Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1921-05-12

| called Tor something to eat and the
drink to wash it down. He was we'll
set, rather small man with a dark
face and dancing bright eyes. Under
his great coat were two silver-mount-
ed pistols, dirk and a great-sWord.
He made his name known, Alan Stew
art Brock, and without fear announced
himself as on a mission for Prince
Charlie. From a money-belt about
him he offered the Captain sixty
guineas to be set ashore on Linnhe
Loeb.
The Captain shook hands on the
bargain, but at once went on deck to
plot with his first officer as to how best
to come at the money belt. / had no
love for the Captain, and also it was
scurvy hospitality to a man we had all
but drowned so warned the stranger
of the plot. Surprised he was but not
put out, asking me would stand with
him. Jacobite though he was, I said
I would.
Two doors and a skylight furnished
entrance to the round-house. Alan
placed me with loaded pistols where
I could see to shoot through at who
ever might come at one closed door or
through the glass skylight. The other
door he left open, standing before it
with dirk and sword. They came with
a rush of feet and many loud cries
toward Alan. I heard a shout from
him and cry as of someone hurt. Then
came five men with spare yard for
a battering ram to drive my door in.
For the first time in my life fired
a pistol; and hit one Of them, which
drove them back. BY then Alan's
sword was running blood; and the
first mate, he who had murdered the
cabin boy, lay dying on the floor. An
other lay beside him.
They came next to my side, some
to the barred door and one dropping
through the skylight to the floor,
where, after first closing my eyes, I
shot him. He dropped with a horrible
groan. Another ones legs dangled
through the skylight, and him I shot
too, he dropping dead atop of his COM
panion. Alan was then dirking one
who chung to his legs, and putting the
cutlass to another who was coming
head on at him. A third held a cut
lass over him and yet more were
crowding at him through the door. He
seemed lost; but he broke clear and,
taking his distance, Glove one, Glove
another, and then, his sword flashing
like quicksilver, drove the others like
sheep along the deck.
We were masters of the brig. Alan
embraced and kissed me, saying:
"David, I love you like brother. But
o man, am I no the bonny fighter"
and setting down by the table, sword
in hand, he burst into Gaelic song.
The very next night we struck on
a reef. I was thrown into the sea,
thinking I would drown, but found
spar and with it kicked myself along
till my feet found quiet water and dry
land. Of the ship or her company I
could see nothing. Later I learned
that all but the wounded were safe.
The ship herself was a total loss to
Captain Hoseason, which I did not
grieve to hear.
After days of wandering and secret
inquiry, for he was one with price on
his head, I found Alan. It was in the
same hour that I witnessed the kill
ing Of Campbell Of Glenure, the man
who had been doing the Kings will
50 & tn oh
in such fashion that seemed to be
an accomplice. I had to flee or be
hanged. 1t was Alan who secured my
escape. For two months
with red-coats guarding ev-
cry road and glen, I followed Alan
the country of the Campbells.
1t was wet and cold and slim food
for us both, with now and then a lit
tie something not much better in the
hut of a Jacobite. Weary I grew and
full of pain, crawling the wet heather
and climbing the ragged crags and
hills. Posted bills promised great re-
wards for our capture-I saw them
many there were who
knew us for what we we're; but never
one, poor and miserable though they
might be, to speak the word of be-
trayal. "Such," cried Alan proudly,
''is the loyalty Of the Hielander!"
We came safe at last to Queensferry
and the home of Mr. Rankiellor, who
proved a shrewd kindly friend and
who at once set about retrieving my
rights in the Shaw estate. "Your
he explained, twas good man
but weak. He loved your mother. To
win your mother he let your uncle
steal the estates. But we will have
them back soon."
Alan aided us greatly in our plans.
Half by quick wit and half by sheer
holiness, he had my uncle admit his
plan to have me kidnapped and sold
into slavery in the Carolines, Mr..
Rankfellor and his clerk all the while
listening in the shadows. And so I
came into my own.
And Alan who made a man Of me?