Ossian Collection > Romance of the Highlands

FIDELITY AND ITS RESULTS. 115
that even at that crisis of sufTering^ he exclaimed,
"Villains! you have slain your Prince." So certain were
the soldiers of having secured their long coveted prize
that they had the man's head cut off and exhibited as that
of the Pretender. Even in his death, McKenzie's
devotion to his Royal master assisted in his escape, and
the search was relaxed until the error was discovered.
On another occasion the Prince found himself in a
perilous situation. He and McDonnell of Lochgarry had
been out on the moors of Lochaber, amid rain and snow-
storms, and being half starved through cold and hunger,
were apt to take more risk than was their wont.
Observing some men enter a cave in the distance, the
Prince suggested he should go to see if thev could give
him any food. His companion tried to dissuade Charles,
as he thought they looked doubtful. The Prince, how-
ever, over-ruled his objections, and his surprise may be
imagined when one of the men received him with "Oh,
Dougal Mahony. I am glad you have come, sit down
and dine with us. I wish the Prince had as good." The
Prince gladly accepted the offer, no doubt thinking some
mistake had been made. Later, the man informed the
Royal fugitive that he knew to whom he was speaking,
and asked his companions to swear fealty to him.
Though outlaws — self outlaws because of a revengeful
Government — thev offered the Prince what hospitality
was in their power. The poor wanderer was glad of the
offer, and remained with them in their cave for three
weeks. Times had changed, he who had so lately aimed
at winning the Kingship of Britain, now thought him-
self fortunate in his discovery of "the seven men of
Glenmoriston" living on what they could steal and
thankful for a roof over his head, which offered some
shelter from the storms. Probably he was happier here
than he would have been with courtiers — often doubtful