The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-01-03
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and, assuming an incognito, he had with
his friend Macdonald gone far INTO
the Highlands and met many adventures.
Old Allaster Macleod, the undlsputed
lord of Skye, learned of the Two strange
visitors to his realm and an invitation,
accompanied by an escort OF horse, was
taking them to his stronghold, Dunvegan
Castle.
The procession began its march AMID
the cheers OF the people and skirhng
of the pipes. The distance was little
more than seven leagues over a wild, I'M
inviting country. Macdonald sat ms
horse detected and silent, for the prospect
confronting him was far from alluring.
The King was incognito, he was not; and
he had begun to doubt the wisdom OF
having given his actual designation to
the people of Skye, for the relations be-
tween this island and the mainland were
az that time far from being of the most
cordial description.
The party had accomplished little more
than half the distance, when, as they
frorted slight elevation, there came 70
them over the hills wild pipe music,
louder than anything of that kind the
King had ever heard.
1.-THE Macleod is evidently about to
welcome us in state said His Majesty
to Macdonald "he must have the very
monarch of pipers in his train"
On reaching the brow of the hill they
found there were from thirty to fifty
pipers, but they evidently bore no greet
ing to the travellers, for the musical
party was marching in the same direction
as themselves, playing vigorously as they
swung along. At the instance OF the
King, Macdonald made inquiries regard
ing this extraordinary spectacle. The tao
turn commander Of the guard answered
briefly that it was the College of Pipers.
The students were marching back to b.
craig on the other side of Loeb Follart,
where instruction in piping was bestowed
by the MacRimmon; this excursion over
the hills giving them training in piping
and a trampng at the same time. The
musical regiment took its way straight
across the moors and so very soon was
lost sight of by the two travellers, who
kept to track which was more or less
of a road.
In due time the calvacade reached
Dunvegan Castle, and even a man ac-
crstomed to so stout fortress as that
of Stirling could not but be struck by
the size, the strength and the situation
of this frowning stronghold; yet, extensive
as it was, its proprietor evidently found
it inadequate for his ambitions, as he
was now building a massive tower, which
added a further dignity to the struc
ture.
The King and his companion were &C.
ceived at the front entrance by an old
onh OF o0lJld
be their host, for his back had originally
been straight enough, though now slightly
stopped through age. He led them with
in, and up a stair direct to the apart
ments reserved for them, Their aged
conductor spoke no English SO the bur-
den of conversation fell on Macdonald
AS soon as Macdonald perceived that ne
and his friend We're to be separated
the King lodged at one end of the castle
and himself at the other-he protested
against the arrangement, demanding two
adjoining rooms. The old man replied
that he was following instructions, AMI
il the rooms assigned were not satisfac-
tory his master would doubtless change
them on the morrow.
"But, my good man." expostulated Mac
Donald, 1--WE expect to be leaving the
castle tomorrow"
'tIn that case," replied their ciercone
with scarcely perceptible shrug of the
shoulders, "it makes but little difference
for one night"
The King inquiring into the purport of
the discussion, quite agreed with the ED
erly guide that the matter was of small!
moment.
''If our genial innkeeper intends to MUIR
der u.s. he said, I'VE shall be quite as
helpless together as separate. for he has
irresistible force at MS command We're
fairly nabbed, but the old gentleman who
has us in thrall can make nothing by i'll
using us. Sooner or later he must dIvulge
his plan, whatever it is. before he can
benefit from it, and when he does that it
will be time enough to consider what
course we are to ursue." Then turning
suddenly toward their guide, who had
been standing motionless during the con-
versation, the King said sharply in Eng
lish: "Is your master at homer
The old man made no reply, but looked
az Macdonald, who repeated the question
in Gaelic and received an affirmative an
swer.
He says the laird is at home. He has
no English"
Il wasn't just sure OF that, so L tested
it by an abrupt question, thus locking the
door after the horse was stolen, for We
have spoken rather plainly before him,
and so have proved ourselves in the be
ginning very poor conspirators. However,
L care little what the next move is so
long as it brings us something to eat.
Clear your gloomy brow, Jamie, and tell
them in the most culinary Gaelic that
this is not a fast day with us, and the
ride across the moors has increased our
appetites."
Macdonald followed his custodian down
the long corridor and the King entered.
the apartment assigned to him.
After sufficient time had elapsed to al
low the travellers to remove the traces
of travel from their persons they were
summoned to a small room, where they
found a most welcome and substantial
meal set out for them. A generous flag
on of wine stood by each trencher; it
was the first the King had had an oppor-
tunity of tasting since he left his capital,
and he seized upon the measure with some
eagerness.
Here's to the Macleod" he cried.
driply m tho Zinc md Cood FI,ro I-