friends of James in England and
Scotland; and, as the importance of the correspondence increased, and it
became necessary to have personal interviews instead of written
communications, Sir George frequently passed over to the cave as a
rendezvous, at which he might meet the adherents of the exiled king. In
the course of time he saw the prudence of having the entire control of
the band, and found little difficulty in being appointed their leader.
From the means he obtained from St. Germains, the smuggling was now
carried on to a great and very profitable extent; and, by the
regulations which he enacted, the chance of discovery was diminished.
Only one point more was requisite for safety and secrecy, which was, a
person to whom he could confide the charge of the cave. Lady Barclay,
who was equally warm in the cause, offered her services, and they were
accepted; and at the latter end of the year 1696, about one year after
the plot had failed, Lady Barclay, with her only child, took up her
abode in this isolated domicile: Sir George then first making the
arrangement that the men should always remain on the other side of the
water, which would be an additional cause of security. For upwards of
four years, Lady Barclay had remained an inmate, attending to the
instruction of her little Lilly, and carrying on all the correspondence,
and making all the necessary arrangements with vigour and address,
satisfied with serving the good cause, and proving her devoted
allegiance to her sovereign. Unfortunate and unwise as were the Stuart
family, there must have been some charm about them, for they had
instances of attachment and fidelity shown to them, of which no other
line of kings could boast.

Shortly after the tragical event recorded in the last chapter, the
Jesuit came out of the cave and went up to Sir George, who coolly
observed, "We have just been sending a traitor to his account, good
father."

"So may they all perish," replied the priest. "We start this evening?"

"Certainly. What news have you for St. Germains?"

"Much that is important. Discontent prevails throughout the country.
The affair of Bishop Watson hath brought much odium on the usurper. He
himself writhes under the tyrannical commands of the Commons, and is at
issue with them."

"And in Scotland father?"

"All is there ripe and ready--and an army once landed, would be joined
by thousands. The injustice of the usurper in wishing to sacrifice the
S