ght upon, without neighbours destroying each other's
families and inheritances."

"It is a peaceful proposal," said Montrose, smiling, "such as it
should be, coming from one whose personal actions have always been more
peaceful than his measures. Yet, if the terms of such a truce could be
equally fixed, and if we can obtain security, for that, Sir Duncan, is
indispensable,--that your Marquis will observe these terms with strict
fidelity, I, for my part, should be content to leave peace behind us,
since we must needs carry war before us. But, Sir Duncan, you are too
old and experienced a soldier for us to permit you to remain in our
leaguer, and witness our proceedings; we shall therefore, when you have
refreshed yourself, recommend your speedy return to Inverary, and we
shall send with you a gentleman on our part to adjust the terms of
the Highland armistice, in case the Marquis shall be found serious in
proposing such a measure." Sir Duncan Campbell assented by a bow.

"My Lord of Menteith," continued Montrose, "will you have the goodness
to attend Sir Duncan Campbell of Ardenvohr, while we determine who shall
return with him to his Chief? M'Aulay will permit us to request that he
be entertained with suitable hospitality."

"I will give orders for that," said Allan M'Aulay, rising and coming
forward. "I love Sir Duncan Campbell; we have been joint sufferers in
former days, and I do not forget it now."

"My Lord of Menteith," said Sir Duncan Campbell, "I am grieved to
see you, at your early age, engaged in such desperate and rebellious
courses."

"I am young," answered Menteith, "yet old enough to distinguish between
right and wrong, between loyalty and rebellion; and the sooner a good
course is begun, the longer and the better have I a chance of running
it."

"And you too, my friend, Allan M'Aulay," said Sir Duncan, taking his
hand, "must we also call each other enemies, that have been so often
allied against a common foe?" Then turning round to the meeting, he
said, "Farewell, gentlemen; there are so many of you to whom I wish
well, that your rejection of all terms of mediation gives me deep
affliction. May Heaven," he said, looking upwards, "judge between our
motives, and those of the movers of this civil commotion!"

"Amen," said Montrose; "to that tribunal we all submit us."

Sir Duncan Campbell left the hall, accompanied by Allan M'Aulay and Lord
Menteith. "There goes a true-bred Campbell," said Montrose,