Kings of Carrick

AUCHENDRANE PLOTS. 137
They startled the wild fowl from the gorse, and the fox and
the hare in their coverts, but save a stray cottage here and
there on the slopes of the hills, human habitation there was
none. There was no difficulty in seclusion. Hiding places
that would have gladdened the heart of a wandering Cove-
nanter, abounded without number ; and they chose a stunted
plantation wherein to spend the hours in waiting, not because
it was exceptionally secluded, but because it commanded the
path by which the Countess of Cassillis must approach. A
watch was kept on a neighbouring summit ; the retainers
picketed their horses, and availed themselves of the shelter of
the plantation as a protection against the elements, which, if
not riotous, were at least sufficiently trying to make the trees
a welcome shelter against the cold wind which played across
the highlands of southern Ayrshire.
Noon had hardly passed ere the watcher announced the
approach of the Cassillis party. In an instant Bargany's
followers began to make their preparations. These were
simple. The road was barred by a collection of rude
boulders, which they rolled from the hillside on to the
narrow pathway. One half of the force, under Mure of
Cloncaird, was stationed so as to command the rear and pre-
vent retreat ; the remainder, under Bargany, were placed so
as to face the advancing party and intercept their progress
in the direction of home. On the one hand the hills were
steep ; on the other, the country was open ; but Bargany
conceived that escape was impossible in that direction, and
even, if escape were attempted, that there would be no
difficulty in overtaking the fugitives.
The Master of Cassillis rode beside the Countess at the
head of the small body of followers who accompanied them.
They were jogging along easily. In another hour they would
emerge from the rocky scenery of Barr, and, from the heights
to the northward and eastward, catch their first glimpse of
the comparatively level country where Cassillis nestled