John Leech and other papers

A Jacobite Family. 93
soon made John captain of his band, which for years
levied black mail over the county of Aberdeen.
John got tired of his gipsy life, and entered
Stoneywood's service, retaining, however, his secret
headship of the Cairds, and using this often in Robin
Hood fashion, generously, for his friends. So little
was this shady side of his life known in the country-
side, that his skill in detecting theft and restoring
lost property, was looked upon as not ' canny,' and
due to ' the second sight.'
On one occasion Mr. Grant, younger of Ballin-
dalloch, was dining at Stoneywood. He was an
officer in the Dutch Brigade, and had come home
to raise men for a company, which only wanted
twelve of its complement. He was lamenting this
to Mr. Moir, who jocularly remarked, that 'if John
Gunn,' who was standing behind his chair, ' canna
help ye, deil kens wha can.' Upon which John
asked Mr. Grant when he could have his men ready
to ship to Holland. ' Immediately,' was the reply.
' Weel a weel, Ballindalloch, tak' yer road at aince
for Aberdeen, tak' out a passage for them and twelve
mair, and send me word when ye sail, and, if ye keep
it to yourseP, ye '11 find your ither men a' ready.'
Mr. Grant knew his man, and made his arrange-
ments. The twelve men made their appearance with
John at their head. When they found what was their
destination they grumbled, but John, between fleech-