uncertain and precarious. Arms, more than laws, prevailed; and
courage, preferably to equity or justice, was the virtue most valued
and respected. The nobility, in whom the whole power resided, were so
connected by hereditary alliances, or so divided by inveterate enmities,
that it was impossible, without employing an armed force, either to
punish the most flagrant guilt, or give security to the most entire
innocence. Rapine and violence, when exercised on a hostile tribe,
instead of making a person odious among his own clan, rather recommended
him to their esteem and approbation; and by rendering him useful to the
chieftain, entitled him to a preference above his fellows. And though
the necessity of mutual support served as a close cement of amity among
those of the same kindred, the spirit of revenge against enemies, and
the desire of prosecuting the deadly feuds, (so they were called,) still
appeared to be passions the most predominant among that uncultivated
people.

The persons to whom Albany, on his arrival, first Applied for
information with regard to the state of the country, happened to be
inveterate enemies of Hume;[*] and they represented that powerful
nobleman as the chief source of public disorders, and the great obstacle
to the execution of the law; and the administration of justice. Before
the authority of the magistrate could be established, it was necessary,
they said, to make an example of this great offender; and, by the terror
of his punishment, teach all lesser criminals to pay respect to the
power of their sovereign. Albany, moved by these reasons, was induced
to forget Hume's past services, to which he had in a great measure
been indebted for the regency; and he no longer bore towards him that
favorable countenance with which he was wont to receive him. Hume
perceived the alteration, and was incited, both by regard to his own
safety and from motives of revenge, to take measures in opposition
to the regent. He applied himself to Angus and the queen dowager, and
represented to them the danger to which the infant prince was exposed
from the ambition of Albany, next heir to the crown, to whom the states
had imprudently intrusted the whole authority of government. By his
persuasion Margaret formed the design of carrying off the young king,
and putting him under the protection of her brother; and when that
conspiracy was detected, she herself, attended by Hume and Angus,
withdrew into England, where sh