The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-06-07

have none cast into prison without at
least a hearing. Have any of your
men been killed 2"
mo, your majesty" replied Sir Dom
aid. but some of them have wounds
they will not forget in a hurry; the
Highlandmen fought like tiger cats"
How many are there of them? 2"
asked the king.
Something more than a score, with
a piper, led by a breechesless ruffian,
although / must say he knows what
to do with a sword
All armed, you say?"
Every one of them but the piper
About half an hour ago they came
marching up the main street Of Stir
ling. each man with his sword drawn,
and the pipes skirling death and de-
fiance. They had the whole town at
their heels, laughing and jeering at
them, and Initiating the wild Highland
music. At first they paid little atten-
ton, but in the square their leader
gave a word in Gaelic, and at once
the whole company swerved about and
charged the crowd. There was instant
panic among the tOWnSpeople, who fled
in all directions. No one was huS@, for
the Highlandmen struck them with the
fiat of their swords.
1T serves them right" commented
the king. II hope it will teach them
manners. What fOllOWed?"
"a whistle from their leader COL
lected his helots again, and so they
marched straight from the square to
the gates of the castle. The two SOL
diers on guard crossed pixies before
them. but the leader, without a word.
struck down their weapons and at
tempted to march in. There was bit
of a scuff1e at the gate, then the bu-
gle sounded, and we surrounded them,
trying to disarm them peaceably at
first. but they fought like demons, and
so there's some sore heads among
them"
You disarmed them of course?"
Certainly, your majesty"
Very well; bring them in, and let
US hear what they have to say for
themselves"
The doors were flung open, a sharp
command was given, and presently
there entered the group of Highland
ers, disarmed and with their elbows
tied behind their backs. A strong
guard accompanied them on either
side. The Highlanders were men of
magnificent physique, enhanced by the
picturesque costume they wore, in
spite OF the fact that in some instances
this costume was in tatters and the
Wearers cut and bleeding. Their lead
er was a truly magnificent specimen
long room with an imperial sWagger
such as never before had been seen in
Stirring. He marched on until he
came before the king, and there took
his stand, without any indication of
bowling his bonneted head or bending
his sturdy bare knees. The moment
the leader set his foot across the
threshold the unabashed piper imme-
dltely protruded his chest and struck
up wild Salute to the Chief"
Stop, itsye udeeNili" cried the can
tain Of the guard. How dare you set
up such a squawking in the presence
of the king" and he struck the
mouthpiece from the lips, of the per-
former. This, however, did not cause
a cessation Of the music, for the bag
under the p1per's elbow was filled with
Wlno ana 1.-The fingers Of the musician
praVeIy kept up the strain of the reed
chanter with it's nine holes, and thus
ne played until his chief came to a
stand before the king. The king gazed
with und1sguiSed admiration upon the
foremost Highlander, and said quietly
TO the captain of the guard:
"Unbfnd himi''
On finding his arms released the
mountaineer stretched them out twice.
then folded them across his breast
making no motion, however, to re-
move his plumed bonnet, although
every one else in the room except him
self.and his men was uncovered.
You. have come ,dn from the coun-
try: began the king, a suspicion of a.
smile lowering about his lips, ito eniov
the metropolitan delights Of Stirling.
TOW are you satisfied with your re-
The big, Highlandman made no reply.
but fEoWned heayilyx
Ihese sayages,"' suggested Sir Dom
AID, do not understand anything but
the Gaelic. Is it your majesty's pleas
ure that the interpreter be called?"
yes. bring him in
The Interpreter put the question in
Gaelic, and was answered with gruff
brevity by the marauder. The inter
prefer, bowling low to the king, said
smoothly:
This man humbly begs to inform
your majesty
Speak truth, MACPHERSON" eau
toned the king. Translate faithfully
exactly what he says. Our friend here.
by the look Of him, does not do any,
thlng humbly or fawn or beg. Trans
late accurately. What does he saw"
He says, your majesty, he will hold
no communication with me, because I
am of an inferior clan, which is untrue.
Inc MacPhersons were civilized clan
centuries ago, which the MacNabs are
not to this day."
The MacNab's hand darted to his
left side, but finding no sword to his
grasp it fell away again.
YOU are a nar!" cried the chief in
very passable English, which was not
to be misunderstood. 1.-The MacPher-
sons are no clan. but an insignificant
branch Of the Chattan. Touch not the
Cat is your motto. and a good one. for
a MacPherson can scratch, but he can
not handle the broadsword.'
MacPherson's hand also sought in
stinctively the hilt of his sword. but
the presence in which he stood restrict
ed him.
1T is quite SAFE" he said with seme-
thing like the spit of a cat, for a
heather to insult a Christian in the
presence of his king, and the MacNabs
nave ever shown taste for the eau
tiOus cause"
Tut, tut" cried the king, with i'm
patience, am to find myself involved
IN Highland feud in my own hall7
MACPHERSON, 1t seems this man does
not require your interpreting 50 nerS
haps, 1t will further the peace of our
realm II you withdraw quietly"
MACPHERSON, with a low obeisance.
did so; then. to, MacNab the king
spoke:
Sir, as it appears you are acquitted
with our language, why did you not
reply to the question put to your"
Because 1 would have you know IT
was not the proper kind Of question to
ask the likesof me. am descendant
Of kings
Well I am a descendant of kings.
myself, thought sorry / should be to
defend all their actions"
Your family only began with Rob-
ert the Bruce; mine was old ere he
came to the throne"
THAT may well be; still you must
admit that what Robert lacked in an
cestry he furnished forth in ability" Z
But the Clan MacNab defeated him
at the battle of Del Rhi.'
True. with some assistance. which