might
8 Through bars of brass and triple steel.
The brave Duncan soon had his foe co
pletely in his power; but he would not ia
" his life. He, however, securely bound hi
:. took his purse again in spite of the i'm
> tent threats and curses of the robber, a
Il FASTENED back to the house of the near
4 magistrate. There he informed the pol
where they might find {" rogue that ri
ly deserved the gallows."
IS. It is unnecessary to add that the hor
n herdsman received ample justice, and
Is, highwayman soon after incurred the .
lishment due his crime.