Ossian Collection > Waifs and strays of Celtic tradition > Volume 1

44 CraignisJi Talcs.
After pondering over the matter for a time he
resolved to take the cruel business into his own
hands and carry it out unassisted.
His plan being thus formed, he waited where
he was until his master fell asleep, and then
rising quietly from the floor and stealing out of
the room, he set off at a smart pace across the
hills to Achaghearrain. Arriving there before
daybreak, he posted himself with his back
against the wall of McLachlane's house, and
within a short distance of the door, awaiting the
exit of his intended victim. When the first
signs of returning day appeared, he heard
someone stirring within, and moving towards
the door ; concluding that this was McLachlane
preparing to depart before his pursuers should
arrive on the scene, he grasped his sword firmly
in his hands, and stood like a wild beast pre-
pared to pounce on its prey.
McLachlane, for it proved to be none
else, cautiously opened the door, and then
stooping beneath the lintel, stood in the door-
way with his head thrust out beyond the side
walls. Next moment his head, severed from
the neck by one stroke of McLellan's sword,
bounded on to the door-step. McLellan quickly
snatched up the head, and flew with it as fast
as ever he could back to Barbreck. On arriving