History of the Clan MacLean from its first settlement at Duard Castle, in the Isle of Mull, to the present period

An Independent Clan — 1493 to 1598. 103
Borreray's ilream worked with the most happy effect upon the supersti-
tious credulity of the Red Knight of Sleat ; for, finding the MacLeans in full
force, and most advantageously posted at the pass of Gearna-Dubh (the
dreaded spot where the fates had prophesied his downfall), MacDonald turning
to his men said: "I know that you are faithful and true followers ; you have
hitherto been so, and that you have exemplified by your gallantry and bravery
in action. I predict, however, that should we go to battling against the Mac-
Leans today, we would come out of it with dirty hands; and I, your com-
mander, would fall under the heavy sword of Macl^ean ! ^Vnd now we will do
a vei-y prudent thing if we at once set sail from Midi." Instantly the retreat
was sounded, and pursued as they were by the MacLeans, aided by the artful
but worthy Borreray, who liow took his opportunity, accompanied by his fol-
lowers, to change sides, the best MacDonald was he who could first nfake to
till' vessels. They were overtaken at the very spot, where on the night be-
fore they were seen sharpening their broad-swords on a flag-stone, near where
they were encamped (and the impressions made on the stone by the sharpen-
ing may still be seen) ; and so panic-stricken were they, ihat hardly any re-
sistance was made to the merciless attack of the MacLeans, great numbers
being slain, without the assailants on their side losing a single individual.
The heads of the dead were cut off and thrown into a well, at the head of
Loch-na-Keal, which has ever since been called " Tobar-nan (Jeann,"" or The
Well of Heads.
This defeat served only as additional feul to the rage of the MacDonald's,
and exasperated to the utmost against the MacLeans, as the whole clan now
was. a fresh levy was immediately made amongst the vassals of those chiefs
who headed the late invasion, and the place of rendezvous was appointed at
a small fortified island south of Kerrera, on the coast of Lorn, called Bachca.
This formed a convenient post, as being situated in a central position between
the MacDoualds of the "North and those of the South. The chief of Mac-
Lean, however, did not witness these symptoms of renewed hostilities against
him without due preparation on his part; and he lost no time in summoning
to his aid all the chieftains of his own name, and those of MacNeil, Mac-
Kinnon, and MacQuarrie. Thus prepared, Lachlan M6r did not think it ad-
visable to stand on the defensive only, as regarded the threatened invasion, but
determined at once on attacking his enemies in their stronghold at Bachca ; and
the necessary preparations for this purpose being completed, he crossed over
to the coast of Lorn early in the morning, his van being commanded by the