Historical memoirs of Rob Roy and the Clan Macgregor

MEMOIR OF ROB ROY. 205
house, which is only a short way off, otherwise
it is a chance if any of you will ever return, for
his lads are numerous, and always so placed in
ambush round his dwelling, that you will all be
shot without seeing a man. He must be in-
veigled by stratagem, and if you follow my
directions, I shall give you him by the hand in
a short time, without firing a shot." — " But how
is that to be accomplished ? " said the officer.
" Only in one way," replied our hero, " you
passed a public house not far distant, return to
it, and wait for me. I shall go to the fellow's
house, and tell him such a story as will bring
him alone to the inn : but great caution must
be used, for he is one of the most fierce and
cunning men in the world, whom in his rage I
would not face with all your men by my side."
The soldiers listened, and seemed happy
when they were ordered to wheel about for the
inn, where they soon arrived, while Rob Roy
proceeded to his own house.
He directed his men to assemble all the
people within reach, and place them on the side
of the hill in battle array ; and having buckled
on his dirk, which he concealed under his plaid,
he walked on to fulfil his engagement. He now
told the officer that he had seen Rob Roy, who