old
ministers, who had been put out of their kirks and manses at the coming
of the King. Many even set themselves to resist the King in open battle
rather than obey him in the matter of their consciences. It was only in
this that they were rebellious, for many of them had been active in
bringing him again to the throne.

Among those who thus went out to fight were William Gordon and his son
Alexander. William Gordon was a grave, courteous, and venerable man, and
his estate was one of the best in all the province of Galloway. Like
nearly all the lairds in the south and west he was strongly of the
Presbyterian party, and resolved to give up life and lands rather than
his principles. Now the King was doubtless ill-advised, and his
councillors did not take the kindly or the wise way with the people at
this time; for a host of wild Highlanders had been turned into the land,
who plundered in cotter's hut and laird's hall without much distinction
between those that stood for the Covenants and those that held for the
King. So in the year 1679 Galloway was very hot and angry, and many were
ready to fight the King's forces wherever they could be met with.

So, hearing news of a revolt in the West, William Gordon rode away,
with many good riders at his back, to take his place in the ranks of the
rebels. His son Alexander, whose story we are to tell, was there before
him. The Covenanting army had gained one success in Drumclog, which gave
them some hope, but at Bothwell Bridge their forces were utterly broken,
largely through their own quarrels, by the Duke of Monmouth and the
disciplined troops of the Government.

Alexander Gordon had to flee from the field of Bothwell. He came home to
Earlstoun alone, for his father had been met about six miles from the
battle-field by a troop of horse, and as he refused to surrender, he was
slain there and buried in the parish of Glassford.

Immediately after Bothwell, Alexander Gordon was compelled to go into
hiding with a price upon his head. Unlike his father, he was very
ready-witted, free with his tongue, even boisterous upon occasion, and
of very great bodily strength. These qualities stood him in good stead
during the long period of his wandering and when lying in concealment
among the hills.

The day after Bothwell he was passing through the town of Hamilton, when
he was recognised by an old retainer of the family.

'Save us, Maister Alexander,' said the man, who remembered the anc