Blair Collection > Celtic magazine > Volume 5

DEEMOND. 223
mce of Bertha's behest and the obstacles which lay in the way of accom-
plishing it. He had almost resolved upon forsaking the standard of his
'iege lord and joining the Bruce; indeed Ids vow in the dungeon had
oound him to such a course. Keconsideration, however, prevailed against
,he audacity of such a move ; there was first of all the dangers to which
16 would expose Brian, his father, as the sworn vassal of a cruel and un-
5crupulous tyrant, there was his oath of allegiance, and above all what
Tood could arise to a faithful son of the Church in uniting his fortunes
tvith the excommimicated Bruce, who was both accursed by God and
oian, and a fugitive among the mountains. He had flourished his im-
Dious battle-axe in the face of true soldiers and Christians after laying
,ow three of the most powerfid men in the Higlilands. What would
Brian, the bold viking, say to the son who failed to revenge the death of
;he three Durwarths 1 Harrassed with these reflections Dermond dashed
M determined at least on finding Avhere the Bruce had fixed on spending
the night. He thrust his hand into his bosom and found the packet
;3afely nestling near his heart. Some ten of his men-at-arms kept up the
3hase with much difticulty, Olave following close at the heels of the
young chieftain, and attempting to persuade him against going any
further. All the others had returned to represent to John of Lorn the
hopeless nature of the pursuit, and that irritable chieftain grew moie en-
:raged than ever, and denounced his vassals with great vehemence.
i " What of that young varlet, Dermond," he inquired. " Has he not
30me back with the same tale V
" I fear me," said Macnab, " that Dermond of Dunkerlyne will not
le back to tell any tale."
I " D d be your cowardly fears," exclaimed the infuriated Lorn.
f Dermond of Dunkerlyne is braver than all of you."
i " Ha ! ha ! my lord," laughed Macnab. " What ! have you forgotten
that he was your prisoner and hostage retained until the capture of Cyril
pi Eatliland? He is free now, and will of a certainty continue to be so."
( " Villain and coward, is it now you tell me this 1 li you suspected he
■would fail to return, why did you not secure him V
" Secure him ! What ! When you commanded him to lead off or
forfeit his head ? 2^ ay : but since you know not whom to trust, this is
:the last time a Macnab shall bow at the beck of a Macdougall. Good
e'en, my lord ; we shall meet again."
Calling his followers together, Macnab gave orders to abandon the
standard of John of Lorn.
"What mean you?" exclaimed Lorn. "Is it traitor you have be-
come ?"
" Thou shalt soon enough learn," retorted Macnab, shaking his wea-
(pon defiantly.
\ " Bind me the treacherous sculKon ! Seize him, ye cowards ! Charge
me the traitors !"
He looked around, but none moved at his command.
Meanwhile Dermond kept on the track of the retreating Brace, who
was descried disappearing down the glen of Balquhidder, accompanied by
a niamber of jackmen.