At length matters came to such a
pass, that the Baron threatened to charge the Mac-Ivors unless they
resumed their ranks, and many of them, in return, presented their
fire-arms at him and the other troopers. The confusion was privately
fostered by old Ballenkeiroch, who made no doubt that his own day
of vengeance was arrived, when, behold! a cry arose of 'Room! make
way!--PLACE A MONSEIGNEUR! PLACE A MONSEIGNEUR!' This announced the
approach of the Prince, who came up with a party of Fitz-James's foreign
dragoons that acted as his bodyguard. His arrival produced some degree
of order. The Highlanders re-assumed their ranks, the cavalry fell in
and formed squadron, and the Baron and Chieftain were silent.
The Prince called them and Waverley before him. Having heard the
original cause of the quarrel through the villany of Callum Beg, he
ordered him into custody of the provost-marshal for immediate execution,
in the event of his surviving the chastisement inflicted by his
Chieftain. Fergus, however, in a tone betwixt claiming a right and
asking a favour, requested he might be left to his disposal, and
promised his punishment should be exemplary.
Pages:
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613