gainst the person of the Primate. It would appear,
however, from the depositions taken shortly after the murder, that the
deed had been long premeditated, and that three days previously some
of the assassins had met at a house in Ceres and concerted their
plans. The incumbent of Ceres, the Rev. Alexander Leslie, was also to
have been made a victim if found in company with the Prelate.

Fortunately for himself, Carmichael eluded their search, but towards
evening the carriage of the Archbishop was seen approaching the waste
ground near St Andrews, which is still known by the name of Magus
Muir. A hurried council was then held. Hackstoun, probably from some
remnant of compunction, declined to take the lead; but Balfour, whose
bloodthirsty disposition was noted even in those unhappy times,
assumed the command, and called upon the others to follow him. The
consummation of the tragedy can best be told in the words of the
historian already quoted.

"When the Primate's servants saw their master followed by a band of
men on horseback, they drove rapidly, but they were overtaken on the
muir about three miles west of St Andrews; the murderers having
previously satisfied themselves, by asking a female domestic of the
neighbouring farmer, who refused to inform them himself, that it was
really the Archbishop's coach.

"Russell first came up, and recognised the Primate sitting with his
daughter. The Archbishop looked out of the coach, and Russell cast his
cloak from him, exclaiming,--'Judas, be taken!' The Primate ordered
the postilion to drive, at which Russell fired at the man, and called
to his associates to join him. With the exception of Hackstoun, they
threw off their cloaks, and continued firing at the coach for nearly
half a mile. A domestic of the Archbishop presented a carbine, but was
seized by the neck, and it was pulled out of his hands. One of the
assassins outrun the coach, and struck one of the horses on the head
with a sword. The postilion was ordered to stop, and for refusing he
was cut on the face and ankle. They soon rendered it impossible to
proceed further with the coach. Disregarding the screams, entreaties,
and tears of his daughter, a pistol was discharged at the Primate
beneath his left arm, and the young lady was seen removing the smoking
combustibles from her father's black gown. Another shot was fired,
and James Russell seized a sword from one of his associates,
dismounted, and at the coach-door called