The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-04-03
The ILiehland Herdsman,

Trembled but diinpled not for Joy"
LADY OF THE LAKE.
It was midsummer when We reached the
Highlands Three hours riding from
Stirling brought us to the borders of that
sylvan lake Of which the Scottish bard has
given much inintable descriptions. Hay
ing spent IN hour in its calm, sunny WA
ters, our party landed and proceeded to
Loeb Lomond; some in carriages, while
others preferred to walk through the coun-
try which WAS once the abode of those
: proud mountaineers, the Macgrcgors. A
long the pastoral slopes and mountainous
ridges ct Bcvcnue | described the wild
goats cropping the fresh hcrbage, while
here and there, along the base of the raw
inc, half hid by the foliage of the oak and
the birch, stood the hamIcts of the High
land shepherds. From the lips of those
simple hcrdsmen the stranger may gather
if he chooses, many incidents of local and
traditionary interests, and which serve, also.
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 "IIe
is as grave as Spauiard, as sly as fox,
and as slippery rs an eel"
Severalryc"rs ago brave, hardy High
lander, whom we will call Duncan, Lett
his home among the glens aud hills of
Arglycshre with Il large herd of cattle, des-
tined for the summer fields and mofe fer
tile meadows Of Yorkshire.
With his unilorm success lie soon dis
posed of his stock to the English graziers,
and with a well filled purse we started on
his return. lie had nearly reached the
confines ofScotland, when, quietly walking
along the highway, accompanied bv his
faithful dog, lie was overtaken by an
Englishlnan, well dressed and of pleasing
appearance. Lie drew near Duncan, and
familianly accostcd him. "Wcil my good
fellow, whittier are you bound? You're il
herdsmcn, see"
"les, from Argyeshire, sir"
And DO you not fear TO travel alone.
with your wallet well filled, duobt mot,
with English gold 2"
mot quite alone" the brave Highlander
replied, drawing his dirk, for there's a
real Scotch blade that never failed me vet
and here, too, Is as fine dog as every
roamed Highlands or Lowlands."
"a noble fellow, indeed but is that
really Il true Scotch blade 90 inquired the
gentleman as he approached still nearer,
to examine it.
"sure, man, it is !; take it in your hanIt
sad the unsuspecting drover, as he gave i,
to the stranger, who, as he walked along
examined It's curious workmanship with APP
Parently great interest. Watching his op-
portunity, tue gentleuially highwayman
plunged the dagger i'll to the neck OF the
dog beside him, and at the same instant
sprung upon the astohished Duncan, threw
him on the ground, and planting his
knees upon lis breast, held him firmly by
the throat
snow" cried the robbcr, "givc up your
money, 'or, I'll take both your money and
yuur lifci;;" adding g,swilh cruel sarcasm, "you
see heweven a Highlander may be ont wit
ted"
Poor fellow, he was in a fix. His faithful
dog had expired without groan, and his
trusty steel was now in all assassin's hand.
1t was all the work of moment. Seeing no
possible alternative, he very reluctantly gave
up his gold, and was suffered to arise, the
h'ghwayman still holding him fast "Who'll
believe" said the crest fallen Scothman, that
such man as /, with such dog, and with
that good blade, could have been robbed by
an Englishman."
"Don't give yourself any uneasincss on that
score, Old fellow" retortcd the other "for
you are not the first one of your countrymen
that have made my acquaintance. Besides,
l always give them mark to remember inc
ny. AT the same time lie drew his sword.
and leading him to the stump of decayed
old oak near by, babe him lay his hand there
Now the idea Of losing this useful and i'm
portant member, and especially by such an
unnecessary and ,unscientific alnpu.ation.
was peculiarly disagreeable to the worthy
Scotchman. y Upright thought lust then
suggested itself to his mind. Without say
ing q word, he did as he was ordered. and
very meekly placed his'hand on the stump.
calmly awaiting the blow. The. robber
drew himself up to his full length, and ;1ft.
ing h's sword high in the air, brought it
Gown with laundering stroke. But the
cunning Highlander, at that very instant.
mad slipped aside his hand, and Will. the en-.
ragged Engllslman was vainly trying to with
draw the blade from the wood into which it
had deeply penetrated, he rushed upon him,
ana locking his sinewy arms about the rob.
Oers waist, hurled him down. and held him
with as fierce agripe as Rodefick held Fitz
james at Colantog glc Ford.
NOW, gallant Saxon, hold thine own,
NO maidens hand is round thee thrown
nhae desperate grasp thy frame might feel
tnfough bars OF brass and triple steel"
The brave Duncan soon Had his Ef,e com.
Pletely in his power; but he woi1ssI., no,
takeihis lfe lie, however, Securely bound
hm, took his purse again, in spite Of the
smpotent threats and curses Of the robber
andshastened backto the house oftbe near
SSstnsgistrsts, There be Informed ,hc'po-
3!ese%here they might find, "a rogue that
richly deserved the galIows." S
,=s4tas unnecessary ,to.add that the, honest
heEdsn1ah received ample Justice, and. the
hsghwayn,an soon after incurred tie punish.
',,,ent due his Grimes. - !.
cIoGEr RIM. OF HOUSE ANrs.AsThe
pest .ay .toget rid Of ants Is to set Al st,isan..
thy ofscracked wslRnts, or she'll .5aYE. IN.