The representative., 1899-11-30

II,
harm never should bafall her while his arm
About half-mile froi9 where the con-
9regation was assembled, there stood few
shepherds cots, and to those the people
hastily retreated, for everyfman had brought
arms with him, but they had left their
weapons in the huts. under care Of trusty
followers. 3sni
AS place of defense, this retreat could
offer but little security, for the ground was
SO level that it presented hn excellent field
for invading horsemeu sRut they had no
devious, every man armed himself to await
events. ,DreG
AS Dougal Mackenzie, entered the hut
where Lindsay and MarEaret had preceded
him he called out: :!
Reach me down my sword, good daugh-
ter. With this weapon" he continued, did
my father slay five men as they sought to
enter his home, and well and brave did he
fight until the long bearded Dalyell cleft
his skull in twain. May my hand prove no
disgrace to the hilt that was once clasped
by one SO hrm.'
Coming out Of the hut he waved his hand
to the people and cried: Let us pray to
the almighty disposer of events, that He
may fgt In our cause"
The people reverently knelt while their
pastor invoked aid from on high.
It was strange sight to see those men
and women gathered there in the cleaning,
the former with stern faces and uncouth
weapons, the latter with pale and anxious
looks. The pastor and elders encouraged
the people to stand firm and trust in the
In the short period allotted them before
the appearance Of the foe, they made such
disposition for defense as they were best
able. Several Of the larger huts were torn
down, and with the debris they formed a
barricade in front of the cot where DouRal
had n1a tho
was almost at hand when the work was
hastily completed and not a moment too
soon were they, for in the distance the
troopers were seen coming. headed by the
wild and goddess Bonshaw.
stand to your arms. brethren" cried the
pastor. who seemed, by common consent,
to take the direction of affairs. ''Stand to
your arms, and fear not what the unright-
eous can do. Yield not one foot Of ground
to the unhallowed invaders. The Lord of
Hosts is with US. He f1ghteth on the side of
His servants. While one warm drop of
blood remains in your hearts resist. Think
of your wives and children, think of your
religion and your fame"
Dougal Mackenzie was standing in the
midst of his people grasping his sword,
while he gazed into the distance with an
eager and defiant look. He appeared posi-
lively heroic as he waited the attack A
deep consciousness that he was doing his
duty in exhorting his flock to resistance
caused everything like trepidation to leave
his heart. He stood as firm as the hills,
and when his people broke out with a psalm
. smile Of Joy illuminated his rugged face.
On came the troopers, and they counted
nearly double the number Of the Cove
nantere, while their discipline gave them
a great advantage over their foes.
Bonshaw rode at the head, waving his
hat in his usual reckless style, while his
voice rang high as he cheered on hts follow
ers.
There is little mercy in such a leader"
exclaimed Elder McLane.
who talks of mercy when mentioning
the name of Bonshaw?" responded Robert
Lindsay. did yonder wretch show mercy
to my gallant father as he lay wounded and
helpless on the earth?" And he ground his
teeth bitterly as he recalled that dreadful
night when his home was laid in ashes and
his father cold and stiff in DEATH
Suddenly the troops dfsmounted and pre-
pared for the ASSAULT
Charge the smooth-faced hypocrites:
down with the villains!" shouted Bonshaw.
"Give the SONS of Belial to the edge of the
sword" cried the Covenanters. 'Kill and
spare not"
The next instant volley from the fire.
arms rang out on the night air, and the
troopers charged the barricade.
Unaccustomed to military drill and dis
cipline, the Covenanters were no match for
to be lightly despised They
were earnest men. sternly intent In doing
that which was to them a righteous and
act.
A terrible volley was poured into the faces
Of the troopers as they dashed on the barri-
cade. For an instant they wavered, and
then with loud cheers they leaped upon the
breastwork and were engaged In hand to-
hand combat. Foremost among those who
fought with desperation was Dougal Mac
kenzie. He appeared as if renewed in
strength, and battled with so much courage
FOR the old cause that few who met him could
resist the nerve and fury of his arm. His |
right hand did not disgrace his fathers |
sword that night. Neither was his young |
Robert Lindsay, behind him in |
valorous exploits. Twice did Lindsay cross !
swords with Bonshaw, and as often were !
they borne away from each other by the
tide Of contention. Both were wounded, |
and conspicuous as they were in their bra
very, they eyed each other with a stern |
hate. But numbers and discipline told on !
the side of the troopers. The Covenanters !
had lost fully half of their number, and |
we're at length compelled to yield.
Among those who gave up their lives was |
Dougal Mackenzie; he had been stabbed to |
he heart, aud fell head foremost to the foe.
Zrasping the sword which had teen his
heirloom. Near by him was Robert Lindsay,
bleeding from a wound in the neck and |
stunned by blow from musketon.
The moon had risen full and bright upon
he scene, and made the spot almost as
bright as day. The Covenanters who were |
prisoners uttered never word, and had not
'ued for mercy. But the walls of the women
we're sorrowful to hear. B0nshaw was the
irst to approach the hut, and was met by
Margaret Mackenzie at the threshold.
Back, thou man of blood and terror!"
he exclaimed, as she stood facing him with
ewes and Dal0 cheeks.
"Oh! ho!" cried the leader, "who is it
hat commands here now? Give me a kiss,
ny pretty lass, and leave threatenings to
,older hearts and stouter arms" and he
made an effort to catch her by the arm,
vhen Elder McLane thrust himself between
he libertine and the girl.
''Stay thy hand" he exclaimed, ''and add
10 further crimes to thy long list"
THAT for thee, hound!" cried Bonshaw as
le struck the elder with the butt of his
stol and felled him to the earth.
Sad and almost despairing was the band
hat was marched away guarded by the rude
oldiery, and the following day saw them all
within prison walls; that is, all save the
yomen. These were allowed to go free, but
he fate of the men was yet to be a matter
OF military tribunal.
It was a weak later, when one stormy
light Robert Lindsay made his escape from
be guards and 9ad to his home, where he
ound Margare: Mackenzie and many more
those who had been bereft of kinsmen on
be fatal night when the pastor had fought
the head of his little fpck.,
Between Lindsay and Margaret there ex-
,ted strong attachment, and 1t was only
n account of the fnopportunity OF the times
hat Robert had not declared his love and |
sked the maiden to become his wife. Now,