The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1901-12-31
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The sun had sunk behind Ben Nevis
towering triple peak, and the mountain
cast deep shadow over the castle of In
verlochy and far out upon the placid blue
waters of Lochiel.
A merry group of highland lads and
lasses were congregated upon the green
sward before the castles walls, threading
with joyous steps the mazes of the dance,
to the inspiring notes of the shrill bag
pipe.
All was mirth and glee, when an I'M
toward accident disturbed the harmony of
the scene. A band of highlanders de-
scended the mountain pass, driving before
them a herd of cattle. A bull, shaggy
and untamed, broke from the herd and
with ferocious below dashed toward
the circle of dancers.
With shrill cries they broke up their
sport and fed in all directions. The in
furiated animal singled out one fair girl,
probably attracted by her scarf, the pre-
vailing color of which was red, and close
/ ~ pursued her.
Though fear lent her wings, the mad
beast gained upon her. He was close at
her heels, his head leyeled for the plunge,
when tall highlander sprang before the
flying girl, grasped the bull by the horns
and with a dexterous movement, hurled
the huge animal upon its back. Ere it
could rise to it's feet again the drovers
who had been swarming to the rescue OF
the girl, bound 1t securely with cords
| When goaded to It's feet again, the bull
moaned plaintively and looked around be-
wildered and subdued by its rough tum-
BILE.
The villagers of Inverlochy thronged
around the man who had performed this
great feat of muscular strength, and the
fair girl he had saved timidly thanked
her deliverer. They all gazed curiously
upon him, for it was now perceived that
he did not wear the tartan of the Camp
| bells and was a stranger.
He was boy in years, not over TWEEN
| ty, and yet fully developed, standing full
feet inches in height, clad in highland
costume, which displayed his well proper
| toned form to great advantage, and
wearing an eagles feather in his bonnet,
the symbol of a chief. His target, or
shield, 'round as the moon," covered with
OK hide and studded with brass knobs,
hung around his neck. The hilt of huge
two handed claymore peeped from under
his left arm, and long dirk rested in the
, sheath upon his right thigh. Clad in this
picturesque garb, with long, flowing locks
of light brown hair, rudy complexion
and a bright blue eye, he was fine type
Of those ancient warriors Of the Gael
whom the bard Ossian has immortalized
in song.
"What is thy name, pretty lassie" he
asked the girl, when she had thanked him
for the good service and stolen a glance
of admiration at the frank, open face and
stalwart form of her preserver.
81 am called Annie of Lochiel," she an
swered timidly, yet with a sweet smile
that had a strange fascination for the
young highlander, who found it impossi-
BILE to withdraw his gaze from that win
ming face.
"Are You Cameron of the Clan Loeb
iel?" he asked eagerly and with interest.
"Not she!'' broke In one of the men Of
InverIochy, who wore the badge Of an
under chief. "She is Campbell, and we
call her Annie of Lochiel because she was
born by yonder water. Her mother was
Mclean; she died when Annie was an
infant. Her father was Duncan Camp
bell laird of Morven, and he was slain
by the Gordons of Huntley in the raid of
Garioch. There's her history in a nut
shell l that tell it to you am Malcolm
MacPhie, captain of Inverlochy, and now,
my Draw gilie, who are your
The highlander reared his tall form
with naughty pride as he replied:
II am Alaster Macdonald, son Of Coll
of-the-left-hand, chieftain of Mingarry
and Kintyre."
A buzz went around the circle at these
words. The MacDonalds were bold
and warlike clan, and Coll-of-the-left-
hand was not unknown to fame.
II have heard of the chieftain of Kin
tyre" returned Malcolm MacPhie, "but
why do they call him of the left handT
Faith, | know not" answered Alaster
carelessly, unless it be that he can WELD
his claymore as well with the left hand
as with the right"
murmur of admiration greeted this
announcement. Strength of limb and
skill in arms were considered great virtues
in those warlike days.
"Come, Alaster," cried Malcolm, his
heart won by the bold bearing Of the
young highlander "Thou hast preserved
our fairest maiden from cruel death.
Bide with me in Inverlochy for a few
days and taste the hospitality of our an
cient castle"
''There is no feud between our Clans"
returned Alaster, land l accept your Of
fer"
They entered the castle together.
Malcolm MacPhie had cause to rue the
hospitality which had induced him to in
vite the young highland chieftain to en-
Ter the walls of Castle Inverlochy. 1t
soon became apparent to others besides
himself that the bold Alaster had found
favor in the eyes of pretty Annie Of Loeb
iel A strong affection seemed to have
arisen at the first meeting Of this young
pair an affection which their eyes were
not slow to confess and which was re-
vealed in eloquent glances.
Malcolm had detected more than one Of
these glances as he dispensed the hospi-
tally of the castle, and he resolved in his
own mind that Alaster should not bide
long at Inverloehy. He prevented all
chances of conversation between them
until it was time for Annie to retire for
the night. He then invited Alaster to
walk with him upon the battlements and
pointed out the strength of the castle.
A taper cleaned from a low turreted
window that looked out upon the parapet.
"Who occupies yon chamber" asked
Alaster
annie of Lochiel," replied Malcolm.
"a winsome lassie," responded Alaster
warmly. 81 would l could persuade her
, to go with me into the land of Kintyre
and become the mistress of Castle Min
garry. 1t would glad the heart Of Coll
of-the-left-hand to welcome so fair
daughter"
"That can never be-" returned Malcolm
quickly, with an angry flush. Annie is
the ward of Sir Donald Campbell of Au-
chinbreck, my chief and kinsman. Seek
another bride, Alaster Macdonald, for
Annie is to be my wife"
Alaster's eyes were fixed upon the little
window as he listened to these words, and
he saw a fair face appear there. An en-
ergetic shake of the head said very plain
ly, mo, nor to Malcolm's assertion, and
the fair vision disappeared.
81 wish you joy" replied Alaster, with
a quiet smile. Happy will be the man
who calls the lovely Annie his"
white hand was waved for an mo-
ment from the easement and quickly
withdrawn. Alaster was understood and
answered. Malcolm was totally uncon-
scious. Of this. novel courtship.