Historical memoirs of Rob Roy and the Clan Macgregor

MEMOIR OF ROB ROY. 213
Though Rob Roy was now considerably ad-
vanced in life, he yet bore an imposing and
youthful appearance. On his way from London
at this time, he was accidentally introduced into
the company of some officers who were recruit-
ing at Carlisle. Struck with his robust and
manly stature, they considered him a fit person
for the king's service, and wished to enlist him ;
but he would accept no less than treble the sum
they offered, to which they agreed. He then
remained in the town a few days, paying no
regard to them, and when he was ready to
continue his journey came away, the military
being unable to prevent him ; and the enlisting
money paid his expenses home.
While in England, Lennox, the proprietor of
Woodhead, in the vicinity of Campsie, having
refused to pay his dues of black-mail, Roy Roy's
wife equipped herself, went on horseback at-
tended by twelve men, and so intimidated the
gentleman that he paid the stipulated sum, say-
ing that he could not refuse a lady, and would
not attempt to oppose her.
The achievements of Rob Roy, so universally
known, were everywhere extolled as the match-
less deeds of unconquered Caledonia ; and
though his prowess could not be said at all