Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-07-10
THE HIGHLAND HERDsMAN.


To purple changed Lock Kairino blue;
Mildly and soft the western breeze
Just kissed the lake, just stirred the trees, c
And the pleased lake like maiden COY,
Trembled, but dimpled not for Joy" =
LADY OF TnE LAKE.
II was midsummer when wc reached
the Highlands. Three hours riding
from Stirling brought us to the borders
of that sylvan lake of which the Scott
ish bard had given such inimitable de-
scriptions. Having spent an hour or
two on its calm, sunny waters, our party
landed and proceeded to Loch Lohmond;
some in carriages, while others preferred
to walk through the country which once
was the abode of those proud mountain
eers, the Macgregors. Along the pastor
al slopes and mountainous ridges Of Ben
vue | deserted the wild goats cropping
the fresh herbage, while here and there,
along the base of the ravine, half hid by
the foliage of the oak and the birch, stood
the hamlets Of the highland shepherds
From the lips of these simple herdsmeu
the stranger may gather, if he choose,
, many incidents of local and traditionary
. interest, and which serve also to throw
. light on the ethnographical history of the
q people. The following narrative shows
n the truth of the remark applied by
German author to the Scotchman ale
d is as grave as Spaniard, as sly as a fox,
G, and as slippery as an eel"
le Several years ago brave, hardy
as Highlander, whom we will call Duncan,
re left his home among the glens and hills
n of Argyleshire with large herd of cat
er tie, destined for the summer fields and
r more fertile meadows of Yorkshire.
lie With his uniform success he soon dis
ed posed of his stock TO the English graziers
d. and with well filed purse he started on
he his return. He had nearly reached the
confines of Scotland, when quietly walk.
n ing along the highway, accompanied by
ly his faithful dog, he was overtaken by an
Id Englishman, well-dressed and of pleas
. ing appearance. He drew near Dnn
W. can, and Familiarity accosted him. :" Well
he my good fellow, whittier are you bound
5ht You're herdsman, 1 see."
nd Yes, from Argyleshire, sir"
4" And you do not fear to travel alone
'as with your wallet well filed, doubt no
nd with English gold?''
OF Not quite alone" the brave High
we lander replied, drawing his dirk 70
1t, there's real Scotch blade that never fail
re- ed me yet and here, too, is as fine do
ler as ever roamed Highlands or Lowlands.
A noble fellow, indeed but is tha
the really true Scotch blade ?" inquired III
on, gentleman, as he approached still neare
OF to examine it.
lns, Sure man, it is take it in you
the hand" said the uususpecting drover, 4
rds be gave 1t the stranger, who. as he wall
leir ed along, examined its curious worl
IRA manship with apparently great interes
ntit Watching his opportunity, the gentl,
lhis manly highwayman plunged the dagg'
into the neck of the dog beside him, ar
lere at the same time sprang upon the astol
70 ished Duncan, threw him on the groun
and planting his knees upon his brea:
the held him firmly by the throat.
'he Now, cried the robber, give ,
your money, or I'll take both your mons
"oi- and your life" adding with cruel So
7"e' easm, you see how even Highland
CT may be outwitted."
'ie Poor fellow, he was in fix. His fat
huf- full dog had expired without groan, a
u his trusty steel was now in an assassi
e hand. 1t was all the work Of nome
.ul- Seeing no possible alternative be ve
: W reluctantly gave up his gold, and v
''''e suffered to arise, the highwayman 5
holding him fast. " Who'll beliey
ven said the crest-fallen Scolchman, '' 4
,iect such man as ], with such dog, 4
ether with that good blade, could have b.
ed at robbed by an Englishman =
+ the Don't give yourself any uneasin
tunes on that score, old fellow" retorted
flung other, for your are not the first on,
sighs your countrymen that have made my
It she quaintanee. Besides, always {
!. A them my mark to remember by"
nbers the same time he drew his sword,
thou leading him 70 the stump Of a dsea
knife, old oak near BY, bade him lay his b
sr ge- thereon.
n his Now the idea Of losing this useful
n old important member, and especially By 8
sr her an unnecessary and unseienlife amp
" dis ton, was peculiarly disagreeabIe TO
about worthy Seotehman. A bright ihOa
dresa ;ost then suggested itself 10 bis minf