Ossian Collection > Peat-fire flame

FOLK-TALES OF DOUGHTY MEN AND DOUGHTY DEEDS
the birlinns for Benbecula. On arrival, they sent a message
to Clan Ranald that, if he did not deliver John MacLeod
to them, " for that he was a terror to the surrounding
clans," they would take reprisals before quitting his estates.
On receiving this ultimatum, Clan Ranald, somewhat
faithless to the traditions of his forbears in similar
circumstances, gave notice to MacLeod of Harris and his
allies that he would offer no resistance to their apprehending
his nephew at Nunton, if they cared to do so. Quite
unaware was John MacLeod that he was being betrayed,
until he was apprised by a member of Clan Ranald's
household. Enraged by this treachery, he straightway went
to his uncle, and asked him for the use of a sword. This
he obtained, and immediately directed a violent thrust at his
betrayer, who, already suspicious that his nephew had sensed
the plot, stepped aside in time to save himself.
" You are not worthy of my steel," said MacLeod, as he
left Clan Ranald's house in disgust to give himself up to
MacLeod of Harris and his followers, who in the meanwhile
were close at hand.
They say in the Isles that, when the Laird and his allies
returned to Harris with their prisoner, they revelled for
several days, celebrating their achievement. But, despite
all promises made by the Laird, John MacLeod was sent
captive to Dunvegan, where he lay in close confinement for
a year and a day.
John MacLeod and the Italian Swordsman.
Yet another Berneray folk-tale concerns John MacLeod
and his swordsmanship.
There came to Rodil an Italian who, in travelling through
Scotland, had challenged and vanc|uished her best
swordsmen. In those days it was customary for such
warriors to levy a cess on every laird and commoner, if the
laird of their particular district were unable to bring forth
a man who could stand up to him.
So incensed was MacLeod of Harris at the demands
made upon his people bv this Italian swordsman, that he
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