Ossian Collection > History of the Highlands and of the Highland clans > Volume 3

Charles's wandehings — morar — dorodale. 313
but were disappointed to find, that the mansion where they expected to
meet with an hospitable reception had bct^n burnt to the ground, and that
its proprietor had been obliged to take up liis abode in a bothy or hut in
the neighbourhood. Morar, who had acted as lieutefiant-colonel of Clan-
ranald's regiment, gave the prince a hearty welcome. Having entertained
Charles and his party, he conducted them to a cave for security, and went
off" in quest of young Clanranald, whom the prince was most anxious to
see. After some hours' absence Morar returned, and, reporting that he
could not find Clanranald, Charles told him that as he had failed in meet-
ing with that young chief, be would put himself under Morar's charge.
According to Mackinnon's statement, Morar declined to take such a re-
sponsibility upon him, and even declared that he did not know any person
to whose care he could commit Charles's person. The prince, stung by
the altered demeanour of Morar, thus accosted him : "This is very hard.
You were verj' kind yesternight, Morar I and said you could find out a
hiding-place, proof against all the search of the enemy's forces ; and
now you say you can do nothing at all for me ! You can travel to no
place but what I will travel to ; no eatables or drinkables can you
take but what I can take a share along with you, and be well content
with them, and even pay handsomely for them. When fortune smiled
upon me and I had pay to give, I then found some people ready enough
to serve nie ; but now that fortune frowns on me, and I have no pay
to give, they forsake me in my necessity." The chief of Mackinnon
and his clansman were highly indignant at Morar, and insisted that he
must have seen young Clanranald, and that he had been advised to his
present course, but Morar resolutely denied the charge. Charles in
great distress exclaimed, " O God Almighty ! look down upon my cir-
cumstances, and pity me ; for I am in a most melancholy situation
Some of those who joined me at first, and appeared to be fast friends,
now turn their backs upon me in my greatest need ; and some of those
again who refused to join me, and stood at a distance, are now among
my best friends ; for it is remarkable that those of Sir Alexander Mac-
donald's following have been most faithful to me in my distress, and con-
tributed greatly to my preservation." Then turning round to Mackin-
non, he said, " I hope, ]\Ir Mackinnon, you will not desert me too, and
leave me in the lurch ; but that you will do all for my preservation you
can." The old laird, thinking that these words were meant for him,
said, with tears in his eyes, "I never will leave your royal highness in
the day of danger ; but will, under God, do all I can for you, and go
with you wherever you order me." — " Oh no I ' rejoined Charles, " that
is too much for one of your advanced years, Sir ; I heartily thank you
for your readiness to take care of me, as I am well satisfied of your zeal
for me and my cause; but one of your age cannot well hold out with
the fatigues and dangers I must undergo. It was to your friend John
here, a stout young man, I was addressing myself." — " Well then," said
111. 2 R