Historical memoirs of Rob Roy and the Clan Macgregor

MEMOIR OF ROB ROY. 135
desired me to put my case in writing, and that he would
lay it before the ministry ; but at the same time that I
behoved to lodge in a messenger's house, where I would
be entertained at the King's expence, that lodging there
was not meant as any restraint upon me, but for some
other reason ; neither should any restraint be put upon
me, but have my liberty conform to my licence. Eight days
after I was called to the Earl of Holderness's house, where
I was examined in a most civil manner, but was so much
sifted with questions, and cross questions, that I was like
to be put into confusion ; but upon mustering up all my
spirits, having nothing else for it, I endeavoured that they
could not read through Stones, and at the same time, made
such compliance answers as I thought suited best those
subjects. I understood some time after, that Secretary
Murray, to my knowledge, was both a liar, villain, and a
very great coward, and that at the time he was mostly
employed by the young Pretender, as I then called him,
which I thought made an impression upon both the Chan-
cellor and Holderness, none else being present. I was dis-
missed, and a few days after I contracted a fever and
gravel, which continued till the middle of March, and what
happened after that, I have acquainted you therewith in
my last. This is the whole affair from the beginning, and
considering Glenure's being so nearly related to me and
my wife, and that the Stuarts had shown themselves on
all occasions the cut throats of our people, no mortal needs
be surprised, if I should endeavour to bring my friend's
murderer to justice ; besides that very family of Barcaldine
is the greatest support your Clan has in Scotland, I mean
the parts I lived in formerly, and thereabouts. Now I leave
you to Judge, whither I acted right or not in keeping my
design secret from you ; my reason you may judge, but