Historical memoirs of Rob Roy and the Clan Macgregor

l8o MEMOIR OF ROB ROY.
over steep and rugged rocks, and to ford streams
which held an impetuous course through deep
ravines, forming eddying pools and foaming
cataracts. But nothing was too arduous with
him in the cause of humanity or justice, and he
doubted not that the cries he heard were those
of some helpless woman who required his aid.
After much exertion he came at length to an
open field amidst the wood ; but as the voices
had ceased for some time, he was uncertain how
to proceed, and lay down on the grass. The
moon had by this time risen high over the
mountains, and showed in bright illumination
the tops of the trees around this grassy spot ;
but it could not penetrate the deep foliage
of the woods, within which all was dark and
impenetrable to the eye. Rob Roy had not
long reclined when he observed two men
emerge from the wood, but so distant that he
could neither discern their features nor dis-
tinctly hear their conversation, although from
their gesticulation he could perceive that they
were much interested in it. He lay quiet
among the long grass that grew around him,
eagerly listening. As they approached he heard
one of them say, " But what will her father
think of our ingratitude ? " " Oh ! " said the