Life of Flora Macdonald and her adventures with Prince Charles

Chapter VI.
FLORA A STATE PRISONER— FROM SKYE TO
LONDON AND BACK.
LORA was distinguished for her earnest
and faithful devotion to any duty which
she considered herself called upon to per-
form ; and on this occasion she performed
her noble task amid severe trials and
imminent perils. Her prudent measures, patient endurance,
and active fortitude never appear to have forsaken her, nor
did the hazard of her own life, from the cause which she had
espoused, render her for a moment indifferent to the purpose
which she had in view, or chill her benevolent exertions in
behalf of her fellow sufferers.
Her trials on account of her heroic conduct were such as
have seldom fallen to the lot of any female to endure. She
was taken to London, where she was kept as a State prisoner
for nearly twelve months. An Act of Indemnity was eventu-
ally passed, when ehe was set at liberty, and permitted to
return to her native Highland hills. Greater attention could
not be paid to any lady, however distinguished, than was
paid to her by all classes of the nobility, in the Metropolis
and elsewhere ; yet her gentle heart longed for the homely
welcome which she knew awaited her from her friends in