Reminiscences, historical and traditional of the Grants of Glenmoriston

12 THE GRANTS OF GLENMORISTON.
his prowess, and his skill in the use of the
sword. When on a visit to King James at Holy-
rood Palace, he was induced to accept a chal-
lenge from one of the champions of those days,
who went from place to place parading their
strength, and defying the lieges to fight them.
This man was so formidable aud so invariably
successful in his duels, that no one was disposed
to accept his challenge. But Laird John soon
decided the contest in a rather unique way.
One of the preliminaries on those occasions was
to shake hands, to shew, we suppose, there was
no personal animosity between parties, but so
mighty was Laird John's grasp, that he crushed
his opponent's sword hand as effectually as if
it had been caught in a blacksmith's vice. So,
this formidable champion had to confess himself
utterly discomfited, without drawing his sword.
The incident reminds us of one of the feats of
Sir William Wallace, narrated by blind Harry.
An English champion offered for a consideration
to permit any of the spectators to strike him on
the back with a staff he held in his hand,
doubtless believing in the strength of his in-