PopularTalesoftheWestHighlands 10253342

P O P U LA R .
TA L E S
OF
HE W E S T HI GHLA N D
O R A L LY C O L L E C T E D
!
M ith
’
21 E r an g l nt i o n
“
BY THE LATE J . F . CA MPBELL
N EW E D I T I ON
Un de r t /z c (I n s p i res of l , e !l
s ay A sso c i a t i o n
V O LU M E I L .
A LE X A N DE R GA R D N E R
iau b l is b n t o alt er fil a irs l y
’
th e Qh u r m
I A I S LE Y ; A N D P AT E R N O S T E R SQ U A R E L ON D O N
‘
’
,
1 890
vi C o N TE N Ts
XVII T H E C H E S T
. M rs . M a c Ge a c h y .
G a l ic e
J o h n Mac ki nn o n s t ab l e ,
-
boy
X I X T H E I N H ERI T A N CE
. .. D o n al d Mac i n ty r e ,
XX T H E TH REE W I S E M E N
.
D o na l d M acP h ie ,
S . U i st
XX I A PU Z Z LE
. K e nn e th M a c Le n n a n
G ae l ic
XX II T H E K N I G H T OF R I D
. J o h n M a ck e n zi e , fish e rman
D LE S .
G a e l ic
N otes .
XX III T H E B U RG H
. Ale x . M D o n a l d , t e nan t , a n
‘
o th e rs .
G ael i c
XX I V T H E TUL M AN
. Do .
G a e li c
XXV T H E I S LE OF P A BA I D H
. Do .
G ae li c
XXV I S AN N TR A I GH
. Do .
G a e li c
XXV II C A I LL I A C H
. MH OR W . R oss , st alk e r
C HLI B H R I C H .
XXV III T H E SM I TH AN D THE

.
F A I RI E S .
Tw e n ty n i n e F a i r y
-
V a ri o us sou rc e s
XX I X T H E FI N E
. . A l e x M D o n a l d, e t c
.
‘
Ga el i c
II o t e s
XXX TH E T W O S H EP H ER D S
.
G ae l i c
2 . Bi g Bl ac k J oh n
3 . Th e R e d Book An old car t e r J oh n
,
C ON T E N T S . vii
P L AC E . C O LL E CTOR . PA G E
A p r il 1 8 5 9 I sl ay A rgyll
, . H e c to r M a c Le a n
B r o a d f o rcl I Sky e J F C
. .
S e pt 6
.
,
1 85 9 Ben b e cu l a
Do . Do . Do .
S e pt 1 860
.
J ul y 1 85 9 Tu rn a i d , R oss H e c to r U rq uh ar t
Ap ri l 1 85 9 Do .
J uly 1 85 9 B arra He c t o r M a c Le a n an d
S e pt 1 8 60
.
Do . Do . Do .
Do . Do . Do .
Do . Do .
S u th e rl an d
R ev T. . P a tti so n .
V ar i ous p ar ts of S c ot D i ff e r e n t C o ll e c to r s
l an d .
J uly 1 85 9 Barra H e c to r Mac l e an
Do . Do .
A m e mb e r of t h e
Ossi an i c S o c i e ty .
A r dk i n gl a s H e c to r Urdu h a r t
NAM E . T OL D BY
4 . H ow t h e Book w a s got An old car t e r J oh n

,
5 . H e a dl e ss T r u n k A d anc i n g ma st e r
6 . Th e Ba u c h a u Do .
7 . Th e H e r ds ma n . J oh ann a M a c C im m o n
r
8 . U i st e a n M o r an d t h e E ar l J oh n C am p b e ll
of A n t r i m s Da ughte r .
’
9 . D o an d t h e Go a t
. Do .
10 S . am e S to r y A l e x M D o na ld
.
‘
XXX I OS E AN
. A FT E R THE
F E EN .
2 . S am e S to r y M a c D o n a l d, tink e r
3 . Do . S e v e ra l m e n
4 . Th e L a st of t h e Gi an t s A g am e k e e p e r
5 . Do . H ugh M a c Co l l g ar d e n e r
,
XXX II B A R R A W I D OW
.
’
S S ON A l e xan d e r M a c N e i l l , t en ani
G ae l i c
XXX III T H E Q U E E N W H O
. M r s M a c Ta v i s h
.
S OU G H T A D R I N K F R OM
A C E R T A I N W E LL .
G ae l i c
Iq o t e s
XXX I V T H E OR I G I N OF L OC H Tho ma s M a c D o n a l d g am e
.
,
NESS . ke ep e r .
XXXV . CON A LL A l e xan d e r M a c N e il l , t e nan

an d fish e rman
G a e li c
I Vo t e s
XXXV I M A GH A CH
. A l e xan d e r M a c N e il l
G a e li c
XXXV II B R OLA CH A N
. W idow C a l d e r
1 0 S to r i e s V ar ious sou rc e s
.
XXXV III M U R A CHA D H

. MAC D o nal d S h a w old soldi e r
,
BR I AN .
G a e li c
II o t e s
D ATE . P L A CE . CO LLE CT OR . PAGE
1 8 60 A r d ki n gl a s H e c to r U rq u h ar t 99
Do . K il b rr
e y J oh n C m pb l l E s q
a e , . 1 01
of K i l b e rry .
Do . Do . Do . 1 03
A u g 1 85 9
. B e rn er a y H e c to r M a c L e a n 1 05
1 85 9 S t r a t h ga i r l o c h H e c to r U rq uh ar t 1 09
Do . Do . Do . 1 10
Do . I n v e ra sd a l e 1 12
A ug 1 85 9
. B arra H e c to r M a c Le an 1 13
1 16
I n v e rar y J F
. . C 1 17
S outh U i st 1 18
S uth e r l an d 1 18
A r d ki n gl a s H . M a c Co l l 12 0
Ce ann Ta n g v a l , B arra H e c to r M a c Le a n 12 1
1 32
I sl a y Mr s . 1 40
1 43
1 44
D u nr o b i n ,
S uth e r l an d J F C
. . 1 47
Barra H e c to r M a c Le a n I 48
1 67
1 79
Do . Do . 181
1 92
1 99
S uth e r l an d 2 03
S u th e r l an d , I sl a y , etc. C . D . et c. 2 04
I sl a y H e c to r M a c Le a n 2 09
2 20
229
CON T E N T S .
NA M E . T OLD BY
XXX I X T H E T HR E E W
. I D O\V S H e c to r Boy d fish e rman
,
G lic ae
2 B i bi n R o b i n e t c
. , . D o na ld M a c Le a n ,
3 . B r i an B i a ga c h
r Mar g are t Mac ki nn o n
4 . B o b b a u I u r ra c h
Iqo t e s
XL T H E SON OF T H E S COT D o nal d M a c Le a n

.
T I S H Y E OM A N .
G ae l i c
2 Th e C l e v e r Th i e f
. D o na l d M a c C r a W d r ov e r ,
3 Th e C l e v e r Th i e f
.
(P)
4 Th e B ig W e a v e r
. A l e xan d e r
5 .
I I o t es I
XLI .TH E W I OV A N D
D V
H E R Mr s . M a c Ge a c h y , I s l a y
D AU G H TE RS .
XL II . T H E T A LE OF T H E J oh n M a c Do n al d t ra v e l l i n g ,
S OL D I ER . ti n ke r .
G ae li c
XL III . T H E SH A RP G R E Y J oh n D e w ar
S H EE P .
Gae l i c
Iqo t e s
XL I V T H E VV I D OW
.
’
S D o na ld M a c P h ie an d D o na l d
M a c Cr a w .
XLV . M A C A R USGA I CH
- ~
J oh n D e w ar
Gae l i c
N ot e s an d R e f e r e nc e s
XLV I . MAC I AI N DI R E A CH A n gu s C am p b e ll q u arry man

,
XL V I I . FEA R A C H U R LE IGH ,
S to r i e s ab out S e r p e n ts ,
etc . V ar ious sou rc e s
XL V II I SGI R E M O CH E A L A G
. J oh n C am p b e l l
XL I X . CA T AN D M OUS E H e c to r M a c Le a n
C ON T E N TS . xi
PLACE . C O LL E C T OR . P AG E
A ug . 1 85 9 Barra H e c to r M a c Le a n 2 32
2 39
ML
H
R e v Mr. .
'
au ch 2 43
Ia n .
Bern eray H e c to r M a c Le a n 2 47
A r g yllsh i r e J oh n D e w ar 2 49
2 50
R ev . Mr . M La u c h
‘
l an .
'
859 a iid 1 860 N o r th U ist J F

. . C
S uth e r l an d
I sl a y H e c to r M a cLe a n
B en b e c u l a J F
. .
I sl a y H e c to r
I n v e rar y H e c to r U rq uh ar t 2 90
2 95
Gl e n d ar u a i l J D e w ar
. 300
3 03
3 06
S o u th U i st J F
. . C . 307
A p r i l 1 86 0 Cl ac h a i g J D e w ar
. 31 8
3 33
3 41
R os n e a th DO . 344
S uth e rl an d C . D . 37 7
38 0
G a i r lo c h H e c to r U rq uh ar t 38 8
I sl a y H e c to r M a c Le a n . 404
C (J N T E N TS .
NA M E . TO LD BY
L T HR E E
. Br oth e r s M a c Cr a w
A lot Of R iddl e s V ar ious sou rc e s
LI . G R UA GA C H B AN A l e x M a c N e il l
.
,
N ote s , e tc
LI I . K N I G H T OF T H E RE D J oh n l ab ou r e r
M a c Gi l v r a y , ,
S H I E LD . Colo n s a y an d A l e xan d e r
,
C am p b e ll f arm e r I sl a y
, ,
.
G a e li c
2 . N ot e s ,
A b st rac ts ,
e tc
F o r i n t e r v e n i n g S to r i e s ,
se e
XV II a b c d .
, , , ,
in
V olu m e I .
L V II T H E T A I L
. J oh n C am p b e ll p i p e r an d
, ,
oth e r s l a te ly .
CO N T EN T S . x iii
DA T E . P L AC E . PM : E
185 9 N o r th U i st ,
B r oth e r s M a c C ra w” 4 01}
V ar i ous 4 07
Ba ra
r ,
A le x Ma c N e i l l
.
4 40
449
45 1
470
48 8
J F
. . C am pb e ll ,
49 4
P OP U L A R TA L E S
OF
T HE W E S T H I G H L A N D S .
XV III .
THE C H ES T .
F ro m M r s M a c Ge a c h y , I sl a y .
EFOR E this th e r e w a s a ki n g a n d h e wish e d t o se e

,
his s o n with a wif e b e f o r e sh e sh o uld d e pa r t H is .
so n said h e had b e tt e r g o f o r a wif e

3 a n d h e gav e hi m
half a hu n d r e d p o u n ds t o ge t h e r He w e n t f o r wa r d
.
i n t o a h o st e l r y t o stay i n it He W e n t d o w n t o a
.
c ha mb e r with a g o o d fir e i n f r o n t Of hi m 3 a n d wh e n h e
had g o tt e n m e at t h e m a n Of t h e h o us e w e n t d o w n t o
,
talk t o hi m He t o ld t h e m a n Of t h e h o us e t h e j o u rn e y
.
o n whi c h h e was Th e m a n Of t h e h o us e t o ld hi m h e
.
n e e d n o t gO fu r th e r 3 tha t th e r e was a littl e h o us e

Opp o sit e t o his sl e e pi n g c ha mb e r 3 that t h e m a n o f t h e
h o us e had t h r e e fin e daught e r s 3 a n d if h e w o uld sta n d

i n t h e wi n d o w o f his c hamb e r i n t h e m o rn i n g that h e
,
w o uld se e o n e aft e r a n o th e r c o m i n g t o d r e ss h e r s e lf .
That th e y w e r e all lik e e a c h o th e r an d that h e c o uld

,
n o t disti n guish o n e f r o m t h e o th e r b ut that t h e e ld e st

,
10 W ES T H IG H LAND T ALES .
had a m o l e That m a n y w e r e g o i n g t o ask fo r th e m

. ,
b ut that n o n e go t th e m b e c aus e wh o e v e r wish e d fo r

,
o ne ,
m ust t e l l wh e th e r t h e o n e h e lik e d b e st was
y o u n g e r o r Old e r ; a n d if h e m ad e h e r o ut that sh e ,
w o uld c o st hi m a hu n d r e d p o u n ds I hav e b ut half a .
”
hu n d r e d said t h e ki n g s s o n ’
I will giv e th e e
.
“
.
”
,
a n o th e r half hu n d r e d said t h e m a n Of t h e h o us e if
, ,
“
th o u wilt pay m e at t h e e n d Of a day a n d a y e a r ; a n d

if th o u d o st n o t pay m e a st r ip Of ski n shall c o m e f r o m
”
,
t h e t o p Of thy h e ad t o t h e s o l e Of thy f oo t .
O n t h e m o rr o w wh e n h e r o s e b e w e n t t o t h e wi n
'
d o w ; h e sa w t h e gi r ls c o m i n g to d r e ss th e m s e lv e s 3
a n d aft e r m e at i n t h e m o rn i n g h e w e n t o v e r t o t h e,
h o us e Of th e i r fath e r W h e n h e w e n t i n h e was tak e n

.
d o w n t o a Chamb e r a n d t h e m a n Of t h e h o us e w e n t
,
d o w n t o talk t o hi m He t o l d t h e j o u rn e y o n
.
whi c h h e was a n d h e said t o hi m

, Th e y t e ll ,
“
m e that th o u hast th r e e fin e daught e r s

” I hav e that .
“
sam e b u t I a m af r aid that it is n o t th o u wh o wilt b uy

”
,
th e m . I will giv e t h e m a t r ial at all e v e n ts said

“ ”
, ,
he . Th e th r e e w e r e s e n t d o w n b e f o r e hi m a n d it w a s ,
said t o hi m W h e th e r sh e t h e o n e h e l ike d b e st was

“
”
, ' ,
t h e e ld e r o r y o u n g e r H e th o ught h e w o uld tak e t h e

.
On e with t h e m o l e b e c aus e h e k n e w sh e w a s t h e e ld e st
, .
S h e th e n w a s m u c h pl e as e d that it was sh e h e r s e lf h e
wa s for He ask e d h e r fath e r h o w m u c h sh e w o uld
.
b e a n d h e r fath e r said sh e w o uld b e a hu n d r e d p o u n ds

, .
He b o ught h e r a n d h e t oo k h e r t o t h e h o us e Of his
,
fath e r a n d th e y m a rr i e d
, S h o r tly aft e r th e y m a rr i e d
.
h i s fath e r d e pa r t e d .
A day o r t w o aft e r t h e d e ath Of t h e Ol d ki n g t h e ,
y o u n g ki n g w a s o u t hu n ti n g ; h e saw a g r e at shi p
c o m i n g i n t o t h e st r a n d ; h e w e n t d o w n t o ask t h e
c aptai n what h e had o n b o a r d Th e c aptai n said .
,
THE C H E sT. 11
“
That h e had a c a r g o o f silk ” Th o u m ust said ”.
“
,
he “
giv e m e a go w n o f t h e b e st silk th o u hast f o r m y
” ” !
,
wif e . In d e e d
“
said t h e c aptai n th o u m us t hav e ,
“
a n e xc e e di n gly g o o d wif e wh e n t h o u m ust hav e a g o w n
O f t h e b e st silk I hav e o n I hav e that ” “

,
said t h e ki n g a wife m a n y o f wh o s e e q uals a r e n o t

“
”
,
t o b e go t ” W ilt th o u lay a wag e r said t h e c aptai n

.
“
, ,
“
that with all h e r g oo d n e ss I will n o t ge t l e av e t o
e n t e r thy c ha mb e r ?
” 1 will l a v a wag e r a n ythi n g
“
”
,
th o u d e si r e dst that th o u wilt n o t W hat wag e r .

“
”
,
wilt th o u lay ? said t h e c aptai n I will pu t t h e .

“
”
h e i r ship i n pl e dg e said t h e ki n g S aid t h e captai n : .
,
“
I will put all t h e silk i n ship i n pl e dg e t o th e e that
I will ” Th e c aptai n c a m e o n sh o r e a n d t h e ki n g w e n t
.
o n b oar d .
Th e c aptai n w e n t wh e r e t h e h e n wif e w a s t o t r y if -
,
s h e c o uld m ak e a n y way t o ge t i n with t o ki n g s ’
c ha mb e r that n ight Th e h e n wif e th o ught a whil e

.
-
a n d sh e said That sh e did n o t thi n k that th e r e was

“
an
y w a
y that w o uld su cc e e d T h e c aptai n r o s e h e r e
!
,
a n d h e was go i n g S t o p th o u
.
” “
said sh e I hav e “
,
th o ught o n a way : h e r m aid s e r va n t a n d I a r e w e ll

with e a c h o t h e r 3 I will sa y t o h e r that I hav e go t w o r d
f r o m a sist e r o f m i n e that I will s c a rc e fi n d h e r aliv e 3
’
I w ill sa y t o t h e ki n g s wif e tha t I m ust go t o s e e m y
'
sist e r 3 that I ha v e a b ig kist Of g oo d w o r th a n d I , ,
sh o uld lik e if sh e w o uld o blige m e a n d l e t it i n t o h e r

o w n sl e e pi n g C ha mb e r till I c o m e b a c k
” Sh e we n t .
wh e r e t h e q u e e n was sh e ask e d h e r this a n d sh e go t

, ,
l e av e . H e r e t h e c ap ta i n was put i n t o t h e kist a n d ,

’
t h e ki n g s gilli e s w e r e gath e r e d a n d t h e kist put i n ,
’
t h e c ha mb e r Th e ki n g s wif e w a s withi n b y h e r s e lf
.
w e a ryi n g f o r t h e ki n g was n o t c o m i n g h o m e A t last

,
.
sh e w e n t t o b e d 3 wh e n sh e was g o i n g t o b e d sh e put a
12 WES T H IG H LAND T ALES .
g o ld r i n g that was o n h e r fi n g e r a n d a g o ld c hai n that

,
w a s a b o ut h e r n e c k o n a b o a r d that w a s Opp o sit e t o

,
t he b ed . W h e n t h e m a n w h o was i n t h e kist th o ught

that sh e had ti m e t o b e asl e e p h e r o s e a n d h e t oo k
,
with hi m t h e c hai n a n d t h e r i n g a n d h e w e n t i n t o t h e
,
kist agai n A t t h e m o uth o f day c am e t h e h e n wif e t o

.
-
ask fo r t h e kist ; t h e gilli e s w e r e gath e r e d a n d t h e kist ,
was tak e n d o w n W h e n e v e ry o n e w e n t f ro m t h e
.
h o us e as s oo n as h e c o uld t h e c aptai n r o s e a n d h e w e n t
, ,
d o w n t o t h e ship 3 h e sh oo k t h e c hai n a n d t h e r i n g
at t h e ki n g Th e n t h e ki n g th o ught that t h e c aptai n
.
had b e e n w ith his wif e o r that h e c o uld n o t hav e t h e

,
c hai n a n d r i n g He said t o t h e c aptai n

. W o u ld “
”
,
h e put hi m o v e r t o t h e o th e r sid e o f t h e l o c h 2 Th e
c aptai n said That h e w o uld
“ ” W h e n t h e c aptai n
.
,
go t h i m o v e r h e r e tu rn e d hi m s e lf a n d h e w e n t t o dw e ll
.
,
’
i n t h e ki n g s h o us e Th e n t h e ki n g s wif e did n o t
.
’
k n o w what t o d o with h e r s e lf f o r that t h e ki n g h a d

,
n o t c o m e h o m e S h e w e n t that d a y a n d sh e d r e ss e d
.
’
h e r s e lf i n m a n s c l o th e s a n d sh e w e n t d o w n t o t h e
,
st r an d ; sh e m e t with a b o at a n d sh e said t o th e m
”
, ,
“
W o uld th e y put h e r o v e r o n t h e o th e r sid e ?
Th e y put h e r o v e r a n d sh e w e n t o n f o r wa r d ti ll
,
s h e r e a c h e d t h e h o us e Of a g e n tl e m a n
3 sh e st r u c k i n
t h e d oo r a n d t h e m aid s e r va n t c a m e d o w n
, Sh e .
said t o h e r D id sh e k n o w if h e r m ast e r wa n t e d a
,
“
stab l e gilli e fl Th e m aid s e r va n t said That sh e did “
”
,
n o t k n o w b u t th at sh e w o uld a sk
, Th e m aid s e r va n t
.
w e n t a n d sh e ask e d h e r m a st e r if h e wa n t e d a stab l e
gilli e
. He said He did ; ”
“
a n d h e ask e d that h e
,
sh o uld c o m e i n 3 h e e n gage d h e r an d sh e stay e d w o r k

,
i n g ab o ut t h e stab l e Th e r e was a h e r d Of wild b e asts

.
c o m i n g e v e ry n ight a n d g o i n g i n t o a n e m pty b a rn
,
that t h e ge n tl e m a n had 3 a wild ma n aft e r th e m a n d ,

TH E C H E sT. 13
h is fa c e c o v e r e d with b e a r d Sh e k e pt aski n g h e r
.
m ast e r t o s e n d a m a n with h e r a n d that th e y w o uld ,
Cat c h hi m He r m ast e r said

. That h e w o uld n o t 3
,
“
that th e y had n o b usi n e ss w ith th e m a n d that h e had

n o t d o n e a n y ha rm t o th e m
” S h e w e n t o u t o n e n ight
.
b y h e r s e lf a n d sh e st o l e with h e r t h e ke y o f t h e b a r n
,
d oo r ; sh e lay hid i n a h o l e till t h e wild m a n a n d t h e

b e asts w e n t i n 3 sh e t o o k with h e r t h e gilli e s a n d th e y ,
c aught t h e wild m a n T h e y br o ught hi m i n a n d th e y

.
t o o k o ff his b e ar d 3 wh e n t h e b e a r d c a m e Off hi m sh e
k n e w hi m b ut sh e t oo k n o n o ti c e 3 a n d h e did n o t
,
k n o w h e r On t h e m o rr o w h e was ab o ut t o g o b ut
.
,
sh e sp o k e t o h e r m ast e r t o k e e p hi m ; that t h e w o r k
was t o o h e avy o n h e r a n d that sh e n e e d e d h e lp He r

,
.
m ast e r o r d e r e d h e r t o k e e p hi m S h e k e pt hi m with .
h e r a n d h e hi m s e lf a n d sh e w e r e c l e a n i n g t h e stab l e
,
.
A sh o r t ti m e aft e r this sh e sp o k e t o h e r m ast e r f o r

l e av e t o g o h o m e o n a t r ip t o se e h e r f r i e n ds He r .
m ast e r gav e h e r l e av e S h e said sh e w o uld lik e w e ll

.
t o hav e h e r gilli e with h e r a n d t h e tw o b e st h o r s e s that

,
w e r e i n t h e stab l e .
W h e n th e y w e n t sh e w a s q u e sti o n i n g hi m b y t h e
,
way what had m ad e hi m g o with th e s e wild b e asts 3 o r

what h e was at b e f o r e t h e day He w o uld n o t t e ll .
h e r a n ythi n g Th e y w e n t o n fo e a r d till th e y c a m e
.
t o t h e h o st e l ry wh e r e h e had go t t h e half hu n d r e d
p o u n ds W h e n sh e s e t h e r fa c e d o w n t o t h e h o us e
.
,
h e r e fus e d t o g o i n t o it S h e said t o hi m
. D id h e “
”
,
d o a n ythi n g w r o n g as h e was r e fusi n g t o go i n t o it

, .
He sai d T hat h e had g o t half a hu n d r e d p o u n ds

“
”
,
from t h e man o f t h e h o u s e Sh e said t o hi m

. H ad ,
“
”
h e paid th e m 3 a n d h e said That h e had n o t paid
“
, ,
a n d that a s t r ip o f ski n was t o c o m e f r o m t h e t o p o f

his h e ad t o t h e s o l e o f his f o o t if it was n o t paid at,
14 WES T H IG H LAND TALES .
” S h e said
t h e e n d Of a day a n d a y e a r I t w o ul d “
.
,
b e w e ll d e s e r v e d ; b ut that sh e w a s g o i n g t o stay t h e
n ight i n t h e h o st el r y a n d that sh e m ust g o d o w n ” .
,
'
S h e ask e d hi m t o put t h e h o r s e s i n t o t h e stab l e a n d ,
th e y w e n t i n t o t h e h o ste l r y He was sta n di n g i n t h e

.
d o o r o f t h e stab l e a n d his h e ad was b e n t Th e m a n

,
.
o f t h e h o us e c a m e o u t a n d h e sa w hi m M y b ig .
“
”
,
gilli e I hav e th e e h e r e said t h e m a n o f t h e h o us e ;

'
” ”
, ,
“
a r t th o u g o i n g t o pay m e t o day ? I am n o t -
“
,
said h e Th e n h e w e n t i n a n d th e y w e r e g o i n g t o
.
,
b e gi n t o c ut t h e str ip Of ski n Sh e h e a r d t h e n o is e .
,
a n d sh e ask e d w h at th e y w e r e g o i n g t o d o t o h e r
gilli e Th e y said Th e y w e r e g o i n g t o c ut a st r ip Of
”
.
,
ski n o ff hi m f r o m his cr o w n t o his s o l e I f that .

“
”
was t o b e d o n e said sh e h e was n o t t o l o s e a
“
, ,
d r o p o f bl oo d ; s e n d up h e r e a w eb Of li n e n l e t h i m ,
sta n d o n it a n d if a d r o p o f b l oo d c o m e s o ut o f hi m
”
, ,
a n o th e r st r ip o f S ki n shal l c o m e O ff th e e H e re .
th e r e w a s n o thi n g fo r it b ut t o l e t hi m go 3 th e y
c o ul d n o t m ak e a n ythi n g Of it E a r l y o n t h e m o rr o w
.
Sh e t oo k hi m o v e r with h e r t o t h e h o us e Of h e r fath e r .
I f h e w a s agai n st g o i n g t o t h e h o st e l r y t h e n ight
b e f o r e h e w a s s e v e n ti m e s as m u c h wh e n g o i n g t o
,
’
h e r fath e r s h o us e D idst t h o u d o ha rm h e r e t oo
.
“
”
,
as th o u a r t agai n st go i n g i n ? I g o t a wif e h e r e “
su c h a ti m e si nc e ” W hat c a m e o f h e r ?
“ ” I don t “ ’
”
.
know . N O w o n d e r what e v e r happ e n s t o th e e th o u

”
,
hast o n l y t o put up with all that c o m e s thy w a y .
W h e n h e r fath e r sa w hi m h e said I hav e th e e h e r e

” ”
,
Wh e r e is thy wif e ? I d o n t k n o w wh e r e sh e i s
’
“
.
W hat didst th o u t o h e r said h e r fath e r He c o uld .
n o t t e ll what h e had d o n e t o h e r N o w th e r e w a s .
n o thi n g t o b e d o n e b ut t o ha n g hi m t o a t r e e Th e r e ,
.
w a s t o b e a g r e at day ab o u t t h e ha n gi n g a n d a g r e at ,
TH E C H EST . 15
m a n y ge n tl e m e n w e r e t o c o m e t o s e e it Sh e ask e d .
h e r fath e r what th e y w e r e g o i n g t o d o t o h e r gilli e .
Her fath e r said That th ey w e r e g o i n g t o han g hi m 3

,
“
h e b o ught a wif e f r o m m e a n d h e d o e s n o t k n o w what

”
,
has happ e n e d t o h er Sh e w e n t o u t t o se e t h e g e n tl e s
.
c o m i n g i n t o t h e t o w n ; sh e ask e d o f t h e o n e Of t h e
fi n e st h o r s e what was his w o r th F iv e s c o r e
” sai d
.
“
”
, ,
’
he . Th o u gh h e w e r e five hu n d r e ds h e s m i n e said , ,
Sh e S h e t o ld h e r s e r va n t t o put a sh o t i n t h e h o r s e
. .
S h e ask e d h e r fath e r if h e had paid f o r his wif e He

”
.
said h e had paid I f h e paid said sh e th o u hast

.
“
, ,
“
n o b usi n e ss with hi m h e m ight d o W hat h e l ik e d with

,
h e r 3 I b o ught t h e fi n e st h o r s e that c a m e i n t o t h e t o w n
t o day 3 I m ad e m y gilli e put a sh o t i n hi m a n d wh o
-
”
,
da r e s t o say that it is i l l H e r e th e r e was n o thi n g t o

.
b e d o n e b ut t o l e t hi m l oo s e Th e y c o u l d d o n o thi n g
.
t o hi m b e c aus e h e had b o ught h er .
H e r e sh e w e n t i n t o h e r fath e r s h o us e a n d sh e
‘
t o ld o n e o f h e r sist e r s t o giv e h e r a g o w n W hat “
”
.
a r t th o u g o i n g t o d o with a g o w n ? said sh e N e ve r “
’
m i n d if I sp o il it I ll pay fo r it ” W h e n sh e put o n
.
,
t h e g o w n h e r fath e r a n d sist e r s k n e w h e r H e r fath e r .
a n d sist e r s t o ld hi m that it was sh e was with h i m ,
a n d h e did n o t b e li e v e th e m S h e put o ff t h e w o m a n s
.
’
’
c l o th e s a n d put o n t h e m a n s c l o th e s agai n Th e y .
w e n t h e r s e l f a n d h e 3 th e y w e n t o n f o r wa r d ti ll th e y
”
,
w e r e n e ar his o w n Ol d h o us e Now .said sh e w e

“
, ,
“
will stay h e r e t o n ight 3 d o th o u si t at t h e t o p Of t h e

stai r a n d th o u shalt se t d o w n all t h e talk that I a n d t h e
,
m a n Of t h e h o us e will hav e W h e n th e y w e n t i n a n d
sa t sh e a n d t h e m a n o f t h e h o us e b e ga n t o talk t o
”
,
g e th e r I th o ught said sh e t o t h e c aptai n that a

.
“ “
”
, ,
ki n g was dw e ll i n g h e r e ; h o w didst th o u ge t it ? He
w a s that wh o was h e r e b e f o r e 3 b ut I a m thi n ki n g as ,
th o u a r t a st r a n g e r that I m ay t ell th e e h o w I g o t i t ” .
”
,
Th o u m a y e st said s h e
“
I will n o t m ak e a tal e o f “
”
, ,
th e e t h e m att e r d o e s n o t t o u c h m e
,
He t o ld h e r .
e v e r y tu rn h o w t h e h e n wif e had put hi m i n t h e k i st

, ,
a n d t h e r e st o f t h e m att e r t o t h e g o i n g o f t h e ki n g o n ,
t h e m o rr o w .
V e r y e a r ly o n t h e m o rr o w t h e m a n o f t h e h o us e was
g o i n g t o c o ur t : h e said t o h e r That i f sh e was n o t i n “
a hu rr y t o g o away that sh e m ight g o w i th hi m t o ,

” Sh e said sh e w o uld b e willi n g
l ist e n t o t h e c o u r t
“
.
,
a n d Sh e w o uld lik e w ell that h e r gilli e sh o uld b e with

h er
” Sh e w e n t i n t h e c o a c h with t h e c aptai n a n d h e r
.
,
gilli e r o d e aft e r h e r W h e n t h e c o u r t wa s e ve r sh e .
said That sh e had g o t a w o r d o r tw o t o sa y if it w e r e

, ,
t h e i r pl e asu r e t o l e t h e r spe a Th e y said t o h e r

”
,
T o l e t th e m h e a r what sh e had t o sa y
“
S h e said t o .
h er gilli e R is e up a n d giv e th e m t h e pap e r th o u

“
”
,
W h e n th e y r e ad t h e pap e r sh e
'
w r o t est last n ight

. .
”
,
said W hat sh o uld b e d o n e t o that m a n ?

“
H an g “
”
,
hi m if h e w e r e h e r e said th e y .
”
, ,
Th e r e y o u hav e hi m said sh e d o wi th hi m what

“ “
”
, ,
y o u will H e r s elf a n d t h e ki n g g o t b a c k t o th e i r o w n
.
ho us e a n d th e y w e r e as th e y w e r e b e f o r e
, .
U R SGE UL .
B HA r igh ann b h a toi l a ige b e an fh i c i n a fg a m h a c

ro i mh e so ,
’
s a n
ma n si i b h l a dh e Th u i r t e r a m b a e gu m b fh e ar r a dh a f o l b h
’
i
‘
.
’ ’
a i rs o n m a t h a s thug e dh a l e ith c h i a d pu n u d a i r s o n a f a o t a i n n
’
n , .
C h o i s i c h e a i r a gh a idh f a d l a t h a ; s n u r a t h ai n i g an O idh c h e ’
c h a idh e s t i h do thigh Os d a i r so n f a n t a i n ann C h a id h e s i os

’
g n .
do s h e o m b a r s ge a l b h a n ma th a i r a b h e u l t h a o b h s n u r a f h u a i r
,
’ ’
e b h i a d h c h a idh f e ar an t ig h e s i os a c h o m h a d a l r is Dh i nn is
’ ’
n .
e do dh fh e ar an t ig h e an tu ra s a i r an r o b b e Th u i r t f e ar an
’ ’
.
.
U R S GE U L . 17
ti g h e r i s nac h r u ig d h e l e a s dol na b fh a i d e ; g o b h t ig h ea
’
u
’
r
b e a g ma c h o i e m h an t s e o m b a i r c h d a il a ige ; gu r o b b tr i
nn a -
a
g a s d a i g fe ar an t i gh e 3 a g us n a
’ ’
se a a d h e n u i
’
n i gh a e n na e g 11 s nn a
a s h e o m b a i ann s a m h a d a i n g u f i c a dh e t e an d é igh t
r
’
n ,
’
a e e
’
t igh i a l l é i d e a dh f é i n G u o b h i a d a i r f a d c o s m h u i l r
nn
’
-
.
’
r
’
a
’
c h eil e s nac h a i t h n e a c h a d h e ca d ar t e s e a c h t e ; ac h a t e b u
,
’
n
’
shi n e gu r ob b ba ll d erai n u rra Gu r o b h m eran a dol g an i a r

,
’
.
’ ’
r
a idh ac h nac h r o b b gi n ga m fa o t a i n ; a t h o b h g f e m a d h
,
’
n a u
’
u
n e ac h a b h i o d h a i r s o h a o n diu i n s a d h c o d h i u a b i an t e d an n -
n e
’ ’
r o bb t a i t e a c h d i ge b Cig e na b u sh i n e 3 s na n d é a d h e mac h
n a
’ ’ ’ ’
an
i gu n c o s d a d h i dh a c i d pu n ud g m s a c h l i th
’ ’
Ch a
’
e il a a . 11 a e
c h ia d
” u r s a mac an r i gh
,
B h e i m is e d h i t l e i t h c h i a d e il e
”
. r u ,
u r s a f e ar an ti g h e ma ph aigh a thu m i 11 c e ann l a i s b l i a d h n a ; e s

’
”
,
’
s mar am p ai g h thig i a l l O m h u l l a c h do c hi nn g b o nn do c ho i s e u .
N u r a d h é i id h e n l a r m h ai r e a c h c h i d h e g us an u i
’
ei
’ ’
r g na a nn .
Ch n n a ic
u na n igh e n a n a t ig h i a n é id e a d h f i n s dé igh
e a
’
nn
’
e ,
’
an
a b h id h m h a d a i n c h a i d h e n u nn g u t ig h an a t h ar Nu r a
’
sa n .
c h i d h e s t i gh c h a id h a t h o i r t sios do s h e o m b a S c h a id h f e ar an
’
a r,
ti g h e s i os a c h o mh a d a l r is Dh i nn is e tu r us ai r an r o b b e n .
’ ’
n ,
s t h i t e ris Th a i a d a g r adh r i u m gu b h e il t r i n igh e a n

" ’
u r an
”
,
b r é a gh a g a d Th a si n f e i n ag a m ; a c h th a e a g l o rm n ac h ’
“
a
”
.
tus a c h e a n n i c h e a s i a d
’ ” Bh i mi f
a h ai dh i b h u rs
.
“
e r eu c nn a
’
,
e s an C h a i d h an t r i c h i s i os m a c h o i s a r a dh r i s
’
am h
’
. u r nn e , ,
c Oc a a b i t e d an g a b h d h e t a i t n e a c h d an t e b u sh i n e na 11
’ ’ ’ ‘ ’
n a
t e b Ci g e S m a o i n i c h e gu n ga b h a d h e t é a b h a l l d Ora i n 3 O n
’ ’ ’ ’
.
a b h a f h i o s a i ge gu r h i b u shi n e G h b h i s si n to i l i n t i n
-
’
. a e an -
n n
t r gu r h i fé i n a b h a e a i r a sho n Dh f h e O a ic h e d a h a t h ir
’ ’
-
. r - a
c o m h i o d a b h i t h e a dh i s thu i t a h th ai gu m b i o d h i c i d,
’
r a r a
pu n ud C h e a n n a i c h i s thug e l e i s i g u t ig h a th ar s ph os
. e ,
’
,
’
i a d G Oi r i d an dé igh d h a i b h pOs a d h s h i u b h i l t h a i
. a a r.
L a t h a n a d h a n d é i gh b a s a n t s an r ig h b h a n r i gh Og a mac h
’
a -
e ,
a s e a l ga i r e a c h d Ch u a i c e lo n g t r a t i gh i n a s t ig h thu n
’
. nn
’
n
a c h l d ic h C h a i d h sios a d h f h O a i c h d e c h a i b h t i n d e
’
a a . e
’
e r
’
n n
b h a a i ge a i r b O d T h i r t an c a i b h t i g u r o bb l u c h d l d
’ ’
r . u nn s o a.
Fe m a i d h tu
u
” u r s e s an g u t h a n n d e n t si o da s f h a r a t h
’ ’
-
’
e r
’
, ,
ag a d a t h o i t d h Om h sa a i s o n m o m h n a t h
r
” Se dh
” u r s an r a. a
’
,
f m a i d h g u b h e il b e an fh a t h a sa c h m h a t h a g a d s
’
c ai b h t i nn ,
eu u a,
n u r a dh f h e u m a i gu t h a n n d
’
t l o d a is f h e a
s a t h ag am s a e n
’
-
s rr
’
ai r b O d ” r T h a si n a g am
.
”u r s an r igh b e an nac h e il m Or ’ ’
an
” ”
, ,
d a l ith i de a r a f h a o ta i n
’
e n A n c ui r t h
’
ge a l l u r s an n . u ,
’
c a ib h ti n a h n il e m a t h s a t h u rra nac h f h a igh m i s e dol a

n ,
’
-
a
’
,
18 W ES T H I G H LAND T ALES .
l a id h e l e a th a n o c h d Cu i r i d h m i g e al l u i s am b i t h a sh an n t
.
’
”
,
a i c h e a s thu nac h f h a i gh
” D é n g e a l l a c h u i r e a s t n u r s an
2 ’ ‘ ’
”
.
,
C u i r i d h m i n O ig h r e a c h d an g e a l l u r s an r i gh’ ’
c a ib h t i n n
“
.
. ,
U r s an c a i b h t i n n C u i r i dh m is e na b h e il d e sh i od a s an l o n g an
’ ’
”
,
e a l l r i u t s a gu m f a i h an c a i b h t in n ai r t i r s c h a i dh
’
Th i ni
’
g g a g . ,
an r ig h a i r b Or d C h a idh an c a i b h t i n n far an r o b b ca ill e ac h nan

.
c e arc fe nc h an d ea n a dh i d Oi gh s a m b ith a i r f h a o t a i n n a s t igh 1e ’ ’
b e a n an r igh an Oid h c h e s i n Sma o i n t i c h ca ill e ac h nan c e arc .
t acan s t h u i r t i nac h r o b b d uil a i c e g u r o b h dOi gh s a m b ith a

,
’ ’ ’
D h ei r i c h a n c a ib h t i n n an si n 8 b h a e f a l b h
’ ’
d h é a n a dh fe u m
’
. .
”
,
S t ad o r t ” u rs i se s m ao i n tic h mi a i r d Oi gh
’
Th a n .
’
, ,
s e a r b h a n n t a i c e s m i fé i u g u ma th m or
’
Th e i r m i r i th e gu n d .
’ ’
f h u a i r m i fio s O ph i u t h a r d h o m h nac h b e i ri n n b e o u rra Th e i r .
m i r i b e an an r i gh g u f e u m m i f o l b h a d h fh a i c in n m o p h e a t h ar ;
’ ’
r a g am
gu b h e i l c i sd e t g u ma th l u a c h a r a b u m h a t h l e a rn
’
, ,
na n l u gh a sa c h a dh i d h o m h a l e i ge il d a s e o m b a r c a d a i l f é i n gu s
’ ’
-
”
,
an t i ll m i C h a i d h i f ar an r o b b b h a n r i gh i n n 3 d h f h e Ora i c h i
.
’ ’
s o dhi s f h u a ir i c e a d C h a idh an s o an c a i b h t i n n a c h u r a s t i gh
’
.
,
d o nc h i s d e s g il l e a n an r i gh a c h r u i n n e a c h a dh s a c h i s d e c hu r
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
, ,
do n t s e o m b a r Bh a b e an an r igh a st i gh l e a th a féi n s f a d a l
’
-
. ,
’
u rra nac h r o b b an r i g h a t igh in n d a c h a i dh Ma d h e i r e a d h c h a i d h

’
.
i 1 i d h e N u r a b h a i dol a l a i d h e c h o i r i f a i nn e Ci r a b h a a i r a
’
a .
’
m e u r a gus sl a b h r a idh Ci r a b h a ma m u in e al a i r b Ord a b h a ma

,
’
,
c h o i n n e a m h na l e a pa
‘
N u r a s m a o i n t i c h am f e ar a b h a s a c h i sd e
.
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g u r o b h i i i n e a i c e b hi n a ca d a l d h ei r i c h e s thug e l e is an
’ ’ ’ ’
, ,
t sl a h h r a i d h 3 m f a i nn e s c h a idh e s t igh do n c h i s d e a r i t h i s d
’ ’ ’
-
a , .
A m b e ul an l t h a t h ai n i g ca ill e ac h nan c e arc a d h i a r r a i d h a

a
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c isde . na gil l e a n a c h r u i n n e a c h a dh s a c h i sd e t h o i r t a
Ch a idh
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n u a s N u r dh fh o l b h a h n il e d u i n e O n ti g h c ho lu a th sa b u
.
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l e u r dh a d h ei r i c h an c a i b h t in n s d h fh o l b h e s i os thu n n a
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l n i n ge C h a t h e m t sl a b h r a id h s am fa i nn e r i s an r i gh S m a o i n
. r
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.
t i c h an r l gh an s i n g n d f h u a i r an c a i b h t i n n a s t i gh 1e a b h e a
’
u n,
n o nac h b i od h an t s l a b h r a i d h 8 am f a i nn e a i e Th u ir t e r i s a
’ ’
g
-
.
c h a ib h t i n n an c u i re a d h n u nn e g u s an t a o b h e i l e d e n lo c h e
’
.
T h i t an c ib h t in n gu n c u i r e a d h
u r a N u r a f h u a ir an c a ib h t in n .
t h a i i s e thill e f é i n S c h a i d h e c h Om h n idh do th i gh an r i g h
’ ’
r , u .
Bh a b e an a n r i g h an si n 3 g u n fhi o s a i c e d é a d h e a d h i r ith e ’
an
f é i n O nac h d t h ain ig an r i gh d h a c h a id h D h fh o l b h i n l a t h a
,
'
n
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.
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3 dh eid i i f é i n ann an a o d a c h fi r s c h a i d h i s i os th u n a
’
sin
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c h l a da i c h Th a c h i r b a t a u rra s t h u i r t i r i n an c u i r e a dh i a d i s e
’
. a ,
a n u nn a i r an t a o b h e il e Ch u i r i a d a n u nn i s gh a b h i a i r a .
,
’
U R SGE U L. 19
h -
a gh a id h gus an d r ai n i g i t ig h d ui n e u a sa i l B h i l i s a n
’
. u a
’
do r us s t h ai i g an s e a r b h a n n t a n u a s T h u i r t i r ith e an r o b h
,
’
n
’
.
f hi o s a i c e a n r o b b g i ll e s t ab u il l a d h l t h a i r a m a i gh st i Th i r t r. u
an s e a r b h n u t a nac h r o b h fh i o s a i c e ac h g u fo igh n e a c h d a d h i
a ,
’
.
C h a i d h a n s e a b h a t a s d h f h e Or a i c h i d a m a igh s t i r a r o b b
’ ’ ’
r n ,
n
gill e s t ab u i l l a dh i t h a i r T h i t e g n r o b b agus dh i a r r e e . u r u ,
’
’
t h igh i n n a s t i gh D h f h a s d a idh i s d h f h a n i g O b a i ma n
.
’
e ,
’ ’ ’
r
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s t ab l l u Bh a n si n t r n d d e b h a t h a i c h e a n fia d h a i c h a t igh i n
.
’
e e
’
n
a h u i l e h Oi d h c h e s a dol a s t igh do sh a h b a l fit s a b h a

’
- -
,
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a i g an dui n e na s al s d ui n e fia dh i c h a s an d é igh s a o d ’ ’
,
a ,
ann c em h d i c h t e 1e fe u sa ig B h a i se a g i a r idh a i r a m a i gh st i r
a . r a
na n c u i e a d h i a d dui n e l e a th a g m b e i r e a dh i a d a i r Th u i r t a
’
r ,
u .
m a i gh s t i r nac h c u i r e a d h nac h r o b b g n o t h a c h a c a r is s nac h 1

’ ’
(
, ,
r i nn e c oi r e s m b ith o rra D h fh o l b h i se mac h Oi d h c h e l a th a

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a . e
fé i n s gh o i d i l e a th a i u c h a i r d o u i s an t sa b h a i l L a idh i m
,
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r -
.
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f a l a c h ann an tol l gus an d e a c h a id h an d ui n e fia d h a i c h a g u s n a

b e a t h a i c h e a n a s t i gh Thug i l e a th a na g il l e a s r ug i a d a i r an
. n,
’
dui n e fh i a d h a i c h Thug i a d a s t i gh e s thug i a d d h e t h an

.
,
’
f h e u sa g N t a t h ai n i g an f h u sa g dh e t h dh a i t h n i c h i e e a c h
’
. u e s ,
c h a do l ig i r ud s am b ith u rra s c h a d a i t h n i c h e s an i s e A n
e ,
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.
l a r n a m h ai r e c h b h a e dol a d h fh o l b h ac h b h ru idh in n i s e r
’
a
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,
’
a
m a i gh st i r a i r s o n a gh l e i dh e a dh g u n r o b h an Ob a i r t u il l idh i s t r o m
’
,
u rra s g u f e u m a dh i c u i d e a c h a dh D h Or d u i c h a ma igh st ir d h i
,
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.
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g h l e idh e dh G h l éaid h i l e a th e
. s b h a e f e i n a gus i se a gl a n a d b
’
_ ,
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an st ab u il l .
B e ag an u i e na dh é igh s o b h r u i d h i n n i r a m a ig h s t i r a i rs o n
n
’ ’
,
c e d a dho l d h a c h id h a i s gr i o b a d h fh a ic i n n a c ai r d e
n a Th u g
r
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an .
a m a i gh s t i r c e a d dhi Th u i r t i gu m b u m b a th l e a th a a gill e s
.
’
,
’
an d a e ac h a b fh e ar a b h ann s an s t ab u l l a b h i l e a th a N u r
’
r
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.
a dh f h o l b h i a d b h a i ga c h e a sn a c h a dh a i r an r a t h a d 3 dé thug
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dh a b hi f o l b h l e i s n a b e a t h a i c h e a n u d na d e b h a e r i s an tois e ac h ,
a l a t h a C h a n i n n se a dh e u i s a m b ith dhi Gh a b h i a d a i r a
.
'
. n
a gh a id h g u s an d t h ai i g i a d gus an tigh Os d a f ar an d f h u i r
’ ’
n a
e s an an l e i th c h i a d pu d N u r a thu g i s e a h a g h a id h sios gu s
nn .
-
an t i gh d h i u l t e s an a dhol ann T h u i t i r is an d r i nn e n i s am
,
. r
’
b i th c e ar r n u r a b h a e di ul t a i n dol ann Th u i t e gu n d f h ua i r
,
n . r
’
e l e ith c h i d pu n ud O fh e ar an ti g h e
a Th u i r t i r is an do p h a i gh .
e i ad s t h u i r t e nac h do
p h ai g h s gu n r o b b i a l l r i t ig h i nn o
’ ’ ’
, ,
m h u l l c h a c hi nn g u b o nn a c hois e mar am b iodh e paig h t e an

a ,
c e ann 1a is b l ia d h n a Th u i r t i gu m b u m h a t h an a i r id h 3 ac h g u
.
’
r o bb i se a do l a d h fh a n t a i n n s an tigh Osda s a n O id h c h e s g u
’ ’ ’ ’
,
’ ’
fe u m a dh e do l s i os . i c h a c hu r a s t i gh sa n
Dh i ar r
’
i ai r n a h -
e
’
e n d a s t i gh d o n ti g h Os d a Bh a e s an
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s t ab u l l s c h a id h
,
.
n a sh e a sa m h ann an do r us an s t ab u il l s a c h e a u n cr o m ,
’
.
T h ai n i g f e ar an t ig h e mac h s c h u n n a i c e e M o gh il l e m er
’ “
.
”
th a thu an so a gam u r s a fe ar an ti g h e A m b h e i l th u do l .
’
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,
am ph aig h e a d h an di n g h
’
2 Ch a n e il u r s e s an C h a i dh
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,
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.
e si n a s t i gh s b h a i a d a dol a t h Oi s e a c h d a i r an i a l l a gh e a r r a dh
’ ’ ’
.
,
C hu a l i s e an fh u a i m s dh fh e Or a i c h i gu d é b h a i a d a dol a
’ ’ ’ ’
,
d h ea n a d h a i r a g i ll e T h u i r t i a d g u n r o b h i a d a do l a gh e a r r a dh
’
”
.
i a l l d e th O m h u l l a c h g u b O Ma b h a si n r a d h ea n a d h “ ’
nn
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. ,
c h a r o b b e r i d e u r fo l a a c h a ll C ui r an n u a s an
’
u r s i se ,
.
so li on a o da c h a s s e a s a dh e a i r 3 ma thig d e u r fol a a s thi g i al l

’ ’
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e il e d h i o t s a C h a r o b b an s o a c h a l e i ge i l ma sg a o il Ch a b
’
. .
u r a i n n i a d s t u h a d h ea n a d h dh e t h M o c h t h r a d h an l a r na
’ ’
r
g .
m h ai r e a c h thug i l e a th a n u nn e g u t i gh a h a th ar Ma b h a e n ’
-
.
a h a i d h dol a n t ig h Os d a an O id h c h e r o i m h id b h a e sea ch d
’
g ,
u a i r e a n na b u m h o t h a n a g h a idh dol do thigh a h a th ar An

’
-
.
d o r i nn t h u cr o n an so c u id e a c h d n u r a th a th u n a gh a i d h dol ’
mm 2 ‘
F h u a i r m i b e an an s o 0 c h e a u n a l e i t h id do d h u i n e
” ’
.
“
D e t h ai n i g u rra
’
? ” C h a n e il f h i o s a m “ ” C h a n i o n ga n t a c h
’ ’ ’ “ ’
d é d h é i r e a s duit !
.
’
c h a n e i l a ga d ac h g a b h a i l r is na th i g a d
’ ’ ’ ’
r ath a d N u r a C h u n n a i c a h a t h a i r e t h u i r t e Th a thu s o -
,
’
a g a in ; c a i t a b h e i l do b h e a n ’
9 ” C h a n e i l f h i o s a m c a it a
’ ’ ’ ’
b h e il i
” D é a r i nn t h u r ith e u r s a h a t h a i r C h a b u r r a i n n
.
’
-
.
’
e i n n s e a d h d é a r i nn a r ith e C h a r o b b n i s ac h a c h r o c h a dh r i
’
.
c a o ib h
r B h a l a t h am Or r i b hi t i m ch i o l l a c h r o c h a i dh s b h a
. .
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,
’
m Ora n d e d h a o i n e u a i s l e r i t i gh i n n a f h a i c i n n D h f h e Or a i c h
’
.
’
i s e d a h a t h a i r d é b h a i a d a dol a d h ea n a d h r a gi l l e Th u i r t a
’ ’ ’
-
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.
h a t b a i r gu n r o b b i a d a dol d a c h r o c h a dh Car so n u rs i se
’ ’ ’
-
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a a e r a c h r o ch a dh Ch e a n n a i c h e b e an 11 am s a s Ch a n
’
t h .
’
,
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e i l f h i o s a i e d é t h ai n i
g ri the D h fh o l b h i mac h a d h f h a i c i n n
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
g .
n a n u a i sl e a n a t i h i n n a s t i h do n b h a il e D h fh e Or a i c h i d e
’ ’ ’
g g .
’
n fh e ar a b u c h i a t a i c h e ac h d e b fh i a c h dh a
’ ” C oi g fic h e a d
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.
”
,
u r s e s an Ge d a b h i o dh e c oi g c i a d s l e a m s a e
’ ’ ’
i se
‘
. u rs , .
Th u i r t i r a gill e u r c h a i r a c hu r s a n e ac h D h f h e Ora i c h i d a
’ ’ ’ ’
.
h a t h a ir an do p h ai gh e b h e a n Th u i r t e g u n do p h ai gh Ma
’ “
-
. .
” u r s i s e c h a n ei l gn o t h a c h a ga dsa r is 3 d h f h a o d a d h
p h ai gb
’ ’ ’ ’
, ,
e r o i g h i n n a d h ea n a dh r ith e C h e a n n a i c h m is e an t e ac h a b u
’
-
.
c h i a t a i c h e a t h ai n i
g a s t i gh do n b h a il e an di n gh Thug m1 a i r ’
.
mo gh il l e u r c h a i r a c hu r a r m 8 c o a ig a b h e il a c h r idh e a r ad h
.
,
’ ’
TH E C H ES T . 2 1
gu r Ol c Ch a 11 r o b h so ac h a l e ige i l ma sg o il Ch a b u ra i n
.
’
a .
'
r n
i a d s t u gh a dh ea n a d h a i r O n a C h e a a i c h e i ’
nn .
Ch a i d h i an s i n a s t i g h do th ig h a h a th ar s t h i r t i r i h a o n
’
-
,
u -
d a p e a th r a i c h e a n gu t h n a t h o i t dhi
’
D e th a t h u sa d Ol a
a n r
’ ’
”
.
dh ea n a dh do gh t h u r s i se Nac h c o ma l e a t a M ’ “
u ann ? . s . a
u i m i m i l l e a dh a i r p ai g h idh m i e
” N u r a c h u i r i u rra an g u t h a . nn
i t h n i c h a h a t h i r s a pe t h i c h e a n i D h i nn i s a h a t h i
’ ’ ’
dh a -
a a ra .
-
a r
s a
p e a t h i c h e a dh a gu r h i b h a l e is s c b a r o bb g an c e i d
’ ’ ’
ra n -
, e r
s i nn C hu i r i d h i an t a o d a h m a t h a
. h u i r i u rra an t
-
da h c n ,
’
s c -
aO c
fi r a r i t h i sd D h f h o l b h i f é i n i s e s an s g h a b h i a d a i r an gh a id h
.
’ '
’
a
”
,
gus an r o b b i a d dl u t h a i r a sh e an t i gh f é i n N is u r s i s e .
“
,
’
,
“
f e u m a i dh si n f u i re a e b d an so an o c h d S u id h i dh tus a a i r
-
n .
b r ai gh na s t a i g h r e c h a gus c u i i d h tu s i os g ac h c o m h n a d l a
a ,
rr a
b h i o s a ga m s a gus i g f e ar an t i gh N u r a c h a i d h i a d a s t igh s
’ ’
a e.
a s h id h i ad t h Ois i c h i f e i n a g u s fe ar an t ig h e i r c o m h r d h
u a a .
”
,
Sh a o il m i i r is a c h a i b h t i n g u m b e r ig h a b h a
“ ’ ’ “ ’ '
rs u n
”
, ,
c h Om h u idh an so D em u r fh u a i r t h u s e Se si a bh a
’ ’ ‘ ’
n 7 a
. n
r i m h i d an so 3 ac h t h a m i s m a o i t e a c h a d h a th a t h s a d ’ ’ ’
o O n , n u a
c h o ig e a c h r gu m f a o d m i i s e d h dh u it d em u r a f h u a i r m i e nn
” a
”
, .
F o d a idh
a u r s i se c h a d ean m is e sge u l o r t 3 c h a b h o i a n
’
n
”
, ,
g o th a ch d h o mh D h i nn i s e dhi h n i l e car mar a c h i r

’ ’
n
-
. u
ca i ll e ac h nan c e arc a st igh s a c h i s d e s a c h u id e i l e d e c h i i s ; ’ ’

,
’ ’ ’
n r
s g u n d fh o l b h an r i gh an l a na m h ai r e a c h
’ ’ ’
r .
M o c h t h a t h an l a r n a m h ai r c h b h a f e ar an ti g h e dol g u
’ ’
r ea
T h u i t e r i t h e se mar an r o b b d i fir u rra a d h f h o l b h
’
c ii ir t . r , e
,
g m f a o d a d h i dol l e i s e a n a d h é i s d e a c h d n a c u i r t
’
u Th i r t i . u
u m b io d h i t o i l e a c h s gu m b u mba th l e a th a a gill e b hi l e a th a
’ ’
g , .
C h a id h i s e a ms a c h r b a d l e is a c h a ib h t i n n s m h c a i h a g i ll
’ ’
r a , ar c e
’
n a d é igh N u r a b h a c h ii i r t s e c h a d t h i r t i gu n r o b b f c l
.
’ ‘
a ,
u a a
n a dh a a i c e s r a r a dh n am b e to i l l ige il l e a th a b r u i d h in n
e
’
,
’ ’ ’
u e .
Th u i r t i a d r ith e l e i ge i l a c h l u i n t i u d a ib h g u d é b h a i
’ ’
r a n n a ce
r a dh Th i r t i r g ill e u E i i dh su s
’
a the i d h a ib h m r a
’
3 r a
”
.
a i pe i r s i n a s g i o b h thu ra i r u r a l e u b h i a d am
’
p r N pa i p i . e r,
t h i r t i d é b u c h oi r a dh e a d h a i r an fh ar s i n A c h ro c h a dh
’
u an e .
n a m b i odh e
’
so
” u rs i a dsa n
’
n S i n ag ib h e ” u rs i s s
’
.
“
a
’
e,
’
”
, ,
d e a a ib h b hu r r o igh i n r is F h u a i r i fé i n s an r ig h t i l l e a d h a i r
’
n n .
an a is d an tigh f é i n s b h a i a d m ar a b h a i a d r o i m h id
’
,
’
.
Th i s w a s w r itt e n A p r il 1 85 9 b y H e c to r M a c Le , f ro m t h e , an,
“
di c t at i o n O f C a th e r i n e M i llo y a C ow a l wo man marr i e d to a , ,
f arm e r a t K i l m e n y I sl a y—o n e A n g u s M c Ge a c h y Mr s
, a . .
M a c Ge a c h y l e arn e d t h e sto r y f r o m a y ou n g man who r e sid e s i n

C ow a l R o b e r t M a c Co l l
,
” .
Ma y 1 8 6 0 —N o oth e r v e r sio n of this sto r y h as c o m e to m e a s

y t
e . I t r e s e mb l e s C y m b e li n e i n so m e of t h i nc id e n ts 3 an d o n e e
i nc id e n t th a t of t h e b l ood is l ik e P o r ti a s d e fe nc e i n t h e J e w of
, ,
’
V e ni ce . I t is wo r th r e mar k th a t t h e s c e n e of Cy mb e l i n e i s
p ar t l y l a id i n Br it a i n p ar tl y i n I t aly , .
I n t h e D e cam e r o n 2 n d d a y n ov e l 9 i s t h e I t a li an sto r y f r o m
, , ,
whi c h Cy mb e l i n e i s suppos e d to h a v e o ri g i na t e d B e rnar d of .
G n o a is i m pos e d upo n b y o n e A mbr o se l os e s h i s m o n e y an d

e , ,
o r d e r s his wif e who is q uit e i nn o c e n t to b e put to d e a th S h e

, , .
ma k e s h e r e s cap e an d go e s i n m an s d re ss i n to t h e s e r vi c e of t h e
,
’
S ult an 3 th e r e s h e m e e ts with t h e d e c e i v e r an d s e n di n g fo r h e r , ,
h us ban d to Al e xan d r i a h a s h i m pu n ish e d ; sh e th e n r e su m e s h e r

”
,
fo rm e r h ab it an d r e tu rn s with h e r hus ban d r i c h to G e n o a

, .
I t h e D e cam e r o n t h I t ali an m e rc h an ts disput e a t P ar is an d

n e
”
, ,
l ay a b e t A poo r wo man who f r e q u e n t e d t h e hous e r e p l ac e s

”
.
,
t h e G a e li c H e n wife Th e man who w a s hid i n t h e c h e st

.
took a r i n g a gi r dl e a pu r s e an d a gow n an d i n t h e G ae li c h e
, , , ,
t a k e s a r i n g an d a c h a i n T h e wife disguis e s h e r s e lf a s a man i n

.
b oth b ut t h e s e r vi c e whi c h s h e u n d e r t a k e s i s diffe re n t ; an d

”
,
t h e S ult an i s r e pl ac e d b y a g e n tl e man I n b oth sto r i e s s h e .
d i s c los s t h c h a t i n op e n C ou r t —i n t h e o n e b e fo re t h e
e e e
”
, ,
S ult an s c ou r t 3 i n t h e oth e r
’
i n a c ou r t to th e m
,
“
But .
thou gh th e r e a r e su c h r e s e mb l anc e s t h e two sto r i e s diff e r wid e l y ,
i n spi r it i n i nc i d e n t i n s c e n e an d i n d e t ail Thos e who ho l d

, , , .
th a t Ol d s to r i e s a e h an d e d dow n t ra ditio nally will p r o bab l y

r ,
c o n sid e r th i s to b e o n e of t h e k i n d ; an d if s o S h a k spe a r e ma y ,
h a v e g a th e r e d h i s i nc i d e n ts a t ho m e On t h e oth e r h an d s o . ,
w e ll k n ow n a b ook a s t h e D e cam e r o n t ran sl a t e d i n to E n g l ish , ,
1 5 6 6 m i g ht w e ll acc ou n t fo r p ar t of t h e sto r y
, .
I n e i th e r ca s e i t i s c u r ious to t rac e t h e r e s e mb l anc e an d t h e

d iff e r e nc e i th e s e th r e e v e r sio n s of W h a t a pp e ar s to b e t h e s am e
n
popul ar t a l 3 told b y Bo ccacc io S h a kspe a r e an d a f arm e r s wif e

e
, ,
’
.
i n t h e H ighl an ds I f t ra d i tio na l t h e sto r y would s e e m to b e lo n g

.
,
to a fo r g ott n st a t e Of so c i e ty I t i s n ot n o w t h e c usto m to b uy
e .
a wi fe an d th e r e b y acq ui r e t h e r i g ht to S hoot h e r 3 an d y e t this

,
r i gh t i s i n s i st e d an d ac k n owl e dge d an d t h e sto r y hi n g e s o n

on , ,
i t I t s e e m s th a t t h e G a uls h a d t h e pow e r of l ife an d d e a th ov e r

.
th e i r f am i l i s a n d th a t th e r e w a s a c u sto m v e r y l ik e t h e pu rc h a s e
e ,
o f a wif am o n g t h old I c e l an d r s
e e e .
TH E C HES T . 23
Th e r e us e d to b e an d p r o bab ly th e r e still a e c e r t a i n c e r e
, r ,
m o n i e s ab out b t r oth als b oth i n N o r w a y an d i n t h e H i ghl an ds

e , ,
whi c h look l i k e t h e r e ma i n s of so m e su c h fo r gotte n p rac ti c e .
I n t h e H i g h l an ds a man u s d to go o n t h e p ar t of t h e br id e
,
e
g r oo m to s e ttl e t h e dow e r w i th t h e br i d e s f a t h e r o r so m o e ’
, e n
who ac t e d fo r h i m Th e y ar gu e d t h e poi n t an d t h e argu m e n t

.
,
g a v e r is e to m u c h fu n an d r ou g h wit Fo r e xam pl e h e r e is n e
.
.
, o
b it of su c h a d i s c ussio n of whi c h I r e m e mb e r to h a v e h e ar d l o n g
.
a
go .
Th i s is t h e you n g e st an d t h e l a st sh e m ust b e t h e w o r st ; ,
y ou m ust g iv e m e a l ar g e do we r o r I will n ot t a k e h ” e r.
,
M e n a lw a ys s e ll t h e shots fi r st wh e n th e y can 3 this is t h e

—
b e st I shoul d g iv e n o dow e r a t a ll ” .
Th e fi r st k n ott y p oi n t s e ttl e d an d t h e w e ddi n g d a y fi x e d t h e, ,
br id e g r oo m b e fo r e t h e w e dd i n g d a y s e n t a b e st m a an d ma id
, , n
to look a ft e r t h e br id e an d g ath e r e d a l l his f ri e n ds a t ho m e

, .
Th e br id e a lso g a th e r e d h e r f r i e n ds an d h e r p ar t y l e d t h e w a y ,
to c hu rc h t h e br id e w a s sup po r te d b y t h e b e st man an d b e st
,
-
ma id an d a pip e r pl ay e d b fo r e th e m Th e br id e g r oo m s p ar ty
,
e .
’
marc h e d fi rst o n t h e w a y ho m e 3 an d th e n th e r e w s a j o l l ific a t i O a Ii ,
an d a ba ll an d so m e c u r iou s c e r m o n i e s w i th a sto c k i n g
,
e .
Th e st r i p of ski n to b e c u t f r o m t h e d e b to r i s m e n tio n e d i n
oth e r sto r i e s 3 an d I b e li e v e su c h a m o d e of to r tu r e c a b e t rac e d n
am o n gst t h e S can d i na v i an s who o nc e ow n e d t h e W e st rn I sl an ds e .
I n an oth e r sto r y whi c h I h a v e h e ar d a man w a s to b pu n ish d , e e
b y c utt i n g I A L L a tho n g f r o m h i s h a d to his h e e ls an oth e r

, ,
e ,
f r o m hi s fo r e h e a d to his fe e t a tho n g to t i e th e m an d a tho n g , ,
to mak e a ll f a st .
T I G H OSD A i s t h e wo r d c o mm o n l y s e d fo r an i nn I t i s p r o
-
'
u .
'
bab ly d r i v e d fr o m t h s am r oot a s H ost e l r y 3 S p an i sh Os d a l 3

e e e ,
F r e nc h H Ot e l
, .
S E OM B A R is p r o n ou nc e d a l m ost e xac tly li k t h e F r nc h c h ambr e e e
—t h e o n ly d i ff r e nc e b e i n g th a t b e tw e e n t h e F r e nc h an d t h e
e a
G ael i c 0 .
S E AR B H A N N I is v e r y n e ar t h e F r e c h s e r v an t e
' ‘
n .
XI X .
T H E I N H E RI T A N CE .
F r o m D o na ld M ac i n ty r e , B e n b e c u l a .
f H E R E was o nc e a fa rm e r a n d h e was w e ll o ff He
,
.
had th r e e s o n s . IV h e n h e was o n t h e b e d o f
d e ath h e c all e d th e m t o hi m an d h e said M y s o n s
, ,
“
,
1 a m g o i n g t o l e av e y o u : l e t th e r e b e n o disputi n g
wh e n I am go n e In a c e r tai n d r aw e r i n a d r e ss e r i n
.
,
t h e i nn e r c ha mb e r y o u will fi n d a su m o f g o ld 3 divid e
,
i t fai r ly a n d h o n e stly a m o n gst y o u w o r k t h e fa rm

”
, ,
a n d liv e t o g e th e r as y o u hav e d o n e with m e 3

a n d sh o r tly aft e r t h e o ld m a n w e n t away Th e s o n s .
b u r i e d hi m 3 a n d wh e n all was o v e r th e y w e n t t o t h e
,
d r aw e r a n d wh e n th e y d r e w it o u t th e r e w a s n o thi n g
,
i n it .
Th e y st oo d f o r a whil e with o ut sp e aki n g a w o r d .
Th e n t h e y o u n g e st sp o k e a n d h e said Th e r e is n o
”
,
k n o wi n g if th e r e e v e r w a s a n y m o n e y a t all 3 t h e
'
s e c o n d said Th e r e w a s m o n e y su r e ly wh e r e v e r it is
”
,
n o w 3 a n d t h e e ld e st said Ou r fa t h e r n e v e r t o ld a
l ie T h e r e was m o n e y c e r tai n ly th o ugh I c an n o t
”
.
”
,
u n d e r s t a n d t h e m att e r . C o m e said t h e e ld e st
,
l et ,
“
us g o t o su c h a n Ol d m a n 3 h e was o u r fath e r s f r i e n d 3 ’
h e k n e w h i m We ll 3 h e was at s ch o O l with hi m 3 a n d n o
m a n k n e w s o m u c h o f his affai r s L e t us g o t o c o n sult
”
.
hi m .
S O t h e br o th e r s w e n t t o t h e h o us e o f t h e Ol d m a n ,
a n d th e y t o ld hi m all that had happ e n e d S t a y with

.
!
TH E IN H E RITAN C E .
O
!0
me
” said t h e o l d m a n a n d I will thi n k o v e r this
“
, ,
m a tt e r I c a nn o t u n d e r stan d it 3 b ut as y o u k n o w
.
, ,
y o u r fath e r a n d I w e r e v e r y g r e at with e a c h o t h e r .
\ V h e n h e had c hild r e n I h a d sp o n s o r ship a n d w h e n I ,
had c hild r e n h e had go stj i I k n o w that y o u r fath e r

.
n e v e r t o ld a l i e ” A n d h e k e pt th e m th e r e a n d h e gav e
.
,
th e m m e at an d d r i n k f o r t e n days .
Th e n h e s e n t f o r t h e th r e e y o u n g l ads a n d h e m ad e ,
th e m Si t d o w n b e sid e hi m a n d h e said ,
“
Th e r e w a s o nc e a y o u n g lad a n d h e w a s p oo r 3 ,
a n d h e t oo k l o v e f o r t h e daught e r o f a r i c h n e igh b o u r ,
a n d sh e t oo k l o v e fo r hi m 3 b ut b e c aus e h e w a s so p o o r
th e r e c o uld b e n o we ddi n g S o at last th e y pl e dg e d .
th e m s e lv e s t o e a c h o th e r a n d t h e y o u n g m a n w e n t ,
away a n d stay e d i n his o w n h o us e

,
A ft e r a ti m e .
th e r e c am e a n o th e r suit o r a n d b e c aus e h e w a s w e ll Off

, ,
’
t h e gi r l s fath e r m ad e h e r p r o m is e t o m a rr y hi m a n d ,
aft e r a ti m e th e y w e r e m a rr i e d B ut wh e n t h e br id e .
g r oo m c am e t o h e r h e f o u n d h e r w e e pi n g a n d b e wail
,
’
i n g ; a n d h e said W hat ails th e e ? Th e br id e w o uld
,
‘
sa
y n o thi n g f o r a l o n g ti m e 3 b ut at last S h e t o ld hi m
all ab o ut it a n d h o w sh e w a s pl e dg e d t o a n o th e r m a n
, .
’ ’
‘
D r e ss thys e lf said t h e m a n ,
a n d f o ll o w m e So ,
‘
.
sh e d r e ss e d h e r s e l f i n t h e w e ddi n g c l o th e s a n d h e t oo k ,
t h e h o r s e a n d put h e r b e hi n d hi m a n d r o d e t o t h e
, ,
h o us e o f t h e o th e r m an an d wh e n h e g o t th e r e h e , ,
st r u c k i n t h e d oo r a n d h e c all e d o ut I s th e r e m a n
, ,
‘
’
withi n ? a n d wh e n t h e o th e r a n sw e r e d h e l e ft t h e ,
brid e th e r e withi n t h e d oo r a n d h e said n o thi n g b u t , ,
h e r e tu rn e d h o m e Th e n t h e m a n go t up a n d go t a
.
,
light a n d wh o was th e r e b ut t h e br id e i n h e r w e ddi n g

,
d r e ss .
“
W hat br o ught th e e h e r e ? said h e
‘ ’ ” S uch a .
‘
’
m a n said t h e br id e
, I was m a rr i e d t o hi m to day
.
‘
,
26 WES T H IG H LAND T ALE S .
a n d w h e n I t o ld hi m o f t h e p r o m is e w e had m ad e h e ,
’
br o ught m e h e r e hi m s e lf a n d l e ft m e .
S it th o u th e r e said t h e m a n 3 a r t th o u n o t m a r
’
,
‘
ri ed S o h e t o o k t h e h o r s e a n d h e r o d e t o t h e p r i e st , ,
a n d h e br o ught hi m t o t h e h o us e a n d b e f o r e t h e p r i e st ,
h e l oo s e d t h e w o m a n f r o m t h e pl e dg e sh e had giv e n ,
a n d h e gav e h e r a li n e o f w r iti n g that sh e was f r e e a n d ,
h e s e t h e r o n t h e h o r s e a n d said N o w r e tu rn t o thy ‘
, ,
’
hus ba n d .
“
S o t h e br id e r o d e away i n t h e da r k n e ss i n h e r
w e ddi n g d r e ss S h e had n o t g o n e fa r wh e n sh e c a m e
.
t o a thi c k w oo d wh e r e th r e e r o bb e r s st o pp e d a n d
s ei z e d h e r A ha .
‘
!
’
said o n e w e hav e waite d l o n g ,
‘
,
a n d w e hav e g o t n o thi n g b ut n o w w e hav e g o t t h e ,
br id e h e r s e lf O h said sh e l et m e g o : l e t m e g o
.
’ ‘ ’
, ,
‘
t o m y hus b a n d 3 t h e m a n that I w a s pl e dg e d t o has l e t

m e go H e r e a r e t e n p o u n ds i n g o ld —tak e th e m a n d
.
,
’
l e t m e g o o n m y j o u rn e y A n d so sh e b e gg e d a n d .
p r ay e d fo r a l o n g ti m e a n d t o ld what had happ e n e d t o

,
h er . A t last o n e o f t h e r o bb e r s w h o was Of a b e tt e r ,
n atu r e tha n t h e r e st as t h e o th e r s hav e

,
'
’
d o n e this I will tak e y o u h o m e m ys e lf
,
Tak e th o u .
‘
’
t h e m on ey said sh e I wi ll n o t tak e a p e nn y said ‘ ’
.
, ,
t h e r o bb e r ; b ut t h e o th e r tw o said G iv e u s t h e ‘
,
’
m o n e y a n d th e y t o o k t h e t e n p o u n ds Th e w o m a n
, .
r o d e h o m e a n d t h e r o bb e r l e ft h e r at h e r husb a n d s
,
’
d oo r an d sh e w e n t i n a n d sh o w e d hi m t h e li n e — t h e
, ,
w r iti n g that t h e o th e r had giv e n h e r b e f o r e t h e p r i e st

”
,
a n d th e y w e r e w e ll pl e as e d .
“
No w
” said t h e o l d m a n whi c h o f all th e s e d o “
, ,
y o u thi n k did b e st ? S O t h e e ld e st s o n said I thi n k ,

“
t h e m a n that s e n t t h e w o m a n t o hi m t o wh o m sh e was
t h
pl e dg e d was e h o n e st g e n e r o us m a n : h e did w e ll
, ,
” .
Th e s e c o n d sai d Ye s b ut t h e m a n t o wh o m sh e was
,
“
,
TH E IN H ERI T AN C E . 2 7
pl e dge d did still b e tt e r wh e n h e s en t h e r t o h e r hus ,
ban d ” Th en
.
” said t h e y o u n g e st
“
I do n t kno w “ ’
, ,
m ys e lf 3 b ut p e r haps t h e wis e st o f all w e r e t h e r o bb e r s

w h o go t t h e m o n ey
” Th e n t h e Ol d m a n r o s e up a n d
.
,
’
h e said Th o u hast thy fath e r s g o ld a n d silv e r I
,
“
.
hav e k e pt y o u h e r e f o r t e n days 3 I hav e wat c h e d y o u

w e ll I k n o w y o u r fath e r n eve r t o ld a l i e a n d th o u
.
”
,
hast st o l e n t h e m o n e y A n d s o t h e y o u n g e st s o n had
.
t o c o n f e ss t h e fa c t a n d t h e m o n e y was g e t a n d ,
divid e d .
Ik n o w n othi n g lik e N o 1 9 N o 2 0 b e gi n s lik e a G e rman

. . .
s to ry i n G r i mm 3 b ut t h e r e st is u n lik e an yth i n g I h a v r e a d o r e
h e ar d Th e fi r st p ar t h a s c o m e to m e i n an oth e r sh ap e f r o m
. ,
R oss sh i r e 3 an d so m m e n who m I m e t i n S outh U i st s e e m d to

-
e e
k n ow th e s e i nc i d e n ts .
T h two b e lo n g to t h e c l a ss r e fe rr e d to i n t h e I n t r odu c tio n

e ,
p age x xx v a s fou r th Man y of t h e n ov e ls i n B o ccacc i o m ig h t b e

. .
ra k e d with t h e s am e c l a ss 3 th e y a r e e mbryo th r volu m e

n ee -
n ov ls whi c h o n ly r e q u i r e n u r si n g b y a good w r i t e r to b e c o m e
e ,
full g r ow n b ooks Th e re a r e pl n ty of t h e k i n d th r ou ghout t h e

-
. e
H ig hl an ds an d a s it s e e m s to m e th y a e g e n ui n e popul ar t ra
, , ,
e r
d i t i o s h u m n sto r i e s whos e i nc id e n ts woul d su i t a k i g o r a

n ,
a ,
n
p a s an t e q u ally w e ll W i thout a w i d k n owl e d g of b ooks i t i s

e . e e ,
i m poss i b l e to sa y wh e nc e th s e sto r i s cam e ; o r wh e th e r th e y

e e
a re i n v e n t e d b y t h e p e opl e M a I t y e s a i d h e h a d l e arn e d thos e

. c n r
wh i c h h e told m e f r o m Ol d me l i k hi m s lf i n his n a t i is l an d 3 n e e ,
ve
a d a ll oth e r s who m I h a v e q u st i o n e d s a y t h e s am e of th e i r
n e
sto r i e s .
THE THREE WISE MEN .
F r o m D o na ld M a c I nt y r e B en b ec u l a
, .
H E R E was o nc e a fa rm e r a n d h e w a s v e r y w e l l o ff
T ,
b ut h e had n e v e r c ast a n e y e o n t h e w o m e n
,
th o ugh h e was o l d e n o ugh t o b e m a rr i e d S o o n e day .
h e t o o k t h e h o r s e a n d saddl e a n d r o d e t o t h e h o us e o f
,
a n o th e r fa rm e r w h o had a daught e r t o s e e if sh e
, ,
w o uld suit hi m f o r a wif e a n d wh e n h e go t t h e r e t h e

,
‘
fa rm e r ask e d hi m t o c o m e i n a n d gav e hi m f oo d a n d
,
d r i n k a n d h e sa w t h e daught e r a n d h e th o ught sh e
, ,
w o ul d suit hi m w e ll S o h e said t o t h e fath e r I a m

.
,
“
thi nki n g it is ti m e f o r m e t o b e m a rr i e d I a m go i n g ,
t o l oo k f o r a wif e — (h e r e th e r e was a l o n g c o n v e r sa
ti o n whi c h I f o r g e t ) S o t h e m a n t o ld his wif e what
,
.
t h e o th e r had said a n d sh e t o ld h er daught e r t o m ak e

,
hast e a n d s e t t h e h o us e i n o r d e r f o r that su c h a m a n
,
w a s c o m e a n d h e was l oo ki n g f o r a wif e a n d S h e had ,
b e tt e r S h o w h o w ha n dy sh e w a s W e ll n e v e r m i n d .
,
t h e daught e r w a s willi n g e n o ugh s o sh e b e ga n t o s e t ,
t h e h o us e i n o r d e r a n d t h e fi r st thi n g s h e th o ught o f
,
w a s t o m ak e u p t h e fir e s o sh e r a n o u t o f t h e h o us e t o
,
t h e p e at sta c k
-
. W e ll whil e sh e w a s b e n t d o w n filli n g
,
h e r ap r o n with p e ats W hat sh o uld fall b ut a g r e at h e ap

,
f r o m t h e t o p o f t h e sta c k o n h er h e ad a n d sh o u l d e r s .
S o sh e th o ught t o h e r s e lf O h n o w if I w e r e m a rr i e d
, , ,
t o that m an a n d ab o ut t o b e a m o th e r a n d all th e s e
, ,
p e ats fall e n o n m y h e ad I S h o uld n o w b e fi n ish e d a n d

”
,
all m y p o st e r ity 3 a n d sh e gav e a g r e at b u r st o f

TH E TH REE WISE MEN . 29
w e e pi n g, a n d sat d o w n lam e n ti n g a n d b e waili n g Th e .
m o th e r was l o n gi n g f o r h e r daught e r t o c o m e b a ck s o ,
s h e w e n t o u t a n d f o u n d h e r sitti n g cr yi n g i n t h e e n d
o f t h e p e at sta c k a n d sh e said
-
W hat is o n th e e ? ” “
, ,
a n d t h e daught e r said O h m o th e r t h e p e at sta c k f e ll

, , ,
-
o n m y h e ad a n d I th o ught if I w e r e n o w m a rr i e d t o
,
that m an a n d ab o ut t o b e a m o th e r I was d o n e a n d
”
, , ,
all m y p o st e r ity 3 a n d t h e m o th e r said That is t r u e “
”
,
f o r th e e m y daught e r 3 that is t r u e i n d e e d a n d sh e
, , ,
s a t d o w n a n d cr i e d t oo Th e n t h e fath e r was g e tti n g

.
c o ld so h e t o o w e n t o ut w o n d e r i n g what k e pt t h e
, ,
w o m e n a n d wh e n h e f o u n d th e m th e y t o ld hi m what
, ,
h app e n e d a n d h e said That w o uld hav e b e e n u n f o r

“
”
, ,
t u n a te i n d e e d a n d h e b e ga n t o r o a r an d cr y t o o Th e
,
.
w o o e r at last c am e o ut hi m s e lf a n d f o u n d th e m al l ,
cr yi n g i n t h e e n d o f t h e p e at sta ck a n d wh e n th e y had -
t o ld hi m why th e y w e r e lam e nt i n g h e said N e v e r , ,

“
y o u min d I t m ay b e that this m ay n e v e r happ e n at

.
all Go y o u i n d o o r s a n d cry n o m o r e
.
” Th e n h e .
,
t oo k his h o r s e a n d saddl e a n d r o d e h o m e 3 a n d as h e
,
w e n t h e th o ught W hat a f oo l I a m t o b e st o ppi n g

, ,
“
h e r e all m y lif e H e r e I sit a n d k n o w n o m o r e o f t h e

.
,
w o r ld tha n a st o c k I k n o w h o w t o g r o w c o rn a n d
.
,
that is all I k n o w I will g o a n d se e t h e w o r ld a n d

.
,
I will n e v e r c o m e h o m e till I fi n d th e e as wis e as

th o s e w e r e f oo lish wh o m I l e ft cryi n g i n t h e p e at sta ck ” -
.
A n d s o w h e n h e g o t h o m e h e se t e v e r ythi n g i n o r d e r
, ,
a n d t o o k t h e h o r s e a n d w e n t away A n d h e t r av e ll e d .
t h e G ae ld o m a n d t h e Ga l l d o m H ighla n ds a n d st r a n g e
l a n ds f o r m a n y a day a n d g o t m u c h k n o wl e dg e A t
, .
l ast o n e fin e e v e n i n g h e c a m e t o a p r e tty pl o t o f g r e e n
,
g r o u n d i n a gl e n b y a r iv e r ; a n d o n it th e r e w e r e
,
th r e e m e n sta n di n g Th e y w e r e lik e e a c h o th e r a n d
.
,
d r e ss e d alik e Th e i r d r e ss was a l o n g c o at with sh o r t

.
30 W ES T H IG H LAND T ALE S .
b r igis, a n d a br o ad b e lt ab o ut t h e m iddl e a n d c aps o n ,
th e i r h eads (\V h a t d r e ss is that ? That is t h e d r e ss

.
th e y us e d t o w e a r h e r e I r e m e mb e r m y fath e r w e ll 3
.
h e always w o r e it ) S o h e put Fa i l t e o n th e m (salut e d

.
th e m ) Th e th r e e m e n n e v e r a n swe r e d a w o r d Th e y
. .
l oo k e d at hi m a n d th e n th e y b e n t th e i r h e ads sl o wly
,
t o wa r ds e a c h o th e r— (h e r e t h e n a rr at o r b e n t his o w n
h e ad a n d sp o k e s o l e mn ly ) —a n d th e r e th e y staid with
,
th e i r h e ads b o w e d f o r t e n m i n ut e s Th e n th e y r ais e d .
th e i r h e ads a n d o n e said I f I had with o ut what

“
”
, ,
’
I hav e withi n I w o uld giv e th e e a n ight s sha r e 3 t h e
,
s e c o n d said I f I had d o n e what is u n d o n e I w o ul d

“
”
, ,
’
giv e th e e a n ight s sha r e ; a n d t h e thi r d said I “
”
,
hav e n o thi n g m o r e tha n usual c o m e with m e ,

SO .
t h e fa rm e r f o ll o w e d t h e o l d m a n t o his h o us e w o n d e r ,
i n g what all this sh o uld m e a n W h e n th e y had g o n e .
i n a n d sa t d o wn h e w o n d e r e d sti l l m o r e f o r his h o st
, ,
n e v e r Offe r e d hi m a d r i n k till h e had t o l d hi m all ab o ut

h i s j o u rn e y Th e n h e said Q ui c k e r is a d r i n k tha n
.
“
”
,
a tal e 3 a n d t h e Ol d m a n gav e a laugh a n d st r u c k t h e ,
b o a rd a n d a fin e w o m a n c a m e a n d gav e hi m a g r e at
,
c up o f a l e a n d that w a s g oo d A n d h e d ra n k it a n d
, .
,
th o ught t o hi m s e lf I f I h a d that w o m a n f o r m y w if e
,
“
,
sh e w o uld b e b e tt e r tha n t h e o n e I l e ft w e e pi n g i n t h e
p e at sta ck
-
” Th e o ld m a n laugh e d agai n a n d h e said
.
”
, ,
“
I f tw o w e r e willi n g that m ight b e Th e fa rm e r .
w o n d e r e d that th is o l d m a n sh o u ld k n o w his th o ughts ,
a n d a n sw e r th e m b ut h e h e ld his t o n gu e Th e n t h e
, .
Ol d m a n st r u c k t h e b o a r d a n d a gi r l c a m e i n a n d h e
, ,
th o ught I f I had that o n e f o r m y wif e sh e w o uld

,
“
”
,
b e b e tt e r tha n t h e gi r l I l e ft h o wli n g i n t h e p e at sta c k -

.
Th e o l d m a n gav e a n o th e r littl e laugh a n d h e sai d , ,

“ ”
I f th r e e w e r e willi n g that m ight b e t oo a n d t h e gi r l ,
se t a s m all p o t o n t h e fir e Th e fa rm e r l o o k e d at it
.
,
THE TH REE WISE MEN . 31
a n d th o ught T his m an m ust hav e a s m all c o m pa n y

“ ”
”
.
”
,
A h said t h e m a n it will g o ab o ut
“
.
”
, ,
N o w said t h e fa rm e r
,
I mu s t k n o w what all this
,
m e a n s I will n e ith e r e a t n o r d r i n k i n this h o us e u n l e ss

.
v o u t e ll m e I salut e d y o u a n d y o u b e n t y o u r h e ads
.
, ,
a n d n e v e r a n sw e r e d f o r t e n m i n ut e s W h e n y o u did .
sp e ak I c o uld n o t u n d e r sta n d y o u a n d n o w y o u s e e m
”
, ,
t o u n d e r sta n d m y th o ughts Th e n t h e o l d m a n said

.
,
“
S it d o w n a n d I will e x plai n it a l l O u r fath e r was a
,
.
v e r y wis e m a n W e n e v e r k n e w h o w wis e h e was till

.
l o n g aft e r h e w e n t away W e a r e th r e e br o th e r s a n d
.
,
o n t h e b e d o f d e ath o u r fath e r l e ft us this p r e tty pla c e ,
a n d w e hav e it a m o ngst us a n d pl e n ty b e sid e s O u r ,

.
fath e r m ad e us sw e a r that w e w o uld n e v e r talk o n

i m p o r ta n t m att e r s b ut i n whisp e r s W h e n th o u c a m e st .
,
w e b e n t o u r h e ads a n d whisp e r e d as w e always d o f o r , ,
m e n c a nn o t disput e i n a whisp e r a n d w e n e v e r q ua rr e l ,
.
M y fi r st br o th e r had t h e c o rps e Of his m o th e r i n law - -
'
withi n 3 h e was u n willi n g t o a sk a st r an ge r t o a h o us e

o f s o rr o w S h e i s t o b e b u r i e d t o m o rr o w — I f that w e r e
.
-
o u t whi c h h e had withi n h e h a d giv e n th e e a n ight s

’
sha r e. M y s e c o n d br o th e r has a wif e wh o will d o

n o thi n g till sh e g e ts th r e e b l o ws o f a sti c k Th e n sh e .
is lik e o th e r w o m e n a n d a g oo d wife 3 h e did n o t lik e a

,
st r a n g e r t o se e t h e b l o ws giv e n a n d h e k n e w sh e w o uld ,
d o n o thi n g W ith o ut th e m — I f h e had d o n e what w a s n u

’
d o n e h e had giv e n th e e a n ight s sha r e I had n o thi n g
, .
t o d o m o r e t h a n usual T h o u didst t e ll thy n e ws a n d

.
,
wh e n m y wif e c am e i n I k n e w thy th o ught I f I w e r e

,
.
d e ad a n d th o u a n d sh e w e r e willi n g y o u m ight b e
, ,
m a rr i e d S o if I a n d th o u a n d m y daughte r w e r e
.
, ,
willi n g y o u m ight b e m a rr i e d t o o N o w th e n said

, .
, ,
t h e Ol d m a n si t a n d e a t Th e littl e p o t will g o a b o ut 3
”
.
,
it wil l s e r v e fo r us M y c o m pa n y e a t with o ut
. On .
32 W ES T H IG H LAN D T ALES .
th e m o rr o w t h e o l d m a n said I m ust g o t o t h e fu n e r a l “
”
, ,
’
t o m y br o th e r s h o us e d o th o u stay h e r e B ut h e
, .
’
said I will n o t stay i n a n y m a n s h o us e wh e n h e i s
,
“
away I will g o with y o u t o t h e fu n e r al

.
” W h e n th e y .
’
c a m e b a c k h e staid s o m e ti m e i n t h e o l d m a n s h o us e .
He m a rr i e d t h e daught e r a n d g o t a g oo d sha r e o f t h e ,
p r o p e r ty A n d n o w w a s n o t that a l u c ky p e at—
.
, ,
sta c k
f o r t h e fa rm e r .
This sto r y an d N o 1 9 w e r e told to m e o n t h e 6 th of S e pt e mb e r

.
i n t h i n n a t t h e S ou n d of B e n b e c u l a b y a man whos e
e ,
nam e would sou n d to S ax o n e ar s l i k e D o l i c o l i c h y a r l i h 3 a Ce lt c
would kn ow i t fo r D o nald M a c Do n a l d M a c Ch a r l e s an d h is ,
su rnam e is M a c I t y r e 3 h e is a c ott r an d liv e s i n B e n b e c u l a

n e , .
D o na ld is k n ow n a s a g ood te ll e r of t a l s so I w a l k e d si x e ,
m i l e s t o his hous e an d h ar d hi m t e ll a l o n g v e r s i o n of t h e t a l e o f
e
C o na l G u l b a n a c h .
I t l a st e d an hou r an d I hop e to g t it w r itt e n so m e d ay ; I

,
e
h a v e oth e r v e r sio n s of t h e s am e i nc id e n ts Th r e w a s an a udi . e
e nc e of a ll t h e p opl e Of t h e vill a g
e who w r e withi n r e ac h i n e e ,
c ludi n g M r To rr i who liv e s th e r e n e ar B ail e n a n C a i ll e ac h

. e,
,
whi c h i s p r o bab ly s o ca l l e d fr o m an Ol d n u nn e r y A ft e r t h e .
sto r y t h e s am e man r c it e d a f ra g m e n t of a po e m ab ou t F io nn
,
e
an d h i s c o m p an io n s A man r e tu rn i g f r o m b attl e w i th a v a st
. n
n u mb e r of h e a ds o n a w i th y m e e ts a l a d y who q u e stio n s hi m h e
, ,
r c it e s t h e histo r y of t h e h a ds an d how th e i r o wn e r s di e d Th e
e e , .
po e m w a s g i v e n ra pidly an d flu e n tl y Th e sto r y w a s p ar tl y told .
i n m a su r e d p r os e 3 b ut i t w a s v e r y m u c h spu n out an d would

e ,
h a ve g ai n e d b y c o n d e n s at i o n .
I told t h e Ol d man th a t h e h a d too man y l e a v e s o n h i s t r e e ,
wh i c h h e ac k n owl e dg e d to b e a f a i r cr iti c is m H e foll ow e d m e .
to t h e i nn a ft e r w ar d s an d told me oth e r sto r i e s 3 t h e hous e hold

,
b e i n g a ss e mb l e d ab out t h e doo r an d i n t h e r oo m an d t a ki n g a , , .
w arm i n t e r e st i n t h e p r o c e e di n gs A ft e r a c oupl e of gl a ss e s of .
hot wh i sky an d w a t e r m y f r i e n d who w a s w e ll up i n y e ar s

, , ,
w al k e d o ff ho m i n t h e d ar k 3 an d I n ot e d d ow n t h e h e a ds of h i s
e
sto r i e s i n E n glish b e caus e m y e d u ca tio n a s r e sp e c ts G a e l i c

, ,
w r iti n g w a s n e v e r c o m pl e t e d
, Th e y a r e gi v e n a s I g ot th e m
.
,
c o n d e n s e d b ut u nalt re d D o nald s ays h e h a s man y m o r e of

,
e .
t h e s am e ki n d .
XX I .
A P U Z Z LE .
F ro m Ke nn e th M L e n n a n T u r n a i d , R oss
‘
,
-
shi re .
l HER E w a s a c ust o m o nc e th r o ugh t h e G ae ld o m wh e n ,
a m a n w o uld di e that t h e wh o l e p e o pl e o f t h e pla c e

,
w o uld gath e r t o g e th e r t o t h e h o us e i n whi c h t h e d e ad

m a n was — Tigh ai r e fai r e (t h e sh e ali n g o f wat c hi n g ) ,
a n d th e y w o uld b e at d r i n ki n g a n d si n gi n g a n d t e lli n g
, ,
tal e s till t h e whit e day sh o uld c o m e A t this ti m e th e y

, .
w e r e gath e r e d t o g e th e r i n t h e h o us e o f wat c hi n g a n d ,
th e r e w a s a m a n i n this h o us e a n d wh e n t h e tal e w e n t
,
ab o ut h e had n e ith e r tal e n o r s o n g a n d as h e h a d n o t

, , ,
h e was put o ut at t h e d oo r W h e n h e was put o ut h e

.
st oo d at t h e e n d o f t h e b a rn 3 h e was af r aid t o g o fa r
th e r He w a s b ut a sh o r t ti m e stan di n g wh e n h e sa w
.
n i n e d r e ss e d i n r e d ga rm e n ts g o i n g past a n d sh o r tly
, , ,
aft e r that h e sa w o th e r n i n e g o i n g past i n g r e e n d r e ss e s 3

S h o r tly aft e r this h e sa w o th e r n i n e g o i n g pas t i n b lu e
d r e ss e s A whil e aft e r that c am e a h o r s e a n d a w o m a n
.
,
a n d a m a n o n hi m S aid t h e w o m a n t o t h e m a n I “
.
,
will g o t o sp e ak t o that m a n w h o is th e r e at t h e e n d o f
t h e b a rn
” S h e ask e d hi m what h e w a s d o i n g sta n di n g
.
th e r e ? He t o ld h e r ? S aw e st t h o u a n y m a n g o i n g
“
”
past si nc e t h e n ight f e ll ? said sh e He s a id that h e .
had 3 h e t o ld h e r all h e had s ee n T h o u sa w e st all

.
“
”
that w e n t past si nc e t h e n ight f e ll said sh e W e ll .
“
,
”
th e n said sh e t h e fi r st n i n e th o u saw e st th e s e w e r e
, , ,
br o th e r s o f m y fath e r a n d t h e s e c o n d n i n e br o th e r s o f
,
m y m o th e r a n d t h e thi r d n i n e th e s e w e r e m y o w n s o n s
, , ,
a n d th e y a r e alt o g e th e r s o n s t o that m a n w h o is o n t h e
h o r s e That is m y hus b a n d ; a n d th e r e is n o law i n
.
Ei r i n n n o r i n Alab a n o r i n Sa su n n that c a n fi n d fault

, ,
wi th us GO th o u i n a n d I m ys e lf will n o t b e li e v e b ut
”
.
,
that a pu zz l e is o n th e m till day 3 a n d sh e w e n t a n d

sh e l e ft hi m .
TOI M H S E A C H A N .
B HA a o n na i r a i r f e a dh na Ga e l t a ch d d ar a Bh a sa l c h
cl e a c h d a d h ,
e a dh dui n e
g u t i o n a l a d h sl a gh a b h a il e n il e g u l e i r dho n
’ ’
, u ,
tigh sa m b i t h e a g an dui n e m a r b h tigh a i r e f a i e agu s b h i t h a g ,

r ,
i ad a g s a g Oran
’ ’
s a i n n se s ge u l a c h d a n
g
’
gu s an di g a dh an , ,
l a t h a ge a l A i r an am so b h a i a d c r u i n n s a n t i gh fh a i r e a g u s
.
’
,
b h a dui n e ann s an tigh s o a g u s d ar a c h a i dh an sge u l a c h d m u n ,

’
c u a i r t c h a r o b b a o n c h u id a i e na Oran a gus b ho n ’
s e u l a ch d
‘
g g , , ,
nac h r o b b c h a id h a c hu r a m ac h a i r an do r us Dar a c h a i d h .
,
sh e a s e a ig c e ann an t a b h a il b h a e a ga l a i r dol u i b fh a i d e
-
s ,
’
.
C h a r o b b e ac h g o i i d na sh e a s a i d h d ar a Ch u n a i c e n a o d h n a r
r n
a i r an sge a d a ch a dh ann an t r u sga i n dh e a ga a dol s e a ch a d agus r

’
,
g o i i d na d h e i gh s i C h u a o d h n a r e il e a dol s e a c h a d ann
’
r aic e e n nn n
an d e i se a c h a n na i n e ; b g an an d e i gh e so Ch u n n a i c e n a o dh n a r
e
e il e a dol s e a c h a d ann an d e i se a c h a n go rma ; t acan an d é i gh so

’
t h ai n i g e ac h s b e an s dui n e a i r a m h u i n Th u i r t a b h e a n r i s
’ ’ ’
, .
an dui n e Th é i d m i b h r u i d h i n r is an fh e ar a th a s i u d a i g
’
n
’
”
, ,
c ann an t s a b h a il D h fh o i gh n i c h d i r i s dé b h a e d i a n a m h an
’
e o
.
s i n d n a s h e a sa m h D h i nn is e dhi A m f aca tu dui n e a i r

’ ’ “
. .
b h i t h a dol s e a c h a d b ho thuit an Oi d h c h e 2 os i se Th u i r t g u
’ ‘
.
’
f ac Dh i nn is e dhi n a C h u n n a i c e
.
’
C hu nna tu na c h a i d h .
s e a c h a d b ho thui t an Oi d h c h e
” os i s e ”
Ma t a os i s e na “ “
, , ,
c n d n a o d h n a a Chu nna tu s s i n b r ai th r e a n m a th ar ag us an
e r
’
e
’
,
d arna n a dh n a b r ai t h r e a n m o m h at h a i r a gus an t r e a s n a o dh n a r
o r ,
s e si n m o m h i c f h é i ; a gus s m i c dh a n dui n e u d a th a a i r m ui n
’ ’ ’
n
a n e ic h i a d u il e
gu l ei r Se s i an dui n e a g am s a ; a gu s C h a n
'
’ ’
. n
e il l a gh ann an B i r i n u na n A ll ab a n a n S a su n n a s u rr a in n
’ ’ ’ ’
, ,
c oi r f h a o t a i n n d h u i n n
’
.
T OI M H S E A C HA N . 35
Fo l b h t h u s a a n is a st e ac h 3 ’
s c h a c h re id m is e nac h ’
e il t o i mh s
each an o rra gu l a th a .
” ’ ’
S d h fh o l b h i ’
s d h f h ag i e
’
.
W r itt e n b y H e c to r U rq uh ar t Th e an sw e r is fou d e d o n a
. n
m ist a k e n b e l i e f th a t it is l a wful fo r a wo man to marr y h e g ran d r
m oth e r s hus ban d I am to l d th a t th e r e a r e n u m e r ou s pu zz l e s

’
.
of t h e s am e ki n d n o w c u rr e n t i n I n di a .
XX II .
THE R I D ER E (K N I G H T ) O F R I DDL E S .
F r o m J oh n M ac k e nz i e , fish e rman n e ar I n v e rar y

, .
HER E was a ki n g o nc e a n d h e m a rr i e d a g r e at lady ,

l
Vl ,
a n d sh e d e pa r t e d o n t h e b i r th Of h e r fi r st s o n A n d .
a littl e aft e r this t h e ki n g m a rr i e d a n o th e r o n e a n d h e ,
had a so n b y this o n e t oo Th e tw o l ads w e r e g r o wi n g

.
up Th e n it st r u c k i n t h e q u e e n s h e ad that it was n o t
.
’
h e r so n wh o w o uld c o m e i n t o t h e ki n gd o m ; a n d sh e s e t
i t b e f o re h e r that sh e w o uld p o is o n t h e e ld e st so n A n d .
s o s h e s e n t advi c e t o t h e c oo k that th e y w o u l d put
p o i s o n i n t h e d r i n k o f t h e h e i r ; b ut as lu c k was i n i t ,
S O it w a s that t h e y o u n g e st br o th e r h e a r d th e m a n d h e ,
said t o his br o th e r n o t t o tak e t h e d r aught n o r t o ,
d r i n k it at all ; a n d s o h e did B ut t h e q u e e n w o n d e r e d
.
that t h e l ad was n o t d e ad 3 a n d sh e th o ught that

th e r e was n o t e n o ugh o f p o is o n i n t h e d r i nk a n d sh e ,
ask e d t h e c oo k t o put m o r e i n t h e d r i n k o n this n ight .
I t w a s thus th e y did a n d wh e n t h e c oo k m ad e up t h e
d r i n k sh e said that h e w o uld n o t b e l o n g aliv e aft e r
,
this d r aught B ut his br o th e r h e a r d this als o a n d h e

.
,
t o ld this lik e wis e Th e e ld e st th o ught h e w o uld put

.
t h e d r aught i n t o a littl e b o tt l e a n d h e said t o h i s

,
br o th e r I f I stay i n t his h o us e I hav e n o d o u b t sh e

will d o f o r m e s o m e way o r o th e r a n d t h e q ui c k e r I
,
l e av e t h e h o us e t h e b e tt e r I will tak e t h e w o r ld f o r
.
m y pi l l o w a n d th e r e is n o k n o wi n g what f o r tu n e will
”
,
b e o n me H is br o th e r said that h e w o uld g o with hi m

“
.
,
TH E RIDERE (K NIG HT ) OF R I DD LE S . 37
a n d th ey t oo k th e m s e lv e s Off t o t h e stab l e an d th e y put ,
saddl e s o n t w o h o r s e s a n d th e y t oo k th e i r s o l e s o u t o f
that .
Th e y had n o t g o n e v e r y fa r f r o m t h e h o us e wh e n
t h e e ld e st o n e said — Th e r e is n o k n o wi n g if p o is o n
“
w a s i n t h e d r i n k at all th o ugh w e w e n t away T r y it .
”
,
’
i n t h e h o r s e s e a r a n d w e shall se e Th e h o r s e w e n t
.
n o t fa r wh e n h e f e ll That w a s o n ly a r at tl e b o n e s
.
“ -
o f a h o r s e at all e v e n ts
” said t h e e ld e st o n e a n d t o g e
, ,
th e r th e y g o t up o n t h e o n e h o r s e a n d s o th e y w e n t ,
f o r wa r ds . B ut
“ ” said h e I c a n s c a rc e b e li e v e
“
, ,
’
that th e r e is a n y p o is o n i n t h e d r i nk l e t s t r y i t
”
,
o n this h o r s e That h e did a n d th e y w e n t n o t

.
,
fa r wh e n t h e h o r s e f e ll c o ld d e ad Th e y th o ught t o .
tak e t h e hid e o ff hi m a n d that it w o uld k e e p th e m

,
wa rm o n this n ight f o r it was c l o s e at ha n d In t h e .
m o rn i n g wh e n th e y w o k e th e y sa w tw e lv e r av e n s
c o m i n g a n d lighti n g o n t h e c a rc as e o f t h e h o r s e ,
a n d th e y w e r e n o t l o n g th e r e wh e n th ey f e ll o v e r
d e ad .
Th e y w e n t a n d lift e d t h e r av e n s a n d th e y t oo k th e m
,
w ith th e m a n d t h e fi r st t o w n th e y r e a c h e d th e y gav e
,
t h e r av e n s t o a b ak e r a n d th e y ask e d hi m t o m ak e a
,
d o z e n pi e s o f t h e r av e n s T h e y t o o k t h e pi e s with
.
th e m a n d th e y w e n t o n th e i r j o u rn e y
,
A b o ut t h e .
m o uth o f n ight a n d wh e n th e y w e r e i n a g r e at thi c k

,
w o o d that was th e r e th e r e c a m e f o u r a n d tw e n ty r o b
,
b e r s o u t o f t h e w oo d a n d th e y said t o th e m t o d e liv e r
,
th e i r pu r s e s 3 b ut th e y said that th e y had n o pu r s e b ut ,
that th e y had a littl e f o o d whi c h th e y w e r e c a rryi n g with

th e m .
“
G oo d is e v e n m e at
” !
a n d t h e r o bb e r s b e ga n
t o e a t it b ut th e y had n o t e at e n t o o b o ldly w h e n th e y
,
f e ll hith e r a n d thith e r W h e n th e y sa w that t h e r o b

.
b e r s w e r e d e a d th e y r a n sa c k e d th e i r p o c k e ts a n d th e y
, ,
g o t m u c h g o l d a n d silv e r o n t h e r o bb e r s Th e y w e n t
.
f o r wa r d till th e y r e a c h e d t h e K n ight o f R iddl e s .
Th e h o us e Of t h e K n ight o f R iddl e s was i n t h e

fi n e st pla c e i n that c o u n t r y a n d if his h o us e was p r e tty
, ,
it wa s his daught e r was p r e tty (i n d e e d ) He r l ik e wa s.
n o t o n t h e sur fa c e o f t h e w o r ld alt o g e th e r 3 S O ha n ds o m e
w a s sh e a n d n o o n e w o u l d g e t h e r t o m a rr y b ut t h e
,
m a n w h o w o uld put a q u e sti o n t o this k n ight that h e

c o uld n o t s o lv e Th e c haps th o ught that th e y w o uld
.
g o an d th e y w o uld t r y t o put a q u e st i o n t o hi m 3 a n d
t h e y o u n g e st o n e was t o sta n d i n pla c e o f gilli e t o his
e ld e st br o th e r . Th e y r e a c h e d t h e h o us e o f t h e K n ight
o f R iddl e s with this q u e sti o n On e kill e d tw o a n d ,
tw o kil l e d tw e lv e a n d tw e l v e kil l e d f o ur a n d tw e n ty
, ,
a n d tw o go t o u t o f it 3 a n d th e y w e r e t o b e i n gr e at
m aj e sty a n d high h o n o u r till h e sh o uld s o lv e t h e r idd l e .
Th e y w e r e thus a whil e with t h e R id e r e b ut o n a ,

’ ’
day o f days c am e o n e o f t h e k ni ght s daught e r s m aid e n s
o f c o m pa n y t o t h e gilli e a n d ask e d hi m t o t e l l h e r t h e
,
q u e sti o n He t oo k h e r plaid f r o m h e r a n d l e t h er g o
.
,
b ut h e d i d n o t t e l l h e r a n d so did t h e tw e lv e m aid e n s
, ,
d a y aft e r day a n d h e said t o t h e last o n e that n o cr e a

,
tu r e had t h e a n sw e r t o t h e r iddl e b ut his m ast e r d o w n

b e l o w N o m att e r
. !
Th e gilli e t o ld h i s m ast e r e a c h
thi n g as it happ e n e d B ut o n e day aft e r this c am e t h e
.
’
k n ight s daught e r t o t h e e ld e st br o th e r a n d sh e was s o
,
fin e a n d sh e ask e d hi m t o t e ll h e r t h e q u e sti o n
, And .
n o w th e r e was n o r e fusi n g h er a n d s o it wa s that h e

,
t o ld h e r b ut h e k e pt h e r plaid A n d t h e K n ight o f
, .
R iddl e s s e n t fo r h i m a n d h e s o lv e d t h e r iddl e A n d
,
.
h e said that h e had tw o c h o i c e s t o l o s e his h e ad o r t o ,
b e l e t g o i n a cr a z y b o at with o ut f oo d o r d r i n k with o ut ,
o a r o r s c oo p Th e c hap sp o k e an d h e said — I hav e

.
“
a n o th e r q u e sti o n t o put t o th e e b e f o r e a ll th e s e thi n gs

TH E RIDERE (K NI G HT ) OF RIDDLES . 39
happ e n ” .
“”
S ay o n said t h e k n ight M ys e lf a n d m y .
“
,
gilli e w e r e o n a da y i n t h e f o r e st sh oo ti n g M y gilli e .
fi r e d at a ha r e a n d sh e f e ll a n d h e t oo k h e r ski n o ff a n d
, , ,
l e t h e r g o 3 a n d s o h e did t o tw e lv e h e t oo k th e i r ski n s ,
o ff a n d l e t th e m g o A n d at last c am e a g r e at fin e
.
ha r e a n d I m ys e lf fi r e d at h e r a n d I t oo k h e r ski n o ff
,
”
, ,
an d I l e t h e r g o In d e e d thy r iddl e is n o t ha r d t o
.
“
”
s o lv e m y lad said t h e k n ight A n d s o t h e lad g o t .
, ,
’
t h e k n ight s d aught e r t o wif e a n d th e y m ad e a g r e at
,
h ea r ty w e ddi n g that last e d a day a n d a y e a r Th e .
y o u n g e st o n e w e n t h o m e n o w that his br o th e r had go t

s o w e ll o n his w a y a n d t h e e ld e st br o th e r gav e hi m
,
e v e r y r ight o v e r t h e ki n gd o m that w a s at h o m e .
Th e r e w e r e n e a r t h e m a rc h o f t h e ki n gd o m o f t h e
K n ight o f R iddl e s th r e e gia n ts a n d th e y w e r e always
,
m u r d e r i n g a n d S layi n g s o m e o f t h e k n ight s p e o pl e ’
a n d taki n g t h e sp o il f r o m th e m O n a day o f days t h e .
K n ight o f R iddl e s said t o h i s s o n i n law that if t h e - -
spi r it o f a m a n w e r e i n hi m h e w o uld g o t o kill t h e

,
gia n ts as th e y w e r e always br i n gi n g su c h l o ss e s o n t h e
,
c o u n t r y A n d thus it was h e w e n t a n d h e m e t t h e
.
,
gia n ts a n d h e c am e h o m e with t h e th r e e gia n ts h e ads

,
’
,
’
a n d h e th r e w th e m at t h e k n ight s f e e t Th o u a r t a n .
ab l e lad d o u b tl e ss a n d thy n a m e h e r e aft er is t h e H e r o

,
” Th e n a m e O f t h e H e r o o f t h e
o f t h e W hit e S hi e ld .
Wh it e S hi e ld w e n t fa r a n d n e a r .
Th e br o th e r o f t h e H e r o Of t h e Wh it e S hi e ld was
e xc e e di n gly st r o n g a n d c l e v e r a n d with o ut k n o w i n g
,
what t h e H e r o o f t h e W hi t e S hi e ld w a s h e th o ught h e ,
w o uld t r y a t r i c k with hi m Th e H e r o o f t h e \V hi t e
.
S hi e ld was n o w dw e lli n g o n t h e la n ds o f t h e gia n ts a n d ,
t h e k n ight s d augh t e r with hi m

’
Hi s br o th e r c a m e .
a n d h e ask e d t o m ak e a c o m h r a g (fight a s a b ull ) w ith

hi m Th e m e n b e ga n at e a c h o th e r a n d th e y t oo k t o
.
,
40 W E S T H I G H LAND T ALES .
w r e s t li n g f r o m m o rn in g till e v e n i n g A t last a n d at.
l e n gth w h e n th e y w e r e t i r e d w e ak a n d giv e n up t h e
, , , ,
H e r o o f t h e \V h i t e S hi e ld j um p e d o v e r a g r e at r am pa r t ,
a n d h e a sk e d hi m t o m e e t hi m i n t h e m o rn i n g This .
l e a p put t h e o th e r t o sham e an d h e said t o hi m W e ll

,
“
m ay it b e that th o u wilt n o t b e so suppl e ab o ut th is

t i m e t o m o rr o w
-
” Th e y o u n g br o th e r n o w w e n t t o a
.
p oo r littl e b o thy that w a s n e a r to t h e h o us e o f t h e H e r o

o f t h e \ V h i t e S hi e ld ti r e d a n d d r o ws y a n d i n t h e m o rn
,
i n g t h e y da r e d t h e fight agai n A n d t h e H e r o o f t h e
.
\V h i t e S hi e ld b e ga n t o g o b a c k till h e w e n t b a c kwa r d s
,
i n t o a r ive r Th e r e m ust b e s o m e o f m y b l oo d i n th e e
“
b e f o r e th a t was d o n e t o m e ” O f what b l oo d a r t th o u ?
.
”
said t h e y o u n ge st Tis I a m s o n o f A r dan g r e at Ki n g
’
”
.
”
,
’
o f th e Alb ann . Ti s I a m thy br o th e r It wa s now .
th e y k n e w e a c h o th e r Th e y gav e lu c k a n d we l c o m e t o
.
e a c h o th e r a n d t h e H e r o o f t h e W hit e S hi e ld n o w t oo k
,
hi m i n t o t h e pala c e a n d sh e it was that w a s pl e as e d t o

,
see hi m — t h e k n ight s daught e r He stay e d a whil e

’
.
with th e m a n d a ft e r that h e th o ught that h e w o uld g o

,
h o m e t o his o w n ki n gd o m 3 an d wh e n h e w a s g o i n g past
a g r e at pala c e that w a s th e r e h e sa w tw e l v e m e n playi n g
at shi nn y o v e r a gai n st t h e pala c e He th o ught h e .
w o uld g o f o r a w hil e a n d play shi nn y with th e m 3 b u t

th e y w e r e n o t l o n g playi n g shi nn y wh e n t h e y f e ll o u t ,
a n d t h e w e ak e st o f th e m c aught hi m a n d h e sh oo k hi m
a s h e w o uld a c hild He th o ught it w a s n o u se f o r hi m
.
t o lift a ha n d a m o n gst th e s e tw e l v e w o r thi e s a n d h e ,
a sk e d th e m t o wh o m th e y w e r e s o n s Th e y said th e y
.
w e r e c hild r e n o f t h e o n e fa t h e r t h e br o th e r o f t h e H e r o
,
o f t h e \ Vh i t e S hi e ld b ut that n o o n e o f th e m had t h e
”
,
sam e m o th e r . I a m y o u r fath e r said h e 3 a n d h e

“
,
ask e d th e m if t h e i r m o th e r s w e r e all aliv e Th e y said .
that th e y w e r e He w e n t with th e m till h e f o u n d t h e

.
RIDERE NAN CE I S T . 41
m o th e r s a n d wh e n th e y w e r e all f o r go i n g h e t oo k
, ,
h o m e with hi m t h e tw e lv e wiv e s a n d t h e tw e lv e s o n s 3
a n d I d o n t k n o w b ut that his s e e d a r e ki n gs o n A l b a
’
til l this v e ry day .
R I D ERE N A N GE I S T .
B H A r igh ann u a ir s ph os e ban t igh e a rn a t r agus sh i u b h a i l

,
’
-
,
i a i r a c h e u d m h a c ac h b h a am mac b e ; agus b ag an na d h é igh

,
e e
so , ph os an r igh t e e il e s b h a m a c ige r ith e s o c u i d e a c h d B h a

,
’
a .
n da
g h il l c i n t i n n su a s A n s i n b h u a il an c e ann na b a r igh
’
e n . n ,
nac h b e mac s e a t h ige a dh a s t i gh a i r an r l o gh a c h d a gus c h u i r i

’
,
ro i m e
p gu m p u i s e a n a i c h e a d h i m mac b u shi n e a g us mar s o
’ ’
n ,
c h u i r i c o m h a i r l e r i s a c h Oc a i r e u n c u i e a d h i a d p h i n s e a n ann
’
r
g ,
an d e o c h an o i gh r e 3 ac h mar b h a s o a s an d an c hu a l a m n ,
’
b r at h a i r a b Cig e i a d a gus t h u b h a i t e r i b h r at h a i r gu n an
’ ’
,
r ,
d e o c h a g h a b h a il na id i r a h Ol 3 a gus mar so r i nn e - A c h bh a .
i n go n t a s a i r a b h an r i gh nac h r o b b an gill e m a b h a gus s m a o

o -
r ,
i n i c h i nac h r o b b na l Oi r a p h ui s e a n ann s an d e o c h s d h i a r
’ ’
e n ,
r
i a i r a c h Oc a i r e t u i l l i d h a c h u i r sa d e o c h a i r an Oid h c h e s o I s ’
n .
a u n mar s o a r i nn i a d agus a n u a i r a r i nn an c Oc a i e su a s an
,
r
d e o c h t h u b h a i t i nac h b i t h e a dh e f a d a b e o an d é igh na di b h e
,
r
s o ; ac h c hu a l b h r at h a i r so c u id e a c h d s d h i nn is e s o mar an
’ ’ ’
c e u dn a SIna Oi n i c h e gu c u i r e a dh e n d e o c h ann a m b o t u l b e a g
’ ’
.
,
a gus t h u b h a i r t e r i b h ra t h a i ’
Ma d h fh a n a s m i s a n tigh c h a
r,
’ ’
n e il t e a ga m h a g am nac h c ui r i a s d o mh d Oi gh a t h a o b h a i g i
’ ’ ’
3 n,
mar i s l u i th e dh fh aga s m i n tigh s e i s f e ar r B h e i r m i an

a
’ ’
,
’
.
s a o gh a l f o m c h e a n n s ch a e il fios d e m fo r t an a b h i t h e a s
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
n
”
,
o rm Th u b h a i r t a b h r at h a i r g u fa l b h a d h e l e i s s thug i a d
’ ’
.
,
o rra do n st ab u l l s c h u i r i a d d i o l l a id a i r d a e ac h s thug i a d na
’
,
’
,
’
b u in n a sda C h a d e ac h i a d gl e f h d o n tigh du r a t h u b h a i r t
’ ’
. a ,
am fe ar b u shi n e Ch a , e il fio s an r o bb p u i s e a
“ ’
n
’
idi r s an n n
d e o c h ge d a d h f h a l b h S i nn 3 f e nc h n an c l u a i s an e i c h e 3 C h i
’ ’
a
”
,
S i nn Ch a b f b a d a c h a idh an t e ac h du r a thuit e Ch a robb

’
-
. .
”
an su d ac h gl i o ga i r e do dh e ac h c o dh i n t h u b h a i r t am f e ar b u
’
, ,
s i n e a g us l e c h eil e
gh a b h i a d a i r m ui n an a o i n e i c h 8 mar s o
’ ’
,
c h a id h i a d a i r an a h i d h A ch
” ar s e s an s g ann o rm a
“ ’ “ ’
g a .
, ,
c h r e i d si n n g u b h e i l
p uin s e a n s a m b ith s an d e o c h 3 fe u c h a m i a i r
’ ’
,
an e ac h so ” S i nn a r i nn e a gus c h a d e ac h i a d f a d a n u a i r a thuit
.
,
an t e ac h fu ar m a rb h S m a o i c h i a d an t s e i c h e t h a b h a i t d h e t h
-
, . n -
’
r
s g u c u m a d h i b l a th i a d a i r an O i d h c h e o i r b h a i d l ut h l ai m h
’ ’
’
Sa .
m h a d u i n n n u a i a d h u is g i a d C h u n a i c i a d d a f h i t h e a c h d h e u g
’
,
r ,
n
a t ig h i n a s l a idh i a d a i r c l o a ic h an e i c h Ch a b fh a d a b h a i a d
,
’
s .
’ ’
an si n u a i r a thu i t i a d t h a i r i s m a r b h Dh f h a l b h i a d s thog
’ ’ ’
,
n .
i a d na fit h i c h s th n g ar l e o i a d ag us a c h e ud b h a il e a r ai i g i a d
,
’
,
n ,
th ug i a d n a fit h i c h do dh f h u i n e a da i r s d h i a r r i a d a i r dus an ’ ’ ’
p i th a d b e a n a mh do na fit h i c h Thug i a d l e o na pi t h e a n s d h .
,
’ ’
f h a l b h i a d a i r an tu r us M u b h e n l na h Oi dh c h e s i a d ann an ’
-
. ,
c o i ll e m h o r d h um h a il a b h a si n t h ai i g c e i t h i r th ar fh i eh e a d do
‘
n
r o b a i re a mac h a s a c h o il l e s t h u b h a i rt i a d r iu I a d a l io b h a i r t
an ,
’
,
an s p o r a in 3 ac h t h u b h a i r t i a d sa n Nac h r o b h sp o r a n aca ac h
”
, ,
g u n r o bb b e a g an b i dh a b h a i a d a g i u l a n l e o S m a i t h b i a dh
’ ’
.
”
f h é i n agus t h i si c h na r o b a i r e a n a i r i t h e a dh A c h c h a d e ac h
o .
,
i a d r o dh ana n na i r a thu i t fe ar th a ll s a b hos d h i u b h A n u ai r

’
.
a C h u n n a i c i a d g u n r o b b na r o b a i e a n m a r b h r a n sa i ch i a d na
’
r ,
n
p o c a i c h e a n a c a s fh u a i i a d m O a n Or 8 a i r gi o d a i r na r o b a i r e a n
’ ’
,
r r .
Dh fh a l b h i a d a i r an a gh a i d h gus an d r ai n i g i a d R idi r e nan C e i s t

’
.
B h a ti g h R i di r e nan Ge ist ann s an a it e b u b h ea gh a sa n d u t h a i ch r
si n a gus ma b h a n tigh b Oid h e a c h s e b h a b Oid h e a c h a n igh e a n

,
’
,
’
.
C h a r o bb a l e i t h i d a i r u a c h d a r an t s a o gh a il g u l ei r c o m a i se a e h -
ri th e S c h a n f h a i gh e a dh a h ao n r i ph Os a d h i ac h f e ar a
.
’ ’
-
,
c h u i re a d h c e i s t a i r an r i di r e so n ac h b u r r a i n n d a f h u a s l a d h
’
g . .
S ma o n i c h na fie a sga i c h gu n r a c h a dh i a d s gu f e u c h a dh i a d c e i st ’ ’
a ch u i r a i r ; a gus b h a m f e ar a b Oige gu s a sa dh an a it e gill e ’ ’

e
d a b h at h a i r b u si n e R ai ig i a d tigh R idi r e nan C e i st l is a

’
r . n ,
e
c h e i s t so M h a r b h a h a o n d it h i s ,s m h a b h d i t h i s a dh a —
,
“
-
dh e u g
,
’
r
s m a b h dh a d h e u
g c e it h ir th ar fh i c h e a d s t h ai n ig d i t h i s a s ;
’ ’
r - -
, ,
s b h a i a d g u b h i a i r h b er t m Or s ai r d e o a i r gus am f u a s l a dh e
’ ’
g n
a c h e i s t B h a i a d g re is mar s o l e is an r id i r e 3 ac h Oi dh c h e do n a
.
h o idh c h e a n t h ai i g t e do na m igh d e a n
-
,
n c o i mh id e a c h d a i g a nan
n i gh e a n an r idi r e
gu l e aba g h il l e s t h u b h a i r t i r is N an
’ ’ ’
, , ,
i n n se a dh e a c h e i s t d h i t h g u ra c h a d h i l u i dh e l e is a gus mar s i n ’
f h é i n r i nn i 3 ac h m u n do l e i g e a i r f l b h i thug e a l é i e dhi
’
a ,
n ,
a c h Ch a do d h i nn i s e dhi a h e i s t ; a gus mar s in r i nn an d a

’
c
m h a igh d e a u d h eu g o i dh c h an d é i gh Oi d h c h e a gus t h u b h a i r t e
,
’
r is an t e m u dh e i a dh Nac h r o b b fio s an t o i m h s e a ch a n a i g
re ,
n e ac h a i r b i th ac h a ig a m h a igh st i s an a m h ai n ” C o ma c o dhi n r .
-
d h i nn i s an g i ll e gac h n i m a r a b h a t a c h a i r t d a m h a i h s t i 3 ac h
’ ’
r
g
a o n Oid h c h an d é igh so t h ai n ig n i gh e a n an r idi re do sh e Oma r a
’
,
RIDERE NAN G EIS T . 43
b h ra th air b u s i n e s t h u b h a ir t i g u n r a c h dh i l u i dh e l e is na n
,
’ ’
a
’
i n n s e a dh e a c h e i s t dh i N is e c h a r o b b na c h o m a a d i ul t d h
’
. s a ,
a g us s ann mar so a b h a c h a id h i l u i d h e l e is ac h a r ms a m b a
’
, ,
d u i n n thu g e a l é in e dhi s l e ig e a i r f a l b h i
, s 00 lu a th
,
’
sa ,
’ ’
dh é i r i c h R i di r e nan Ge ist c h u i r e fio s a i r 8 d h fh a sga i l e a

’ ’ ’ ’
, ,
u
c h e is t s t h u b h a i t e r is Gu n r o b b a dh a r o gh a i n n a ige an
’
,
r , ,
c e ann a c h all na l e ige il a i r f a l b h ann an i t h e a r gu n b h i a d h g u n

’
e
”
, ,
s gu n r am h na t a o m an L a b h a i r am fl e a sg c h
’ ’
d eo ch ,
s . a ,
t h u b h ai t e Th a c ei st e il ag am r i c h u i r o r t m u n t a c h a i r n a
r
“ ’
” ”
,
h n il e n i t h i b h so
-
A ba i r r o m h a d t h u i r t an r i di r e
. Bh a ,
.
m i fe i n 3 m o gh il l e l a t h a ann am fr i dh a se a l g 3 l o i sg m o gh i l l e
’
,
’
a i r m a igh e a c h thuit i 3 thu g e n c r a i c e a n n d h i s l e ig e a i r

’
s
’
,
’
f lbh i R i nn e mar si n a i r a dh a d h e u g 3 thu g e n c r a i c e a n n

’
a . -
di u b h s l e i g e a i r f a l b h i a d a gus m u dh e i r e a dh t h a i n i g m a i g h e a c h
’
, ,
t r b h re
g h a s l o i sg m i f é i n o i r r e s thug m i
a
’
c ra i c e a dh i ’ ’
n nn ,
”
, ,
s l e ig m i ai r fa l b h i M oi r e c h a n e il do c h e i st d u il l i c h
’ ’ ’
.
”
,
fh u a sgl a dh Og a i c h thi r t an r idi r e t h a si a g i n s e a d h gu n

an , ,
n n
’
do l u idh do gh il l e 1e d a m h a i gh d a n d h e u g m o n i gh i n s a a g us e n -
,
thu fe i n l e m o n i gh e a n s gu n d thug si b b na l é i t e a dh i u b h ’ ’ ’
n n .
S i n a g a d do t h o i m h se a c h a i m o gh i l l e m a i t h a g us f e u m a tu n
”
,
’
p Osa dh A gus s e S i n a r i nn i a d s bana is t
. r gh r e a dh ch a
’
,
na
mh a ir l a th a s b l i a dh a D h f h a l b h am f e ar a b Ci g e d h a c h a i d h
’ ’
n .
-
n na i r a f h u a i r e a b h at h i c o m i t h a i r a d h eig h s thug
’ ’
a n so , r a r a ,
am b at h i r b u si n e dh a na h n i l e c Oi r a i r an r i o gh a c h d a b h a
r a -
a i g an t ig h B h a d l ut h do d h fh e r a n n R id i r e nan C e i s t t ri ui r ’
. a
f h mh a i r e a
a ag us i a d d a o nn a n a m o r t s a m b h a dh c u i d do
n,
’ ’ ’
ar
d h a Oi e an R i d i r e s a t a b h a i r t u a pa s pi i il l L a t h a do na l a i t h e a
’
n , . n,
t h i r t R idi r e n a n C e i s t r i c h l i a m h u i n n na m b iodh s pi o r a d dui n

’ ’
u ,
ann gu n r a h d h e a m h a r b h a d h nam f a m h i r e an A gus 8 a m

,
’
c a a .
’
r
m a r so a b h d h fh a l b h e s c h o i n i c h e na f m h i r e a n a g u s
’ ’
a, ,
n a a
t h a i n i g e d h a c h a idh l e c e ann nan t r i f a m h a i r e a n s t h i l g e i a d a i g

’
,
ca s an an r id i r e S Ol a c h t a p i d h thu gu n t e a ga m h a g us s e
.
“ ’
a
’
”
,
is a iu m dh u it n a dh e i gh so Ga i ge a c h na sgi t h b a i n e C h a id h
,
s a .
a iu m Ga i sg e c h na sgi a t h b a i n e a m f a d s an go i r id Bh b at h a i r
a
’
. a r
Ga i sge c h n a s gi t h b a i n e a n a b a rr e h l a idi r t a pa i d h a g us gu n
a a a , ,
f h i o s i ge c o e G i sg e a c h na sgi a t h b a i n e s m a o i n i c h e gu
a a c h a dh ,
n ra
e d h f h e c h i n n c l e a s r is
’
u a B h a Ga i sg a h na s gia t h b ame a ga . e c -
’
b h a il c Om h idh a i r fe arann an fh a m h i a n i s s i gh a an r i d i r e
nu a r ,
’
n e n
l i s Th ai ig a b h r at h a i r s d h i a r e c Om h r g a d h e a m h r i s
e . n
’ ’
r a an .
T h Oi s i c h a fi r a i r a c h ei l e a gus thug i a d a i r g l e a h d b ho m h a d
n
’
,
c
M u th a l u a i r a b h a i a d s gi t h
’
u in n f d h i d h l
g u ea
g a r e s
r e a . n ,
44 WE S T H IG H LAND T ALES .
fann ,
’
8 ai r t o i r t t h a ir is l e u m Ga i sge a c h na sgi a t h b a i n e am B a i d e al
,
m er s dh i a rr e a i r c o i n e a c h a i n n r is sa m h d i n C h u i r an
’ ’
n a u n.
,
l e u m so am fe ar e il e f u i d h spr o c h d s t h u b h a i r t e Ma th d h ’ “ ’
”
, ,
f h a o id t e nac h b i thu c o s u b a il t e m u n a m s o a m m a i r e u c h
‘
’
.
C h a id h am b at h a i r Og a n is e d o b h o t h a b e a g b o c h d a b h a d l ut h
r n ,
do th i gh Ga i sge a c h na sgi a t h b ai n e gu sgit h a i rsn e a l a c h 3 agus ann s

-
, ,
a mh a d u i n n d h u ra i c h i a d an t u a s id a g us t h Oi si c h Ga i sge a c h na
. ,
’
s i a t h b a i n e a i r dol a i r a is gus an d e ac h e n c o i m h i r a c h u i l a n n
’
g
-
,
an a b h u i Fe u m a i d h e gu b h e il c u i d do m fh u i l a uu a d m u n
’ ’ ’
nn.
d e a n a dh tu s o o r m sa
” CO n f h u i l d a m b h e i l thu t h u ir t a m
’ ’
”
.
fe ar a b eige 8 m i sc mac A r d an r i gh m o r n a h A l ban n

’ ’ ‘
- -
. .
’
S m i s e do b h r at h a i r
” S ann an s o a dh a i t h n i c h i a d a
.
’ ’ ’
c h eil e C h u i r i a d f ail t e s fu ran a i r a c h eil e s thug Ga i sge a c h

.
’
,
’
na s gia t h e b ai n e an so a s t igh e do n l uc h a i rt agus s e b h a

-
’
,
’ ’
igh e a n an r idi r e e c a r t a mu l l
’
t o i l e a c h fh a i c i n n n Dh f h a . n
ma i ll e r iu agus na d h e i gh s i n s ma o in i c h e gu n r a c h d h e dh a
,
’
,
a
c h a id h d a r l o gh a c h d f é i n a g us a n u a i r a b h a e
’
ga b h a il s e a c h a d
,
a i r pai l e a s m o r a b h a sin C h u n a ic e d a fh e ar d h e u g a caman

‘ ’
,
n
’
acb d f a c h o m h a i r a ph ail e i s S m a o i n i c h e gu n r a c h a d h e gr e is a
.
c h a ma n a c h d l e o ac h c h a b f h a d a b h a i a d a camanac hd n na i r
,
’ ’ ’ ’
a c h a idh i a d a mac h a i r a c h ei l e a gu s r u g am f e ar b u su ar ra i c h e
’
d h i u b h a i r a gus c h r a t h s e e mar gu n d e a n a dh e a i r p ai s d e
,
’ ’
.
S m a o i n i h e nac h r o b h ma th dh a 1amh a t h o g a il am m e a s g an
c
’
,
d a c h e a t h a ir n e a ch dh u g s o a gus dh f h e o r a i c h e d h i u b h c o d h a
e ,
’
,
b u m h i c i a d ? T h u b h a i t i a d G u m b e e l a n n a o n a th ar i a d
r ,
’ ’
,
b r at h a i r do G h a i sg e a c h na sg i t h b a i n e a gus nac h b e an a o n a -
’
m h at h a i a b h a i g a h a o n d h i u b h ” ”
,
S m is e b hu r n at h a i
’ ’
r -
.
-
r,
t h u b h i r t e s an ; is dh fh a a id e dh i u b h A n r o b b am m a th
’ “
a rr
”
,
r ai ch e a n n i le b e o Th u i rt i a d gu n r o b b
’
9
, C h a i d h e l e o gu s .
an d fh u a i e n a m at h r a ie h e n agus a n u a i r a b h a i a d u i l e gu
’
r a ,
f a l b h thug e l e i s d h a c h a i d h an d a b h e a n d eug s a dh a m h a c ’ ’
d h eu g a g us c h a n e i l fio s a g am s a nac h e n s l i o c h d a th a n a n
’ ’ ’ ’
,
r i gh re a n a i r A l ba
g u s a l a t h a n di u gh
’ ’
.
W r itt e n dow n f r o m t h e r e c it a tio n of J oh n Mac k e nz i e fish e r ,
man a t I n v e rar y wh o s ays th a t h e l e arn e d t h e t a l e f r o m an Ol d

,
man i n L o rn man y y e ar s a go He h a s b e e n thi r ty si x y e ar s a t . -
I n v e rar y H e fi r st told m e t h e t a l e fl u e n tly an d a ft r w ar d s

.
,
e
d i c t a t e d it to m e 3 an d t h e wo r ds w r itt e n a r a s n e ar l y a s p o s e,
si b l e thos e us e d b y M ac k e nz i e o n t h e fi r st o cca sio n

, .
A p r il 1 8 5 9
, . H E CTOR U R Q U H A R T .
THE RIDERE (K NIG HT ) OF RIDDLES . 45
Th e w o r d p r o n ou nc e d R eet dj e r é an d v ar iousl y sp e l t R idi

- -
, r,
R ig h d i r an d R i gh d e i r e i s e x pl a i n e d i n a man us cr ipt histo r y

, ,
o f t h e C am p b e l l s w r itt e n ab out 1 82 7 a s R igh ki n g — d e i a ft e r

, , , ,
—R i ki n g I f th i s b e c o rr e c t t h e w o r d would m e an a followi n g
, . ,
o r m i n o r ki n g I t ma y e qu a lly b e a c o rr uptio n of R itt e r o r

.
,
R e it e r ; an d I h a v e t ran s l a t e d it b y kn igh t b ca us e it i s n o w ,
e
a ppli e d to a l l k n i ghts .
Th e a utho r of t h e man us cr ipt s a y s —Th e t e rm is h an d e d dow n

e v e n i n G ae l i c t al e s an d m e n tio n s s e v e ral whi c h w e r e th e n
,
c u rre n t R i gh d i e r e nan Spl e u gh an d an R igh d e i i R u a d h ; h e

, , r
a dds ,th a t R igh d i ri n du b h L o c h Oigh (t h e Bl ac k K n i g hts of

e
L o c h A we ) w a s t h e nam e th e n u s e d b y o l d H ighl an d e r s i n m e n
t io n i n g t h e c hi e fs of t h e D u i n (Cam p b e l ls ) an d th a t t h e r ui n s of ,
E re di n C a stl e w e r e th e n k n ow n b y n o oth e r nam e th an L arac h

t a i a n R i g h d e i r i n — t h e r ui n s of t h e hous e of t h e k n ights
n .
Th e w r it e r ar gu e s f r o m o l d man us cr ipt histo r i e s c h ar t e r s , ,
etc ., th a t t h e t e rm w a s br ought f r o m I re l an d b y t h e c olo n y who

s e ttl e d i n C an ti re a t a v e r y e ar ly p e r iod an d who sp r e a d th e nc e ,
ov e r A r gyl l shi r e an d fou n d e d a ki n gdo m of whi c h f re q u e n t

, ,
’
m e n tio n is ma d e i n I r ish annal s a s t h e D a l r e u d i a o r S c oto n n,
I r i sh c o l o n i za tio n of A rgyll C an ti re L o rn an d I sl a y
, , I t is , .
s uppos e d to h a v e t a k e n pl ac e ab out A D 5 03 u n d e r L a o rn . .
, ,
Fe r gus an d A n g us th r e e so n s of E r i c t h e d e s c e n d an t of Ca i b r e
, , , r
R u a d h a s o n of C o nar y I I wh o r ul e d a s c hi e f ki n g of I r e l an d
,
.
,
A D 2 12
. . B e th a t a s it m a y a ll t h e G a e li c t ra ditio n s n o w c u r
. ,
r e n t i n t h e I sl e s poi n t a t an I r ish m ig ra tio n wh i c h took pl ac e i n

t h e y e ar of g rac e o n c e u p o n a ti me an d t h e wo r d R i gh d e i r e o cc u r s
,
c o n ti n u a ll y wh e r e it s e e m s to m e an a s mal l ki n g an d a k i n g of
, ,
E r i n 3 fo r e xam p l e th e r e w a s a k i n g (R e e ) an d a R e e t dj e r
,
“ -
a s th e r e w a s an d wi ll b e an d a s g r ows t h e fir t r e e so me of th e m
.
-
”
, ,
c r ook e d an d so m e of th e m st ra ight — an d h e w a s a ki n g of E r i n .
E v e n t h e wo r d A l b an a c h n o w us e d fo r S c ot c h man m e an s
, ,
W an d e r e r W h e n t h e ki n g s so n c h an g e s his nam e a ft e r ki ll i n g
.
’
,
t h e gi an ts it s e e m s a s if h e w e r e ma d e a k n ight
, .
Th i s t a l e th e n wou l d s e e m to b e so m e m y thologi ca l acc ou n t

, ,
of e v e n ts whi c h ma y b e t rac d i n G r i mm s sto r i s i n t h e Cl a s

e
’
e ,
si c s an d e ls e wh e r e m i x e d up with n am e s an d titl e s b e lo n g i n g to
, ,
t h e c olo n i za tio n of A r gy llshi r e b y I r ish t r i b e s an d a l l a ppl i e d to ,
t h e k i n gs of S c otl an d i n t h e l a st s e n t e nc e I t is a f a i r r e p r e s e n t a
.
tio n of t h e s t ran g e c o n fusio n of r e a l i ty an d f anc y h i sto ry an d ,
m ytho l ogy of whi c h I b e li e ve th e s e sto r i e s to b e c o m pos e d

,
.
Th e n e ar e s t sto r y to i t whi c h I k n o w i s Da s R at h se l i n
,
G r i mm N o 2 2 S e v e ra l v e r s i o n s re giv e n i n t h e thi r d vol u m e

, . . a ,
whi c h s e e m to v ar y f r o m e ac h oth e r ab out a s m u c h a s thi s

,
G a e li c v e r sio n v ar i e s f r o m th e m a l l
.
Th e re is s o m e thi g lik e t h e fight b e tw e e n R o m ulus an d h is

n .
br o t h e r Al ba m e an s S c otl an d
. .
XX III .
THE BU RGH .
F r o m A l e xan d e r M ‘
D o n al d, t e nan t an d oth e r s Barra J ul y 1 8 5 9
, , , .
O U R w e r e wat c hi n g c attl e i n Ba il e b u r gh (B u rgh

F F a rm ) . Th e y w e r e i n a f o ld Th e f o u r w e r e .
D o m h n u l l M a c Gh i l l e a t h a i n D o m h n u l l M a c a n t S a o i r
,
- - -
C alu m M a c N i l l a n d D o m h n u l l D o mh n u l l a c h
,
Th ey .
sa w a d o g . Calu m M a cN i l l said that th e y sh o uld

st r ik e t h e d o g S aid D o m h n u l l Ma c Gh il l e a t h a i n W e
.
,
will n o t st r ik e I f th o u st r i ke st hi m th o u wilt r ep e n t
.
it
”
. Calu m M a cN i l l st r u c k t h e d o g a n d his ha n d a n d ,
his a rm l o st th e i r p o w e r He f e lt a g r e at pai n i n his

.
ha n d a n d his arm a n d o n e o f t h e o th e r lads c a rr i e d his

,
sti c k h o m e ; h e c o uld n o t c a rr y it hi m s elf He was .
l a m e n ti n g his ha n d a n d h e w e n t wh e r e th e r e was a n
,
Ol d w o m a n N i c a P hi t o g e t k n o w l e dg e ab o ut his ha n d
, , .
S h e said t o hi m that h e w o uld b e s o till t h e e n d o f a

day a n d a y e ar 3 a n d at t h e e n d o f a day a n d y e a r t o ,
g o t o t h e k n o ll a n d say t o it I f th o u d o st n o t l e t with
,
“
m e t h e st r e n gth o f m y ha n d I o r m y r a c e will l e av e ,
n e ith e r sti c k n o r st o n e o f th e e that w e will n o t d r iv e t o
pi e c e s
.
”
A t t h e e n d o f a day a n d y e a r his c o mr a d e s sa i d
'
“
T h e r e is n o w a day a n d y e a r si nc e th o u hast l o st t h e
p o w e r o f thy ha n d c o m e t o t h e k n o ll till thy ha n d ge t
”
,
its p o w e r as t h e w o m a n said
,
He w e n t hi m s e lf a n d
.
h i s c o mr ad e s . Th e y r ea c h e d t h e hill He d r e w hi s .
sti ck an d h e said t o t h e k n o l l I f th o u d o st n o t l e t
, ,
“
with m e t h e st r e n gth o f m y ha n d I m ys e l f o r m y ,
r a c e will l e av e n e ith e r sti c k n o r st o n e o f th e e that w e

will n o t d r iv e t o pi e c e s ” A n d h e g o t t h e p o w e r o f his .
han d .
BA ILE B H U I R GH .
B HA c e a t h r a a fa i r e c r u i dh a u n am B a il e b h u ir gh Bh a i a d a n n
r
’
.
an c u i dh B e c h e a t h a r Do m h n u l l M a c Gh i l l e a t h a in Do mh n u l l
.
’ ’
r ,
Man a n t Sa o i r C alu m M a c N il l a gus D o m h n u l l D o m h n u l l a c h

- - -
, , .
Ch u n n a i c i a d c u Th u i r t C a l u m M a c N il l gu m b u a il e a d h c u d an
.
Oil Th u i r t D o mh n u l l M a c Gh il l e a t h a i n . Ch a b h u a il , m a.
”
.
b h u a il e a s tu e b idh a i th r e a c h a s o r t . B h u a i l C a lu m M a c N i l l an
c u ag us a l a m b a gus a gh air de an an lugh B h a e m oth ac h

c h a il l .
a i n n c r ad h m or na l ai m h a gus na gh ai r d e a n agus gh i ul a in h a o n
’ ’
-
,
d e na gi l l e a n e il e d a c h a i d h am ba t a c h a b u r r a i n e fh i u a
’
,
n
g hi ii l a n
‘
Bh a .e g e aran a l ai m h e s c h a i dh e f ar an r o b h s e ana
’
,
’
b h e a n N i c a P h i a i s o n e ol a s f h a o t a i n n ma l ai m h
, ,
r Th u i r t i r i s .
gu m b iodh e m u r s i n gu c ann l a a s b l i a dh n a s an c e ann l a a s e ,

’ ’
b l i a d h n a e dho l gos a c h n o c s a ra dh ri s Mar an Ii g t h u l e a m s a

’ ’
,
lu gh m o l ai mh e c h a n f h a g m is e na m o s h l i o c h d c l ac h na crann
”
, ,
d i ot nac h c ui r si n a s a c h ei l e A n c e ann l a a s b l i a dh n a t h u i r t
.
’
a c h o mpa n a i c h r is Th a n i s l a a s b l i a dh n a O u a c h a il l t h u
,
“ ’ ’
l ugh na l ai m h e th a ll a g os a c h n o c s go m f i gh e a dh do l amh a
,
’
,
’ ’
a
hi gh mar a t h i r t a b h e a n Dh fh o l b h e f h i n s a c h o m p a a i c h
’ ’ ’
u . n ,
s r ai n i g e n d an cn o c Th a r u i n n e m ba t a s t h u i r t e r is a c h n o c
’ ’ ’ ’
. r
,
Mar an lig thu l e a m s a lugh m o 1a i m h e c h a n fh ag m i fh l n na ‘ ’
”
,
m o sh l i o ch d c l ac h na crann d i ot n ac h (1 t h e i r si a s a c h e i l e
,
’
n .
Fh u a i r e l u gh na l ai m h e .
b y H c to r M a c Le a n f r o m t h e t e l li n g of a man i n
W r itt e n e ,
B arra This may b e c o m p ar e d w i th t h e Man ks t ra ditio n ab ou t

.
t h e B la c k D og a t P e e l C stl e ,
a .
XX IV .
TH E TU LMAN .
F r o m A l e xan d e r M D o n a l d , t e nan t , an d
‘
oth e r s Barra J u l y 1 85 9
, . .
H E R E was a w o m a n i n B ail e Th a n gu sda i l a n d sh e

T was o ut s e eki n g a c o u pl e o f c al v e s 3 a n d t h e n ight
,
a n d lat e n e ss c aught h e r a n d th e r e c am e r ai n a n d t e m
,
p e st a n d sh e was s e e ki n g sh e l t e r Sh e W e n t t o a k n o l l
, .
wi th t h e c o upl e o f c alv e s a n d sh e was st r iki n g a

,
t e th e r p eg i n t o it
-
Th e k n o ll o p e n e d
. Sh e h e a r d a .
g l e e ga sh i n
g as if a p o t h oo k w e r e c
-
l ashi n g b e sid e a p o t .
S h e t oo k w o n d e r a n d sh e st o pp e d st r iki n g t h e t e th e r
,
p ge . A w o m a n put o ut h e r h e ad a n d all ab o v e h er
m iddl e a n d sh e said W hat b usi n e ss hast th o u t o b e

“
”
, ,
t r o ub li n g this tul m a n i n whi c h I m ak e m y dw e lli n g ?

“
I a m taki n g c a r e o f this c o upl e o f c alv e s a n d I a m
”
,
b ut w e ak W h e r e shal l I g o with th e m ?
. Th o u “
shalt g o with th e m t o that br e ast d o w n y o n d e r Th o u .
wilt s e e a tuf t o f g r ass I f thy c o upl e o f c alv e s e a t

.
that tuft o f g rass th o u wilt n o t b e a day with o ut a

,
m ilk c o w as l o n g as th o u a r t al i v e b e c aus e th o u hast

”
,
tak e n m y c o u n s e l
. .
A S sh e said sh e n e v e r was with o ut a m ilk c o w aft e r

,
that a n d sh e was aliv e f o u r s c o r e a n d fift e e n y e a r s afte r

,
t h e n ight that w a s th e r e .
T ULMAN AN .
B H A b o i r e an n a c h ann am B a il e Th a ga sda il s b h a i mac h a ig

n ,
’
i a rr a i d h c a i gi o n l a o gh a gus r u g an idh c h e s an t a n m o c h u rra

’
n ,
o -
,
a g us t h ai n ig agu s sio n s b h a i g i a r r a i dh fa sga i dh

s il e a d h ,
’ ’
.
C h a i dh i go cn o c l e i s a c h a i gi o n n l a o gh s b h a i b u a l a dh a
’ ’ ’ ’
c h i p e i n ann D h f h o sga i l an cn o c C hu a l i gl i o ga da i c h mar

’
. .
,
go m b iodh b uth a l a g l e a d h a i ch t a o b h poit e Gh abb i i o n gh a n

’ ’
r .
t a s S t a d i b h u a l a dh a c h ipe i n Ch u i r b o i r e a n n a c h a mac h a
.
’ ’
.
c e ann 3 na r o b b a s c io nn a m i a d h o i n s t h u i r t i r ith e
,
’
Dé n ,
’
.
“ ’
g n o t h a ch a t h a g a d a b hi c u r d ra gh a i r an tu l man s o s a b h e il
’ ’ ’ ’
m is e ga b h a il c o m h n u i d h 2
’
Th a m i t o ir t an a i r a i r a c h a i g
‘ ’ ’ ’
io n u l a o gh so 3 c h a n e il m i ac h l a g ca 11 d t h é i d m i l e o
,
’ ’ ’
,
’ ’
T h é i d thu l e o i o n n su idh an u c h d u d shi a s c hi thu ba d f e o i r an

’ ’
,
si n . Ma dh i t h e a s do c h a igi o n n l a o gh am ba d f e o ir S i n c h a b h i
’
thu l a t h a gu n mh a t ba iu n e fh a d s is b e o thu o u a gh a b h thu

r
’ ’
”
,
m o c h o m h a ir l e Mar a t h u b h a i r t i c h a o b h i ri a b h gu n m h a rt
. ,
r
b a i n n a s a d h é i gh so s b h a i b e o c Oi g d e ug a gus c e i t h i r fic h e a d
’ ’
b l i a d h n a n d é i gh na h o idh c h e b h a n s i o d ”
,
’ ’ ’ ’
.
W r it te n by He cto r M a c Lea n , f ro m th e di c t a tio n of a man i n

B arra
T H E I S LE OF P A BA I DH .
F r o m Al e xan d e r M ‘
Do n a l d , t e nan t an d oth e r s B arra
, , . J u ly 1 85 9 .
H E R E c a m e a w o m a n o f p e a c e (a fai r y ) t h e way Of
T t h e h o us e o f a m a n i n t h e isla n d o f P a b a i dh a n d ,
sh e h ad t h e hu n g e r o f m o th e r h oo d o n h e r He gav e .
h e r f oo d a n d that w e n t w e l l with h er
, S h e staid that .
n ight W h e n Sh e w e n t away sh e said t o hi m I a m

.
, ,
“
m aki n g a d e si r e that n o n e o f t h e p e o p l e o f this isla n d

m ay g o i n c hild b e d afte r this ” N o n e o f th e s e p e o pl e
.
,
a n d n o n e o th e r s that w o uld m ak e th e i r dw e lli n g i n t h e

isla n d e v e r d epa r t e d i n c hild b e d f r o m that ti m e .
E I LE AN P HA B A I D H .
TH A I N I G b o i r e a n n a c h sith r a t h a d t i gh dui n ann an e i l e an ’
P h a b a i d h a g us acra s na l a idh e sh iub h l u rra Thu g e b i a dh dh i

’
, . ,
s gh a b h s i n g o ma th a i c e D h f h a n i n o i dh c h e s i n Nur a
’ ’ ’
. . .
d h fh a l b h i t h u i r t i r is Th a m is e d e a n a dh i a r t a s nac h f h a l b h
’
,
r
gi n d e d h a o i n an e il e an so ann an l e aba na si ub h l a a s a d h eigh

’
so
” Ch a (1 fh a l b h g i n r i a b h d e na d a oi n e s i n na gi n e il e b h i o dh
.
’ ’
,
a ga b h a i l c o m h n u i d h san e il e an u a i dh e si n ann an l e aba na

’ ’
,
s iu b h l a .
W r it t e n b y H e c to r M a c L ea n , f ro m t he t e ll i n g Of a man i n
B arra .
XX VI .
SA N NTR A I GH.
F r o m Al e xan d e r M ‘
Do n a l d, t enan t,an d oth e r s B ar ra
, . J u ly 1 8 5 9 .
H E R E was a h e r d s wif e i n t h e isla n d o f Sa n n t r a igh

’
,
a n d sh e had a k e ttl e A w o m a n o f p e a c e (fai r y )

.
w o uld c o m e e v e r y day t o s e e k t h e k e ttl e Sh e w o ul d .
n o t say a w o r d wh e n sh e c a m e b ut sh e w o uld c at c h ,
h o l d Of t h e k e ttl e W h e n sh e w o uld c at c h t h e k e ttl e

.
,
t h e w o m a n o f t h e h o us e w o uld say
A s m ith is ab l e to ma k e
C old i r o n hot with c o al .
Th e d u e of a k e ttl e i s b o n e s ,
A n d to br i n g i t bac k ag a i n who l e .
Th e w o m a n o f p e a c e w o uld c o m e b a c k e v e r y day with

t h e k e tt l e a n d fl e sh a n d b o n e s i n it On a day that .
w a s th e r e t h e h o us e w if e was f o r g o i n g o v e r t h e f e rr y t o
,
B ail e a Ch a i st e il a n d sh e said t o h er m a n
,
I f th o u ,
“
wilt sa y t o t h e w o m an o f p e a c e as I say I w i ll g o t o
” !
,
’
B ai l e Castl e . C O I will sa y it
“
S u r e ly it s I that
.
wi ll sa y it ”. He was spi nn i n g a h e ath e r r o p e t o b e

s e t o n t h e h o us e H e sa w a w o m a n c o m i n g a n d a
.
shad o w f r o m h e r f e e t a n d h e t oo k f e a r o f h e r He
, .
shut t h e d oo r He st o pp e d his w o r k
. W h e n sh e .
c a m e t o t h e d oo r sh e did n o t fi n d t h e d oo r o p e n a n d ,
h e did n o t Op e n i t f o r h e r Sh e w e n t ab o v e a h o l e
.
that was i n t h e h o us e Th e k e ttl e gav e tw o ju m ps

.
,
S A N N TR A I GH . 53
a n d at t h e thi r d l e ap it w e n t o ut at t h e r idg e o f t h e
h o us e Th e n ight c am e an d t h e k e ttl e c a m e n o t Th e
.
, .
wife c a m e b a c k o v e r t h e f e rr y a n d sh e d id n o t se e a ,
b it o f t h e k e ttl e withi n a n d sh e ask e d W h e r e was “
” ”
, ,
’
t h e k e ttl e ? W e l l th e n I d o n t c a r e wh e r e it i s
“
,
said t h e m a n ; I n e v e r t oo k su c h a f r ight as I t oo k
“
at it I shut t h e d oo r a n d sh e did n o t c o m e a n y m o r e
.
”
,
with it . G oo d f o r —
“
n o thi n g w r e t c h what didst th o u
-
,
do Th e r e a r e tw o that will b e ill o ff— thys e lf a n d

“
S h e will c o m e t o m o rr o w with it
” S h e wi l l n o t “
”
-
.
c o me .
S h e hast e d h e r s e lf a n d s h e w e n t away Sh e .
r e a c h e d t h e k n o ll a n d t h e r e was n o m a n withi n I t
, .
was aft e r di nn e r a n d th e y w e r e o ut i n t h e m o uth o f

,
.
t h e n ight Sh e w e n t i n
. Sh e saw t h e k e ttl e a n d sh e
.
,
lift e d it with h e r I t was h e avy f o r h e r with t h e

.
r e mn a n ts that th e y l e ft i n it W h e n t h e Ol d c a r l e that
.
was withi n sa w h er g o i n g o ut h e said , ,
S ilen t i fe si l e n t wife
w , ,
Th a t cam e o n u s f ro m t h e l an d of c h a s e
”
,
Thou man o n th e su r fac e of t h e B r u t h ,
L oos e t h e b l ac k an d s l i p t h e Fi e rc e
, .
Th e tw o d o gs w e r e l e t l oo s e 3 a n d sh e was n o t l o n g
away wh e n sh e h e a r d t h e c latt e r o f t h e d o gs c o m i n g .
S h e k e pt t h e r e mn a n t that was i n t h e k e ttl e so that ,
if sh e c o uld ge t it with h e r w e ll a n d if t h e d o gs sh o uld

, ,
c o m e that sh e m ight th r o w it at th e m S h e p e rc e iv e d .
t h e d o gs c o m i n g S h e put h e r ha n d i n t h e k e ttl e
. .
Sh e t oo k t h e b o a r d o ut Of it a n d s h e th r e w at th e m a
,
q ua r t e r o f what w a s i n it Th e y n o ti c e d it th e r e f o r a
.
whil e Sh e p e rc e iv e d th e m agai n a n d sh e th r e w
.
,
a n o th e r pi e c e at th e m wh e n th e y c l o s e d up o n h e r Sh e .
w e n t away walki n g as w e ll as sh e m ight ; wh e n sh e

c am e n e a r t h e fa rm sh e th r e w t h e m o uth o f t h e p o t
,
d o wn wa r ds a n d th e r e sh e l e ft th e m all that was i n i t

,
.
Th e d o gs o f t h e t o w n st r u c k (up ) a b a r ki n g wh e n th e y
saw t h e d o gs o f p e a c e st o ppi n g Th e w o m a n o f p e a c e .
n e v e r c a m e m o r e t o s e e k t h e k e ttl e .
SE A N N TR A I GH .
B HA b e an fi r c o i m h e a d ann an e il e an Sh a n tr a i gh a gus b h a c oi r n
'
Thi g e a dh b e an sh i t h h u il e l a t h a dh i a r a i dh a c hoi r e
’ ’
a ic e.
- r .
C h a c h a a d h i s m id n u r a t h i ge a d h i a ch b h e i r e a dh i a i r a c hoi r e
’
n , .
N u r a b h e i re a dh i a i r a c ho i r e t h e i r e a dh b e an an tigh e ’
.
S t r e a sa i ch e go bba gu a l
’
Go i a r r u n n fu ar a b h r u i ch 3
D l e a sn a s c oi r e c n ai mh
S a t h o i r t sl a n go tigh
’
.
T h i ge a dh a ’
a i r a h a is h n il e l a t h a l e is a c hoi r e agus
b h ea n sh i t h -
’
-
’
,
f e o il a s e n am h a ann La t h a b h a n si n b h a b e an an tigh e a i r so n
’
n .
dol th ar an a i s e i g do B h a i l a C h a i st e il a gu s t h u i r t i r a f e ar ’
,
’
,
Ma th e i r t h u sa r is a b h e a n sh i t h m ar a th e i r m is e f a l b h a i d h
’
” ”
,
m i Bh a il e Ch a i s t i l
’
U th e i r u r s e s an
e s c in n t e a ch
gu r
’ ’
”
.
, ,
m i th e i r
’
Bh a e sn i a mh sia ma i n f ra o i ch g os a c hu r a i r an tigh
. .
C h u n a i c e b e an a ti g hi n a s f a il e a s a s a ca s an s gh a b h e e a gal
n
’ ’
,
’
r o i m h pe D h r u id e n d o r u s d a s st a d e d a Oh a i r N u r a t h ain i g
’ ’
. .
i s e do n d o r u sd c h a d f h u a i r i d o r u sd f o sg a il t e s c h a d
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
n ,
f h o sga i l e s an di e C h a i d h i a s c io nn tol l a b h a s an tigh Thug

.
’
.
an c oi r e d a l e u m a s ag u s a i r an t r e a s l e u m dh fh a l b h e mac h a i r
,
’
d r l o m an ti g h e T h ai n i g an o i d h c h e s c h a d t h ain i g an c oi r e
.
,
’ ’
.
Thill a b h e a n th ar an a i se i g s c h a n fh a c i d a d d e n c hoi re
’
’ ’ ’ ’
,
s t i gh a gus d h f h o i h i c h d i ca n r o b h n c oi r e Mat a s c o ma
’ ’ ’ ’
g n
”
, .
l e arn c a b h e i l e u r s a f e ar c h a do gh a b h m i r i a b h a l e i th i d
’
,
’
,
“
d e dh e a ga l s a gh a b h m i r o i m h e Gh a b h m i e a gal s dh ui n
’ ’ ’
.
,
m i n d o r u sd s c h a d t h ai n i g i t u il l i dh l e is
’ ’ ’
A dh o n a i n d b o u a
d e r i nn thu ? s d i t h i s d a b h i o s gu do n thu fh i n agus m is e ”
, . ,
’ ’
.
Thig i m m ai r e a c h l e is
’ ” C h a (1 thig
” .
’
.
Sgi o b l a i c h i i fh i n s ah f ha l b h i s r ai n i g i n cn o c s c h a
,
’ ’ ’ ’
,
’
r o bb dui n e s t i gh B h a e n d é igh n a d in n e a r a c h s b h a e n d a
.
’
,
’
mac h am b i al na h Oi d h ch e Gh a b h i st igh Ch u n n ai c i n c oi re
~
. .
’
S E A N N TR A I GH . 55
’
’
thog i l e a th e B h a e t r o m a i cc s an c Or r a dh fh a g e u d ann
s
’
.
,
’ ’
.
N u r a C h u n n a i c am b od ac h a b h a st igh i dol amac h t h u ir t e , ,
A b h e an b h al b h a b h e an b h a l b h
, ,
A t h ai i g Oi rn n a ti r nan s e a l g 3
n
Fh i r a th a n u a c h da r a b h r u t h
’ ’
,
F u a sg a il an D ugh s l i g an G ar g
’
.
Lige a dh an c h i i ma sga o il s c h a b f b a d a b h a i s a i r fa l b h n u r
da
‘
,
’ ’ ’
a c hu a l i s t ra t h a il nan c o n a t igh i n Gh l é i d h i n c orr a b h a s

’
n.
’ ’
a c hoi r e a i r a lt s na m f a igh e dh i l e a th e gu m b u m b a th s na
’ ’ ’
a
’
,
’
n d t h i g e a dh na c o i n g u n t il g e a d h i o rr e D h fh a i r i c h i na
’ ’ ’ ’
.
c oi n a t igh i n s c h u i r i l am h s a c ho i r e s thug i m b or d a s s
’
n ,
’ ’
,
’ ’
,
’
t hil g i o rra c e a t h r a d e na b h ann Thug c u d an a i r e t r e is a i r an

’
.
si n d Dh f h a i i c h i r i s e n d S t h i l g i pi o s e il o rra n u r a c h a s
.
’
r ,
’ ’ ’
e u d u rra D h f h a l b h i c o i s e a c h d c ho m a th s a d h fh a o d a dh i
’ ’ ’
. .
N u r t h ai ig i dl ut h a i r a b h a i l e t h i l g i b h i a l f o dh s d h f h ag i
n
’ ’
a,
’ ’
’
n si n d a c a na b h ann B h u a i l c o i n a b h a il a i r c o m h a r t a i c h n u r
’
.
’ ’
a Ch u n n a i c e u d na c oi n sh i t h st a d Ch a (1 t h ai n i g a b h e a n sh i t h
’
.
’ ’
r i a b h t u il l i d h a dh ia r a i d h a c hoi r e
’ ’
r .
W r itt e n b y H e c to r M ac Le a n ,
fro m th e t e lli n g of a man i n
Barra .
X X VII .
CA IL L IACH MHOR C H LI B HR I C H .
From W R oss
. , st a lk e r .
HI S c e l ebr at e d wi t c h was a cc us e d Of havi n g e n

e nc ha n t e d t h e d e e r o f t h e R e ay f o r e st so that th e y
,
av o id e d pu r suit L o r d R e ay was e xc e e di n gly a n g r y

. ,
b ut at a l o ss h o w t o r e m e dy t h e e vil H is m a n
.
,
W illia m (t h e sa m e w h o br av e d t h e wit c h a n d sa t
d o w n i n h e r hut ) p r o m is e d t o fi n d o ut if this was t h e
c as e He wat c h e d h er f o r a wh o l e n ight a n d b y s o m e
. ,
c o u n t e r e nc ha n t m e n ts m an ag e d t o b e p r e s e n t wh e n i n
t h e e a r ly m o rn i n g S h e w a s b usy m ilki n g t h e hi n ds .
Th e y w e r e sta n di n g all ab o ut t h e d oo r Of t h e b u t til l

o n e o f th e m a t e a ha n k Of b lu e w o r st e d ha n gi n g f r o m
a n ail i n it Th e wit c h st r u c k t h e a n i m al a n d sai d

.
, ,
’
“
Th e sp e ll is o ff y o u ; a n d L o r d R e a y s b ull e t will b e
y o u r d e ath t o day -
” . W illia m r e p e at e d this t o h i s
m ast e r t o c o n fi rm t h e tal e o f his havi n g pass e d t h e
n ight i n t h e hut o f t h e g r e at hag whi c h n o o n e w o uld
,
b e li e v e A n d t h e e v e n t j ustifi e d it f o r a fin e y e ll ow
.
,
hi n d was kill e d that da y, a n d t h e ha n k o f b lu e ya rn

was f o u n d i n its st o m a c h .
This i s o n e of n e ar ly a hu n d r e d sto r i e s g a th e r e d am o n gs t
,
t h e p e opl e O f S uth e r l an d b y a v e r y t a l e n t e d c oll e c to r whos e

,
n u m e r ous acc o m plish m e n ts u n fo r tu na t e l y do n ot i nc lud e G ae li c .
Thi s r e s e m b l e s an acc ou n t of a L a pp cam p (se e I n t r odu c tio n ) .
I t a lso b e ar s so m e a ffi n ity to a sto r y pu b l i sh e d b y G ran t S t e war t ,
i n whi c h a ghost u s e s a h e r d of d e e r to carr y h e r fu rn itu r e .

XX VIII .
THE SMITH AND THE FAIRIES .
From th e R ev . Tho ma s P a t t i e so n , I sl a y .
a s m ith o f t h e
Y
E AR S ag o th e r e liv e d i n Cr o ssb r ig
n a m e o f M a cEa ch e r n This m a n had a n o n ly
.
c hild a b o y o f a b o ut thi r t e e n o r f o u r t e e n y e a r s o f a ge
, ,
c h e e r ful st r o n g a n d h e althy A ll o f a sudd e n h e f e ll

, , .
i ll 3 t oo k t o his b e d a n d m o p e d wh o l e days away NO .
o n e c o uld t e ll what w a s t h e m att e r with hi m a n d t h e ,
b o y hi m s e lf c o uld n o t o r w o uld n o t t e ll h o w h e f e lt
, ,
.
He was wasti n g away fast 3 g e tti n g thi n o l d a n d , ,
y e ll o w 3 a n d his fath e r a n d al l h i s f r i e n ds w e r e af r aid

that h e w o uld di e .
A t last o n e day aft e r t h e b o y had b e e n l yi n g i n

,
this c o n diti o n fo r a l o n g ti m e ge tti n g n e ith e r b e tt e r

,
n o r w o r s e a l ways c o n fi n e d t o b e d b ut with a n e x t r a
, ,
o r di n a r y app e tit e — o n e day whil e sadly r e v o lvi n g th e s e

, ,
thi n gs a n d sta n di n g idly at his f o r g e with n o h e a r t t o

, .
w o rk t h e s m ith was ag r e e ab ly su r p r is e d t o se e a n o ld
,
m a n w e ll k n o w n t o hi m f o r his saga c ity a n d k n o wl e dge

,
o f o ut o i t h e way thi n gs walk i n t o his w o rksh o p

- - -
,
F o r th .
w i th h e t o l d h i m t h e o cc u rr e nc e whi c h had c l o ud e d h is
l ife
.
Th e o l d m a n l oo k e d g r av e a s h e list e n e d ; a n d aft e r
sitti n g a l o n g ti m e p o n d e r i n g o v e r all h e had h e a r d ,
gav e his o pi n i o n thus — I t is n o t y o u r so n y o u hav e

“
go t. Th e b o y has b e e n c a rr i e d away b y t h e D a o i n e ‘
2
5
S ith a n d th e y hav e l e ft a S i bhr ea ch i n his pla c e

’ ”
!
.
”
,
“
A las a n d w hat th e n a m I t o d o ? said t h e s m ith .
H o w a m I e v e r t o se e m y o w n so n agai n I will “
”
t e ll y o u h o w a n sw e r e d t h e o l d m a n B ut fi r st t o
.
“
, , ,
m ak e su r e that it is n o t y o u r o wn s o n y o u hav e g o t ,
tak e as m a n y e m pty e gg sh e lls a s y o u c a n ge t g o with ,
th e m i n t o t h e r oo m sp r e ad th e m o u t c a r e ful ly b e f o r e
,
his sight th e n p r o c e e d t o d r aw wat e r with th e m

, ,
c a rryi n g th e m tw o a n d tw o i n y o u r ha n ds as if th e y
w e r e a g r e at w e ight a n d a rr a n ge wh e n full with e v e r y
”
, ,
s o r t o f e a rn e st n e ss r o u n d t h e fir e Th e s m ith a cc o r d
.
i n gl y gath e r e d as m a n y br o k e n e gg sh e lls as h e c o uld -
g e t
,
w e n t i n t o t h e r oo m a n d p r,
o c e e d e d t o c a rr y o ut all
his i n st ru c ti o n s .
He had n o t b ee n l o n g at w o r k b e f o r e th e r e a r o s e f r o m
t h e b e d a sh o ut o f laught e r a n d t h e v o i c e o f t h e s e e m i n g
,
si c k b o y e xclai m e d I a m n o w 8 00 y e a r s o f a ge a n d I
“
”
, ,
hav e n e v e r s e e n t h e lik e o f that b e f o r e .
Th e s m ith r e tu rn e d a n d t o ld t h e o l d m a n We l l .
“
,
”
n o w said t h e sag e t o hi m did I n o t t e ll y o u that it
“
, ,
w a s n o t y o u r s o n y o u had y o u r so n is i n B r o r r a — ch eil l
i n a digh th e r e (that is a r o u n d g r e e n hi ll f r e q u en t e d
,
b y fai r i e s ) Ge t r id as s oo n as p o ssi b l e o f this i n t r ud e r

.
”
,
a n d I thi n k I m ay p r o m is e y o u y o u r s o n .
“
Yo u m ust light a v e r y la r g e a n d br ight fir e b e f o r e
t h e b e d o n whi c h this st r a n g e r i s lyi n g He wil l ask .
W h u s e o f su c h a fir e as t hat ? A n sw e r
’
y ou
‘
hat is t e
hi m at o nc e Yo u w ill s e e that p r e s e n tl y a n d th e n
,
‘
!
’
s e i z e hi m a n d th r o w hi m i n t o t h e m iddl e o f it I f it is
, .
y o ur o w n so n y o u hav e go t h e will c all o ut t o sav e

”
, .
hi m 3 b ut if n o t this thi n g will fly th r o ugh t h e r oo f

, .
Th e s m ith agai n f o ll o w e d t h e o ld m a n s advi c e 3

’
ki n dl e d a la r ge fir e a n sw e r e d t h e qu e sti o n put t o hi m
,
as h e had b ee n di r e c t e d t o d o a n d s e i z i n g t h e c h il d
,
TH E S M ITH AN D T H E FAIR I E S . 59
fl un g hi m i n with o ut h e sitati o n Th e S i b h r ea c h gav e

.
a n awful y e ll a n d sp r u n g th r o ugh t h e r oo f wh e r e a
, ,
h o l e was l e ft t o l e t t h e s m o k e o ut .
O n a c e r tai n n ight t h e o l d m a n t o ld hi m t h e g r e e n
r o u n d hill wh e r e t h e fai r i e s k e pt t h e b o y w o uld b e
, ,
o p e n A n d o n that n ight t h e s m ith havi n g p r o vid e d

.
,
hi m s e lf with a b i b l e a di rk a n d a cr o wi n g c o ck was
, , ,
t o p r o c e e d t o t h e hill He w o uld h e a r si n gi n g a n d
.
d a nc i n g a n d m u c h m e rr i m e n t g o i n g o n b ut h e w a s t o ,
adva nc e b o ldly 3 t h e b i b l e h e c a rr i e d w o uld b e a c e r tai n

saf e gua r d t o hi m agai n st a n y dan g e r f r o m t h e fai r i e s .
On e n t e r i n g t h e hill h e was t o sti c k t h e di r k i n t h e

th r e sh o ld t o p r e v e n t t h e hill f r o m c l o si n g up o n hi m 3
”
,
“
a n d th e n c o n ti n u e d t h e Ol d m an o n e n t e r i n g y o u
, ,
“
will se e a S pa c i o us apa r t m e n t b e f o r e y o u b e autifully ,
c l e a n a n d th e r e sta n di n g fa r withi n w o rki n g at a

, , ,
f o r ge y o u wil l als o s e e y o u r o w n so n W h e n y o u a r e
,
.
q u e sti o ne d sa y y o u c o m e t o s e e k hi m a n d will n o t g o
”
, ,
w ith o ut hi m .
N o t l o n g aft e r this t h e ti m e c a m e r o u n d a n d t h e
, ,
s m ith salli e d f o r th p r e par e d as i n st r u c t e d S u r e e n o ugh

,
.
as he app r o a c h e d t h e hill th e r e was a light wh e r e light

,
w a s s e ld o m s e e n b e f o r e S oo n aft e r a s o u n d Of pipi n g
.
,
d a nc i n g a n d j o y o us m e rr i m e n t r e a c h e d t h e a nx i o us
,
.
fath e r o n t h e n ight wi n d .
O v e rc o m i n g e v e r y i mpuls e t o f e a r t h e s m ith a p ,
r o a c h e d t h e th r e sh o ld st e adily stu c k t h e di r k i n t o i t
p ,
as di r e c t e d a n d e n t e r e d Pr o t e c t e d b y t h e b i b l e h e
, .
c a rr i e d o n his br e ast t h e fai ri e s c o uld n o t t o u c h hi m 3

,
b ut th e y ask e d hi m with a g o o d d e al o f displ e a su r e

, ,
what h e wa n t e d th e r e He a n sw e r e d
. I wa n t m y ,
“
so n wh o m I se e d o w n th e r e a n d I will n o t g o with o ut
”
, ,
hi m .
U p o n h e a r i n g this t h e wh o l e c o m pa n y b e f o r e hi m
,
gav e a l o ud l augh whi c h wak e n e d up t h e c o c k h e

,
c a rr i e d d o z i n g i n his a rm s wh o at o nc e l e ap e d up o n
,
his sh o uld e r s c l app e d his Wi n gs lustily a n d cr o w e d

, ,
l o ud a n d l o n g .
Th e fai r i e s i nc e n s e d s e i z e d t h e s m ith a n d his so n

, , ,
a n d th r o wi n g th e m o u t o f t h e hill flu n g t h e di r k aft e r
”
,
’
th e m a n d i n a n i n sta n t a was da rk
,
“
.
Fo r a y e a r a n d a day t h e b o y n e v e r d i d a t u rn o f
w o r k a n d ha r dly e v e r sp o k e a w o r d 3 b ut at l ast o n e
,
day sitti n g b y his fath e r an d wat c hi n g hi m fi n ishi n g a

,
sw o r d h e w a s m aki n g f o r s o m e c hi e f a n d whi c h h e w a s ,
v e r y pa r ti c ula r ab o ut h e sudd e n ly e xc lai m e d That is “
”
, ,
n o t t h e w a y t o d o it 3 a n d taki n g t h e t oo ls f r o m his
fath e r s ha n ds h e se t t o w o r k hi m s e lf i n his pla c e a n d
’
s oo n fashi o n e d a sw o r d t h e l ik e o f whi c h was n e v e r

,
s e e n i n t h e c ou n t ry b e fo r e .
F r o m t hat day t h e y o u n g m a n w r o ught c o n sta n t l y

with his fath e r a n d b e c a m e t h e i n v e n t o r o f a p e cu lia r ly
,
fin e a n d w e ll t e m p e r e d w e ap o n t h e m aki n g o f whi c h
-
k e pt t h e tw o s m iths fath e r a n d s o n i n c o n sta n t e m pl o y

, ,
m e n t sp r e ad th e i r fam e fa r a n d wid e a n d gav e th e m

, ,
t h e m e a n s i n ab u n da nc e as t h e y b e f o r e had t h e disp o si
,
ti o n t o liv e c o n t e n t with al l t h e w o r ld an d v e r y happily

with o n e a n o th e r .
Th e w a lls of t h e hous e wh e r e this c e l e bra t e d s m ith t h e ar ti

”
,
fic e r of t h e Cl a id h a m h C e ann I l e a c h
e liv e d an d w r o u ght a r e
-
, ,
st an d i g to this d a y n ot f ar f r o m t h e p ar ish c h u rc h of K il c h o
n ,
man I sl a y i n a pl ac e call e d Ca o n i s g a ll
, , .
Man y of t h e i nc id e n ts i n this sto r y a e c o mm o n i n oth e r r
c oll e c t i o n s 3 b ut I do n ot k n ow an y pu b lish e d sto r y of t h e ki n d

i n wh i c h t h e h e r o is a s m i th Th i s s m ith w a s a f am ou s c h arac t e r
.
,
an d p r o bably a r e a l p e r so nag e to who m t h e sto r y h a s a tt ac h e d

,
its e lf .
Th e g e n t l e man who h a s b e e n ki n d e n ough to s e n d m e thi s

t a l e do e s n ot sa y f r o m who m h e got it b ut I h a v e h e ar d of t h e
, ,
THE S MI TH A N D TH E FA I R I E S . 61
I sl a y s m ith who c ou l d mak e wo n d e r ful swo r ds al l m y li fe a d n

”
, , ,
of t h e S wo r ds of t h e H e a d of I sl a y
“
Th e B r e w e r y of E gg .
sh e lls an d t h e Th r owi n g of t h e F a i r y Ch an ge li n g i n to t h e Fi r e
, ,
a r e w e ll k n o w n popul ar t a l e s i n c oll e c t i o s f r o m I r e l an d S c otl an d

-
n , ,
W a l e s an d I thi n k Br itt an y
, ,
Th e man carr i e d i n to t h e h ill
, .
an d th e r e r e ma i n i n g fo r a lo n g t i m e is a lso an i nc id e n t c o mm o n ,
to man y rac e s i nc l udi n g t h e J e ws an d o e whi c h I h a v e h e ar d

, ,
n
i n t h e H ighl an ds e v e r si nc e I can r e m e mb e r thou g h I d o n ot ,
r e m e mb e r to h a v e h e ar d an y of t h e p e a s an t r y t e ll it a s a sto r y
”
.
Th e b e li e f th a t t h e hill op e n e d o n a c e r t a i n n i ght an d th a t ,
a light sho n e fr o m t h e i n sid e wh e r e littl e p e opl e m i g ht b e s e e n

,
d anc i n g w a s too d e e ply gr ou n d e d so m e y e ar s a go to b e l i ghtly

,
s pok e n of 3 e v e n n ow o n this su bj e c t m y ki n d f r i n d M rs
, , e .
M a c Ta v i sh w r it e s Y o u ma y p e r h a ps r e m e mb e r an old s e r v an t
w e h a d a t t h e man s e who w a s m u c h offe n d e d if an y o e dou b t e d n
th e s sto r i e s — (I r em e mb er h er p ei f ectl y ) I us e d to a sk h e r t h e
e .
r e a so n why su c h wo n d e r s do n ot o cc u r i n ou r d a y to whi c h sh e ,
r e pli e d th a t r e l igious k n owl e dg e h a vi n g i ncr e a s e d p e opl e s f a ith

, ,
’
w a s st r o n g e r th an i t w a s i n t h e old e n ti m e I n t h e gl e b e of K i l .
bran do n i n L o rn is a hill ca ll e d C r o c a n Co rr—t h e good o r b e a uti

ful hi ll wh e r e t h e f a i r i e s e v e n i n m y you n g d a ys w e r e oft e n s e e n
d anc i n g ar ou n d th e i r fir e I so m e ti m e s w e n t out with oth e r s to
.
l ook b ut n v e r su cc e e d e d i n s e e i n g th e m a t th e i r g amb ols

,
e .
A r e you a w ar e th a t s m oth e r w a s carr i d a w a y b y t h e

’
e
f a i r i e s — (I kn o w w el l ) S o c o n vi nc e d w e r e man y of this
.
ab su r d i t y whi c h I r e m e mb e r p r f c tl y w e ll th a t i t w a s w i th
,
e e ,
d i ffi c ulty th e y g ot a n u rs e fo r his br oth e r who b e i g a n
d e l i ca t e c hild w a s b e li e v e d to h a v e b e e n c o n v e y e d a w a y a lo n g
,
wi th his m oth e r an d a f a i r y l e ft i n st e a d of hi m du r i n g his f a th e r s

,
’
ab s e nc e Th e c h i ld how e v e r th r ov e wh e n h e got a good

n u rs e ,
an d g r e w up to b e a man whi c h I suppos e c o n vi nc e d , , ,
th e m Of th e i r folly Mr m i n ist e r of
. . h a d so m e diffic ult y
i n c o n vi nc i n g a m whos e wife w a s r e m ov e d i n a si m i l ar mann e r
an
(s h e d ied i n c h i l db ed ) th a t hi s s o n a b oy tw e l v e y e ar s Of a ge
, , ,
m ust h a v e b e e n u n d e r so m e h a llu c i na t i o n wh e n h e ma i n t a i n e d
th a t h i s m oth e r h a d c o m e to h i m s ayi n g sh e w a s t a k e n b y f a i r i e s
,
to a c e r t a i n h i l l i n M u c k a i n k n ow n to b e t h e r e sid e nc e of t h e
r ,
fai r i e s .
I f an y o e is so u n fo r tu n a t e a s to go i n to o n e of th e s e hil l s
n ,
whi c h a r e Op e n a t n i g ht th e y n e v e r ge t ou t u n l e ss so m e o e go e s
,
n
i n q u e st of th e m who u se s t h e p r e ca ut i o n of l e a vi n g a G U N o r
,
62 “ TE S T H IG H LAND T ALES .
SW O R D acr oss op e n i n g whi c h t h e f a i r i e s cann ot r e m ov e A

th e ,
.
c e r t a in you n g wo man w a s d e c oy e d i n to o e of th e s e Op e n i n g s n ,
who w a s s e e n b y an acq u a i n t anc e d anc i n g w i th t h e m e rr y rac e.
H r e solv d o n t r y i n g to r e s c u e h e r an d l a vi n g h i s gu n a t t h e
e e ,
e
e n t ranc w e n t fo r w ar d an d s e i z i n g t h e you n g wo man b y t h e

e , ,
b an d d ragg e d h e out b fo r e th e y c ould p r e v e n t h i m Th e y

,
r e .
pu r su d th e m b ut h a v i n g g ot h e r b e y o n d t h e g u n th e y h a d n o
e , ,
lo n g e r pow e r to k e p h e r S h e told h i m s h e h a d n e ar l y d r opp e d

e .
d ow n w i th f a t ig u e b ut s h e c ould n ot c e a s d anc i n g though s h e

,
e ,
f e lt i t would soo n k i ll h e r Th e y ou n g man r e sto r e d h e r to h e r .
f r i e n ds to th e i r g r e a t j o y ” .
,
(I r e me mb e r ex a c t l y th e sa m e i n c i d e n t to l d f hil l ca l l ed B en
!
o a
c n o ck in l g
] s a ,
a nd o ne si m i l a r of a n o th e r h il l ca l l e d Cn o c/c d o u n
-
.
)
“
\V h e n poo r wo m n a r e c o n fi n d it is u n s a fe to l e a v e th e m
e e ,
a lo n e till th i r c hi l d r e n a r e ba ptis e d I f th r ough an y n e c e ssit y

e .
th e y m ust b e l e ft a lo n e t h e B i b l e l e ft b e sid e th e m i s su ffic i e n t

,
p r ot e c tio n .
Man y w e r e t h e f r e a ks f a i r i e s w e r e guilty of A f am il y who .
l i v e d i n G oli n Ca stl e K e rr e ra n e ar Oban h a d a s th e y suppos e d

a , , , , ,
a d e l i ca t e c hild ; it w a s a dv anc i n g i n y e ar s b ut n ot g r owi n g a

b i t ; a t l g th a visi to r f r o m I r e l an d cam e to t h e ca stl e an d
en ,
r e c o gn i z e d h e r a s t h e f a i r y sw e th ar t of an I r ish g e n tl e man of e e
his acq u a i n t anc e H e a dd r e ss e d h e r i n G a e li c o r I r i sh

.
,
s ayi g T H A TH U SA SI N A S H I R A CH B HE A G L EA N N A N B R I AN
n
M A CB R A OD H — Th r e thou ar t l i ttl e f a i r y sw e e th e ar t of Br i a n
’
. e ,
M a c B o a dh
r S o o ff n d e d w a s t h e e l f a t b e i n g e x pos e d th a t h e
. e ,
s
ran out of t h e ca stl e an d l e a p e d i n to t h e s e a fr o m t h e po i n t call e d

R U T H A D H N A S I R A C H t h e f a i r i s poi n t to this d a y
’
, e , .
F a i r i s w e r e v r y f r i e n dly to so m e p e opl e who m th e y

e e
f a vou r e d b ut e q u a lly m i s c h i e vous wh e r e th e y took a dislik e

, A .
h i l l i n t h e f arm of D u u i l g i n C ra ig n ish w a s o n e of th e i r
nv
f a vou r it e h a u n ts an d o n a c e r ta i n o cca sio n th e y o fl e r e d to a ss i st

,
’
an ho n e st t e n an t s wife i n t h e n ig h b ou r hood fo r who m th e y h a d

’
e ,
a k i n d n e ss to man uf ac tu r e a q u an t i ty of wool S h h a d fo r
, e
c lothi n g fo r h e r f am il y Sh e w a s v e r y g l a d to h a v e th e i r s e r vi c e s
.
,
an d b e i n g alw ays an ac ti v e rac e th e y s e t to wo r k di r e c tly , ,
r e p e a t i g GI R A D H C A R D A D H TL A M A D H C U I GE A L B E A R TI G H E
n
‘
, , , ,
G U L U A T H B U R N L U A I D H A I R T E I N E C ORR I ON N D R A I D H M H O R
M H A I T H B E AN A N T I G HE F H I N T e az i n g car d i n g m i x i n g di st a fi’ ‘
.
, , , ,
w e a v i n g loo m w at e r fo r w a ulki n g o n t h e fi e t h e th r i fty hous e

, r ,
wife h e r s e lf is t h e b st a t sitt i n g up l a te e .
TH E S M I TH AND TH E F A I R I E S . 63
I n t h e h e a t o f th e ir o p e ra t ions a e n v ious n e i gh bou r c a m e n
t o t h e door cry in g—J D U N B H U I LG R A T H EI N E D u n v i l g on fi e ,

’
u r
D u n v u il g is on fir e D il g i s o fir e I w a s r e e c h o e d by l l
unvu n
M IN NEAN !
-
a
t h e l i ttl e co mp a ny M UI RD .
‘ ’
M U I RD I s M
’ ’ ’ ’
I N EA N N I M O C H LA N N BH E A G 8 M O D H A OI N E M O R A M O CH LA N N
’
BH E A G s M O D H A OI N E M O R A
’
D n il g on fir e m y h mm e rs u vu a
a n d m y a n v i l— m
y h amm e r s a d m y a n v i l ; m y l i ttl e C h i l dr n n
y l i ttl e c h i l dr e n a d m y g r o w n m e n !
e
a n d m y g ro w n m e n — m
’
n
a n d th e y a l l sc mp e r e d o ff bu t no t t i ll th e y h a d n e a r l y fi nis h e d
a ,
t h e h ous e w i f e s w e b
’
.
T h e r e i s a fi e l d in t h e fa r m in wh ic h I w s born s a id t o a ,
h a v e b e e n t h e sc e n e o f f a i r y o p e ra t ions Th e y w e re s e e n a t w or k .
,
a n d h e a rd e ncour a g in g e a c h o th e r w i th CA OL A C HAD H M HA I DH
B U A N A D H G U TETH Th e corn in t h e fi e l d w a s f ound in s t oo k s
’
.
i n t h e m ornin g .
I t is q ui t e co mm on t o r e m a r k th a t t h e f iri e s a r e a t so m e , a
m e a l a s t h e ti m e o f d a y may indic a t e wh e n th e r e is r in w i th a
suns h in e bu t I n e v r h e a rd t h e re a son wh y — (I n E n g l a n d i t is
,
e .
th e d l b ea ti ng h is w if e .
)
Th e ni ght f o ll o w in g t h e 1 3th o f Ma y or M a y da y o l d s t y l e ,
-
, ,
is a p a r t icu l a rl y busy s e a son w i th bo th fa iri e s a n d w i t c h e s .
T h e n e v e ry h e rd a d d iry m a id a n d c a nni e h ous e w i fe u s e s

n a -
v a rious a r t s t o w a rd o ff t h e m a ny e v i l s t h e e n e m y h a s t h e p o w e r
o f inflic t in g O e d e v ic e wh ic h I h a v e s e e n us e d w a s p u tt in g a
. n .
l i ttl e t a r in t h e ri ght e a o f e a c h c o w b e a s t in t h e byre bu t a l l

r
th e s e c h a r m s or gi o sr a ga a s th e y a r e c a ll e d h a d a lwa ys so m e
n, ,
r e a son Ta r h a s a disin fe c t in g q u a l i t y s is w e ll k no w n a n d
. ,
a ,
us e d t o b e p u t on c l o th in g und e r t h e a r m s wh e n a p e rson h a d t o
g o i n t o a h ous e wh e re th e r e w a s a n y in fe c t ious dis e a s e ” .
Th e D u n b h u l a i g s t ory is a l l o v e r t h e H i ghl a nds a n d th e r e ,
s e e m t o b e m a ny pl c e s so c a ll e d M r J o h n M a c Le a n Ki l c h a
a . . ,
m a i g T a rb e r t A r gy l e h s s e n t m e a v e rsion wh ic h v a ri e s bu t
, , ,
a
l i ttl e f ro m th a t t o l d by M rs M c T i s h Th e sc e n e i s l a id o n . a av .
t h e L a r gi e sid e o f Kin t yr T h e f a r m e r s w i f e w a s id l e a n d
’
e . ,
c a ll e d f or t h e f a iri e s ,wh o w o v e w e b f or h e r a d s h ou t e d f or a n
m or e w or k S h e fi rs t s e t th e m t o p u t a c h o th e r ou t a d a t l a s t
. e ,
n
g o t rid o f th e m by s h ou t in g D u n b h u l a ig p n fire Th e f iri e s a

’
r h y m e wh n w or k in g w a s
e
Is fa d ab h ra s ’
n ao n l ai mh a ir dh e r a d h ,
C i ra d l i c a rda d h tl amadh cu i ge l ,
64 WE S T H I G H LAND T ALE S .
Fe a th b h e a r s t fit h id h gu
a l u a th ,
S u i s ge l u a i dh a i r t e in e
’
Oh a ir, o h a ir , o b a i r , o b a i r ,
I s fa d ab h ras
’
n ao n l aimh air dh e r a d h .
W h ic h M r . M a c Le a n t ra ns l a t e s f re e l y
W or k w or k for a sin gl b a d
, ,
e n
Ca n bu t l i t tl e w or k co mm a nd ,
S o m e t o t e a s e a n d c a rd a n d s p in
, ,
S o m e t o o i l a d w e a v e b e g in
n
S o m e t h e w a t e r f or w a u lk in g h e a t ,
T h a t w e m a y h e r w e b co mpl e te .
W or k w or k f or a sin gl e b an d
”
, ,
Ca n bu t l i ttl e w or k co mm a nd .
Th e r h y m e wh e n the y d e pa r t in h o t h a s te is
, ,
M o mh u l l a ch an c a i se m ord a s m i n n e a n ’ ’
,
M o b h e a n s m o ph a i s d e s m o g o g a n i m a
’ ’
,
M o b h o s m o go b h a i r s m o c h is t e b e a g m in e
’ ’
”
,
Oo h o o h oc h on e g ur t r u a gh t h a m is e l
, ,
F re e l y t ra ns l a te d th us by M r . M a c Le a n
M y w i fe m y c h i l d a l a s w i th th e s e
, , , ,
M y bu tt r p a i l a d l i ttl e c h e e s e
e n ,
M y co w m y g o a t m y m e a l c h e s t g on e -
”
, , ,
M y h a mm e rs t o o oc h o c h ,oc h on e 1
, ,
Or m or e c l os e l y th us
M y m ou l d o f c h e e s e m y h a m m e r a n d a n v i l
, , ,
M y w i f e a n d m y c h i l d a d m y bu tt e r croc k ,
n
M y c o w a n d m y g o a t a n d m y l i ttl e m e a l k is t
,
Oc h o c h oc h on e h o w w r e t c h e d a m I
, , ,
I h e a rd a no th e r v e rsion o f t h e s a m e s t ory in L e w is f ro m a
m e di c a l g e n tl e m a n wh o g o t i t f ro m a o l d w o m a n wh o t o l d i t
,
n ,
a s a f a c t w i th so m e curious v a ri a t ions un fit f or p rin t in g

, And .
m y l a nd l a dy i n B e n b e c u l a k n e w t h e s t ory a n d t a lk e d i t o v e r ,
w i th m e in S e pt e m b e r th is y e a r T h e v e rsions wh ic h I h a v e o f
.
th is s t ory v a ry in t h e t e ll in g a s m uc h a s is p ossib l e a n d e a c h i s ,
e v id e n tl y t h e p roduc t ion o f a di ffe r e n t m ind bu t t h e incid e n t s ,

K I R K C U D B R I G HT FA I R I E S . 65
a re n e a rly t h e s a m e in a l l a n d t h e r h y m e v a ri e s on l y in a f w
,
e
p oin t s D u n b h u l a ig i s t h e s am e in Kin t yre Lorn L e wis a n d

. , , ,
B en b e c u l a I a m no t a w a r e th a t t h e s t ory h a s e v e r b e for e b e e n
.
r e duc e d t o w ri t in g .
Th e M a in t h e H i ll i s e q u a ll y w e ll k no w n in Kir k cudbri ght

n ,
bu t t h e h i l l h a s b e co m a m i l l n d t h e f iri e s Bro w nie s Th e

,
e ,
a a .
f a iri e s o f Kir k cu d bri gh t s e m t o h v e c a rri e d o ff c h i l dr e n l i k e

e a ,
t h e I s l a nd E lv e s t o h a v e borro w e d m e a l l i k e th os e o f S u the r
,
l a nd a d t o h a v e b e h a v e d l i k e th e ir bre th r e n e l s e wh e r e Th e
,
n .
f o ll o w in g f our s t ori e s w e r e g o t f or m e by t h e sis te rs o f M iss M ry a
Linds a y wh o h a s l i v e d so l on g w i th u s a s t o h a v e b e co m e o n e o f
,
t h e fa m i l y .
K I R K CU D B RI GH T .
K i r kcu dbr igh t, Tu esda y, Feb 1 8 5 9 . .
M Y D E AR M ARY — I we n t to J oh nny N ic hol s o n l a s t

,
ni ght a n d he tol d m e t h e follow in g fa iry s to ry I m us t

,
.
g i v e i t in h is ow n wo rds
1 .
“ ”
Yo u h a v e b e e n oft e n a t t h e G a t e ho us e s a id b e , ,
“
w e ll y o u ll m ind a fl a t p i e c e o f l a nd n ea r E n r i ck fa r m 3
,
’
w e ll th a t w a s o nc e a l a r g e lo c h 5 a lo n g w a y d ow n f r om
,
th e r e is s t i ll the ruin o f a m i ll wh ic h a t th a t t i m e w a s fe d
,
f r om th is lo c h W e ll o n e n i ght a b o u t the H a ll o we e n
.
,
’
t i m e s two y o un g plo u ghm e n w e n t to a s m iddy to g e t

,
th e ir s o c k s (of th e ir plo u gh s ) a n d c olte rs r e pa ir e d a n d ,
in p a ssin g the s a id m i ll o n th e ir w a y home a ga in th e y

h e a rd m usic a n d d a ncin g a n d fi dd l in g a n d sin g in g a n d
, , ,
l a u gh in g a n d ta lk in g ; so o n e o f the l a ds wo u l d b e in to
,
s e e w h a t w a s go in g o n t h e o th e r w a i t e d o u t sid e fo r
ho urs bu t h is c o mp a ni o n n e v e r c a m e o u t a ga in s o h e
, ,
w e n t hom e a ssur e d th a t t h e br ow ni e s h a d got h ol d o f

h i m Ab o u t t h e s a m e t i me t h e follow in g y e a r t h e s a m e
.
,
l a d w e n t a ga in to the s m iddy o n t h e s a m e e rr a n d a n d ,
66 W E S T H I G H LAND T ALE S .
th is t i m e h e took a n oth e r l a d w i t h h i m bu t h a d t h e ,
p r e c a u t i o n t o p u t t h e Bib l e in h is po c ket W e ll in .
,
p a ssin g t h e m i ll t h e s e c o nd t i m e h e h e a rd t h e s a m e
,
s o unds of m usic a n d d a ncin g T h is t i m e h a v in g t h e

.
,
Bib l e in h is h a n d h e v e n t ur e d to look in wh e n wh o
, ,
s h o u l d h e se e bu t h is c omp a ni o n whom h e h a d l e ft
s ta ndin g th e r e th a t da y tw e lv e mo n th s He h a nd e d h i m .
t h e Bib l e a n d t h e mom e n t h e did s o t h e m usic a n d

, ,
d a ncin g c e a s e d the l i ght s w e n t o u t a n d a l l w a s d a r k

, ,
n e ss 3 bu t i t is n ot s a id wh a t h is c ompa ni o n h a d s e e n o r
”
,
h a d b e e n d c m g a l l th a t t i me .
2 An oth e r s t o ry he tol d m e w a s a b o u t a b o y o f t h e
.
n a m e o f W i ll i a m s o n who s e fa the r a n I ris h l in e n p a c k

, ,
m a n w a s dr ow n e d o n h is w a y f r om I r e l a nd wh e r e he
, ,
h a d go n e to p urc h a s e l in e n s o th e b o y w a s br o u ght u p
by h i s moth e r a n d gra nd fa th e r a n o l d m a n o f t h e n a m e
,
o f S p r o a t who l i v e d in B o r g u e
,
Th e b o y dis a pp e a r e d
.
of t e n fo r t w o a n d th r e e a n d oft e n t e n d a ys a t a t i m e
, ,
a n d n o o n e k n ew wh e r e h e w e n t a s h e n e v e r tol d wh e n
,
h e r et urn e d tho u gh i t w a s und e rs too d t h e fa iri e s took

,
h i m a wa y U po n o n e o cca si o n the L a ird of B a r ma

.
ga c h a n w a s g e tt in g h is p e a t s c a s t a n d a l l t h e n e i gh b o urs
, ,
r o und w e r e a ssis t in g At th is t i m e t h e b o y h a d b e e n
.
a w a y fo r t e n d a ys a n d th e y w e r e a l l wo nd e rin g wh e r e
,
h e c o u l d b e wh e n 10 a n d b e hol d t h e b o y is si tt in g in
”
, ,
t h e m ids t of th e m J oh nny s a id o n e o f t h e c ompa ny

.
, ,
who w e r e a l l s e a t e d in a rin g e a t in g the ir dinn e r

”
, ,
'
“
wh e r e did y e c ome f r om 13 I c a m e w i th o u r folk s
“
,
s a id the b o y (me a nin g t h e fa iri e s ) Yo ur folk s 3 w h o

.
“
a r e th e y C l
” D o y o u se e y o n b a rr ow o f p ea t s a c o u p in g
“
in to y o n hol e the r e s wh e r e I c a m e f r om
’ ” An o l d .
m a n o f t h e n a m e of Br ow n a nc e s to r o f t h e Br ow ns o f
,
L a n gl a nds w h o a r e s t i ll l i v in g in B o r g u e a d vis e d t h e
, ,
g ra nd fa th e r to s e nd t h e b o y to t h e P a p is t p ri e s t a n d h e ,
K I R K C U D B R I G HT F A I R I E S . 67
wo ul d g i v e h i m s om e th in g th a t wo u l d f ri ght e n a wa y t h e
f a iri e s 5 so th ey a cc o r d in gl y s e n t t h e b o y a n d wh e n he ,
r e t urn e d hom e h e wo r e a cr o ss h un g r o und h i s n e c k by a

bi t o f b l a ck ribb o n \ V h e n t h e m inis t e r a n d k ir k s e ssi o n
.
-
h e a rd o f i t th e y e xc omm unic a t e d t h e o l d g r a n d f a th e r
a n d o l d Br ow n f o r a d v isin g suc h a th in g T h ey b el i e v e d.
in fa iri e s bu t n ot in a ny th in g a P a p is t p ri e s t c o u l d d o
,
.
How e v e r t h e b oy w a s n e v e r a ft e r ta k e n a wa y a n d
,
s om e o f t h e ol d e s t m e n n ow a l i v e r e m e m b e r th a t b o y a s
a n ol d m a n .Th e whol e a ff a ir i s r e c o rd e d in t h e b o ok s
o f t h e k ir k s e ssi o n of B o r g u e a n d c a n b e s e e n an y da y
-
,
.
3 On e da y a s a moth e r w a s S i tt in g r o c k in g h e r b a by
.
to s l e e p Sh e w a s sur p ris e d o n look in g u p to se e a l a dy

, , ,
o f e l e g a n t a n d c o ur tl y d e m e a n o ur S 0 un l i k e a n o n e
y ,
sh e h a d e v e r s e e n in th a t p a r t o f t h e c o un t ry s t a ndin g ,
in t h e m idd l e o f t h e r oom Sh e h a d n o t h e a rd a n y o n e
.
e n t e r th e r e f o r e y o u m a y j ud g e i t w a s w i th n o l i ttl e
,
sur p ris e n ot un m in gl e d w i th curi o si ty th a t sh e r o s e to

, ,
w e l c om e h e r s t ra n ge v i si to r S h e h a nd e d h e r a c h a ir
.
,
bu t sh e v e ry pol i t e l y d e c l in e d to b e s ea t e d S h e w a s .
ve ry m a gni fi c e n tl y a t t ir e d 3 h e r dr e ss w a s o f t h e ric h e s t
gr e e n e m br o id e r e d r o un d w i th s p a n gl e s of gol d a n d o n
, ,
h e r h e a d w a s a s m a ll c o r o n e t of p e a r l s Th e w o m a n .
w a s s t i ll m o r e surp ris e d a t h e r s t r a n g e r e q u e s t Sh e .
a s k e d in a ric h m usic a l vo ic e i f sh e wo u l d o b l i g e h e r
, ,
wi th a b a sin o f o a t m ea l A b a sin f u l to ov e r fl ow in g w a s
'
’
i mm e di a t e l y h a nd e d to h e r f o r t h e wom a n s h usba nd
,
b e in g b oth a f a r m e r a n d m i ll e r h a d pl e n t y o f m e a l a t
,
c o m m a nd Th e l a dy p r om is e d to r e t urn i t a n d n a m e d
.
,
t h e da y S h e w o u l d d o s o On e o f t h e c h i l dr e n p u t o u t
.
’
h e r h a nd to g e t h o l d o f t h e gr a nd l a d y s s p a n gl e s bu t ,
t o l d h e r m o th e r a ft e r wa r d s th a t sh e f e lt n oth in g Th e .
moth e r w a s a f ra id t h e c h i l d wo u l d lo s e t h e u s e o f h e r
h a n d s bu t n o suc h c a l a m i ty e nsu e d It w o u l d h a v e
,
.
b e e n ve ry un gra t e f ul in he r fa iry m a j e s ty i f sh e h a d
s t ruc k t h e c h i l d pow e r l e ss fo r to uc h in g h e r dr e ss i f ,
ind e e d suc h pow e r w e r e he rs Bu t to r et urn to o ur .
s to ry the v e ry da y m e n t i o n e d t h e o a tm ea l wa s r e t urn e d
, , ,
n ot by t h e s a m e l a dy b u t by a curi o us l i ttl e figur e w i th

,
a y e lp in g vo ic e 3 s h e w a s l i k e w is e dr e ss e d in g r ee n .
Afte r h a ndin g t h e m e a l s he y e lp e d o u t Br a w me a l “
”
, ,
i t s t h e top p ic kl e o f t h e si n c o rn
’
It w a s e xc e ll e n t ;
.
a n d wh a t w a s v e ry s t r a n g e a l l the f a m i l y w e r e a d v is e d
,
to p a r ta k e o f i t bu t o n e s e r v a n t l a d who s p urn e d the ,
fa iry s m ea l 3 a n d he dyin g s ho r tl y a ft e r the m i ll e r a n d

’
,
h is wi f e fi r ml y b e l i e v e d i t w a s b e c a us e h e r e f us e d to e a t
o f t h e m ea l . T h e y a l s o fi r ml y b e l i eve d the ir fi rs t v isi to r
w a s n o l e ss a p e rs o n a ge th a n the Q u ee n o f the F a iri e s ,
who h a vin g dis m iss e d he r c o ur t h a d n o t o n e m a id o f ,
ho n o ur in wa i t in g to o b e y h e r c omm a nds A f ew ni ght s .
a ft e r th is s t r a n g e v isi t a s t h e m i ll e r w a s go in g t o b e d a
, ,
g e n tle t a p w a s h e a rd a t t h e d oo r a n d o n i t s b e in g ,
op e n e d by h i m w i th a l i ght in h is h a nd th e r e s too d a
, ,
l i ttl e figur e dr e ss e d in gr e e n wh o i n a s h ri ll vo ic e bu t
, , ,
v e ry pol i te m a nn e r r eq u e s t e d h i m to l e t o n t h e wa te r
,
a n d se t t h e m i ll i n o rd e r fo r S he w a s go in g to g rind
,
s om e c o rn T he m i lle r did n o t d a r e to r ef us e s o did a s

.
,
s h e d e sir e d h i m . Sh e tol d h i m to go to b e d a ga in a n d ,
h e wo u l d fi nd a l l a s h e h a d l e ft i t He fo und e ve ry .
th in g i n t h e mo rnin g a s Sh e s a id h e wo u l d S o m uc h .
fo r t h e ho n e s ty o f f a iri e s .
4 A t a i lo r w a s go in g t o wo r k a t a f a r m ho us e e a r l y o n e
.
-
m o rnin g He h a d j us t r ea c h e d i t a n d w a s go in g to e n te r
”
.
, ,
wh e n h e h ea rd a s h ri ll vo ic e c a ll o u t K e p fa s t w i ll y e Z ,
“
,
a n d o n look in g q uic kl y r o und h e w a s j us t in t i m e to r e

,
c e i v e in his a r m s a s w e e t l i ttl e s m i l in g b a by o f a mo n th
, ,
o l d ins t e a d o f a l i ttl e l a dy in g r e e n who w a s s t a ndin g to

, ,
r e c e i v e the c h i l d T he t a i lo r t urn e d a n d r a n hom e a s fa s t

.
K I R K C U D B R I G HT F A I R I E S . 69
as he c o ul d fo r ta i lo rs a r e g e n e ra ll y ni m b l e k ind o f folk s
, ,
a n d g i vi n g t h e b a by to h i s w i f e r a n o ff a g a in to h i s wo r k
, ,
l ea v in g h is b ett e r h a lf in n o pl e a sa n t m o o d wi th t h e l i ttl e
in t rud e r a s S he v e ry pol i t e l y t e r m e d t h e l i ttl e i nn o c e n t
,
.
H a v in g r ea c h e d t h e fa r m—ho us e t h e ta i lo r fo und t h e i n h a b i
,
t a n t s a l l th r ow n in to c o n f usi o n by t h e scr e a m in g y e lp in g , ,
l i ttl e p e s t a s th ey c a ll e d the ir l i ttl e nurs e l in g fo r t h e

, ,
l i ttl e w o ma n in g r e e n h a d gi v e n in e xc h a n ge th is l i ttl e
hop e f u l fo r th e ir ow n s w e e t l i ttl e o n e wh ic h w a s s a f e w i th ,
’
t h e t a i lo r s w i f e T h e y fo und o u t a ft e r wa rds i t w a s t h e
.
nur s e w h o h a d d o n e i t Th e d o c to r w a s s e n t fo r bu t a l l
.
,
w a s in v a in 3 d a y n o r ni ght r e s t the y go t n o n e At l a s t .
o n e d a y a l l b e in g a bs e n t bu t t h e t a i lo r w h o w a s th e r e
, ,
f o llow in g h is t ra d e he c o mm e nc e d a disc o urs e w i t h t h e

”
,
c h i l d in t h e cr a d le W i ll h a e y e y o ur p i p e s ? s a ys
.
“
t h e t a i lo r
’ ”
T h e y r e b e low m y he a d s a ys t h e t e n a n t
.
”
,
o f the cr a d l e P l a y m e a S p rin g s a ys t h e ta i lo r L i k e
.
“
, .
tho ught t h e l i ttl e m a n j u mp in g f r om t h e cr a d l e pl a y e d

, , ,
r o und t h e r oom wi th gr e a t gl e e A curi o us n o is e w a s .
h ea rd me a n t i m e o u t sid e 3 a n d t h e t a i lo r a s k e d wh a t i t
m e a n t Th e l i ttle e l f c a ll e d o u t It s m y folk wa n t in g
.
,
“ ’
”
m e a n d a wa y h e fl e d u p t h e c h i m n e y l e a v in g t h e t a i lo r
, ,
mo r e d e a d th a n a l iv e T h e ir ow n c h i l d w a s br o u ght
.
home t h e gui lty nurs e dis m iss e d a n d t h e ta i lo r s w i fe

, ,
’
a mpl y r e w a rd e d fo r t h e c a r e o f t h e c h i l d Sh e w a s .
h e a rd to sa y It w a s a gl a d si ght the w e e bi t b a irn

“ ” .
,
5 Th e M a c go wa n s of Gr a y scr o ft in T o n gl a nd a n d
.
,
l a tt e r l y of B og r a h a d t h e powe r o f w i t c h cra ft to a c o n
,
si d e r a b l e e x t e n t a n d i t d e sc e nd e d f r om o n e g e n e r a t i o n
,
to a n oth e r At the t i m e w e r efe r to Abra h a m Ma c

.
,
gowa n a n d h is d a u ght e r J e nny r e sid e d a t Gra y s cr o ft .
J e nny h a d a n un l i m i t e d pow e r f r om Ol d N ick t o a c t a s

sh e pl e a s e d T he plo u ghm e n a t th a t t i m e in the ir
.
emplo y we r e H a rry D ew a n d D a v i e G o rd o n y o un g me n ,
a b o u t tw e n ty two y e a rs of a ge 3 th e y h a d b e e n th e r e
-
f o r t h e l a s t twelve mo n th s 3 a n d c o n v e rsin g o n e da y t o
g e t h e r t h e follow in g t ook pl a c e
,
H a rry L o s h m a n D a v i e wh a t m a k e s y e sa e
, ,
dr ow sy l a z y a n d s l e e py l i k e t h e d a y fo r I a m ve rr a
, ,
-
,
sur e y e wo r k n a e m a ir th a n I do y e e a t t h e s a m e a n d
s l e e p the s a me a s I d o a n d y et y e a r e s o th in a n d
,
w e a ri e d a n d h un g ry — l i k e I dinn a ke n a v a wh a t a i l s y e 3
”
,
a r e y e w e e l e n e u gh D a v i e ? I m w e e l e n e u gh H a rry “ ’
, , ,
’ ’
bu t i t s a y e ke n a b o u t i t 3 S l e ep a ni ght o r t wa a t th e
b e dsid e a n d m a yb e y o u ll n o b e sa e a pt to a sk m e sic
’
!
,
q u e s t i o ns a ga in H a rry — T he b e dsid e D a v i e wh a t
.
“
,
di ff e r w i ll th a t m a k e ? I h a e n a e m a ir o b j e c t i o ns to s l e e p
th e r e th a n a t t h e T h is b e in g a g r e e d to the y ,
e xc h a n g e d pl a c e s N oth in g o ccurr e d to dis t urb e i th e r o f

.
th e m t i ll the th ird ni ght a ltho u gh H a rry kept wa t c h :

,
th e ir b e d wa s o n the s ta b l e loft wh e n a b o u t m idni ght , , ,
t h e s t a b l e d oo r w a s op e n e d c a u t i o us l y a n d s ome o n e ,
.
w a s h e a rd (by H a rry o n l y ) c om in g u p the l a dd e r a n d to

t h e b e dsid e w i th a q ui e t s t e p A brid l e w a s h e l d a b ove
.
”
,
t h e o n e n e x t t h e b e dsid e a n d the wo rds ,

U p ho rs e y ,
“
,
wh is p e r e d in h is e a r 3 in o n e mome n t H a rry w a s t r a ns
fo r m e d in to a ho rs e a t t h e s ta b l e d oo r Th e s a dd le wa s .
got o n w i th s om e k ic k in g a n d pl un g in g bu t J e nny get s ,
mo un t e d a n d o ff th e y se t by t h e El fc r a igs A u l d Bri g
, ,
’
o T o n gl a nd t h e M a rc h C l e u gh s a n d o n t i ll th e y r e a c h
, ,
t h e Au l d K ir k o f B u i t t l e H a rry w a s t i e d to t h e ga t e
.
a lo n g w i th oth e rs M e g o Gl e n ga p w a s th e r e o n h er
.
’
d a iry m a id n ow a b o nny m a r e n e a t in a l l h er p r o po r t i o ns
”
, , .
Tib o Cr i ffl e c a me o n h e r a u l d plo u ghm a n r a th e r

“ ’
”
,
w ind br o k e n
-
L i zz y f r a e t h e B e nn a h c a m e o n h e r
.
“
, ,
c ot w i f e l i mp in g w i th a s w e ll e d k n e e Moll 0 t h e “ ’
”
, .
W oo d c a m e o n a h e rd c a ll a n t f ra e t h e How 0 S iddic k ” “ ’
.
W h e n a l l the ho rs e s w e r e m us t e r e d the r e w a s s om e ,
S U TH ERLAND FA q s . 71
sn o r t in g a n d k ick in g a n d n e i gh in g a m o n g s t th e m .
F a iri e s w i t c h e s br ow ni e s a n d a l l m e t in t h e k ir k a n d
, , ,
h a d a b l i th e h o l id a y und e r t h e p a t r o n a g e o f h i s S a ta nic
,
m a j e s ty wh ic h c o n t inu e d t i ll t h e cr ow in g of t h e c o ck
, .
\ V e a r i e d w i th h is g a llop H a rry wh e n t h e c h a rm e d
, ,
brid l e w a s t a k e n o ff fo und h i m s e lf in h is o w n b e d a n d
,
in h is o w n s h a p e H a rry i s d e t e r m in e d to b e r e v e n g e d 3
.
h e fi nds t h e c h a r m e d brid l e in a hol e in t h e k i t c h e n in a

w ee k a ft e r 3 h e t ri e s i t o n J e nny usin g t h e s a m e wo rds , ,
wh e n J e nny is t ra ns fo r m e d in to t h e a u l d br ow n m a r e o f
t h e fa r m 3 h e t a k e s h e r to t h e n e i gh b o urin g s m i th y a n d ,
g e t s h e r a ft e r m uc h a do s ho d a l l r o un d wh e n h e r e t urns
, , ,
a n d l e a v e s h e r a ft e r s e curin g t h e wo nd e r f u l brid l e
,
.
N e x t mo rnin g H a rry is o rd e r e d to go fo r a d o c to r a s ,
h is m is t r e ss is t a k e n i ll He go e s in t o t h e h o us e t o a sk
.
fo r h er 3 p ull s t h e b e d c l o th e s off h e r a n d d isc ov e rs ,
th e r e wa s a ho rs e s ho e o n e a c h h a nd a n d fe e t whe n
”
,
H a rry s a ys J e nny m y l a s s th a t did y e

,
“
, ,
J e nny .
pl a y e d m a ny mo r e si m i l a r t ric k s o n he r n e i gh b o ur l a ds
a n d l a ss e s .
S U T HE RLAN D .
I n S u th e r l a nd t h e f a iry cr e e d is m uc h t h e s a m e a s
e l s e wh e r e in S c otl a nd bu t th e r e i s a g e n e ric t e r m fo r
,
su p e rn a t ura l b e in g s wh ic h is ra r e l y us e d in \ V e s t C o un t ry
,
G ae l ic H e r e a r e a f e w of a l a r g e a n d v e ry goo d c o l l e c
.
t i o n o f S u th e rl a nd s t o ri e s .
.1 D unc a n surn a m e d Mo r e a r e s p e c ta b l e f a r m e r in
, ,
B a d e n o c h s t a t e s a s follow s
,
A m a tt e r o f th ir ty
“
.
summ e rs a go wh e n I w a s cu tt in g p ea t s o n t h e h i ll m y
, ,
ol d moth e r th a t w a s w a s k e e p in g t h e ho us e It w a s
,
.
s owe ns sh e h a d i n he r h a nd fo r o ur su pp e r whe n a l i ttl e ,
wom a n w a lk e d in a n d b e gg e d a l i pp i e o f m e a l o f h er .
My mothe r n ot k n o win g h e r f a c e s a id A nd w h e r e d o
, , ,
y o u c om e f r om I c o m e f r om m y o w n pl a c e a n d a m
‘
sh o r t o f m e a l .My moth e r wh o h a d pl e n t y by h e r in
’
,
t h e ho us e s pok e h e r ci v i l a n d b o und h e r m e a l o n h er
, ,
b a ck follow in g h e r a f e w s t ep s f r om the d oo r S h e
,
.
n ot ic e d th a t a l i ttl e k i l n in the h i ll S id e w a s S mok in g .
Th e w i f e sa w th is too a n d s a id ,
T a k e b a c k y o ur m ea l
, ,
’
w e s h a ll s oo n h a ve m e a l o f o u r o w n M y moth e r .
p r e ss e d o urs o n h e r 3 bu t sh e l e ft t h e po c k l yin g 3 a n d
wh e n sh e ca m e to t h e runnin g burn w e n t o u t o f si ght 3
”
a n d m y moth e r j us t j u d g e d i t w a s a f a iry .
2 O nc e u p o n a t i m e th e r e w a s a t a i lo r a n d h is w i fe
. ,
w h o ow n e d a s m a ll cr oft o r f a r m a n d w e r e w e ll to d o ,
i n t h e wo r l d 3 bu t h a d o n l y o n e so n a c h i l d th a t w a s , ,
mo r e p a in th a n pl ea sur e to th e m,fo r i t cri e d inc e ss a n tl y

a n d w a s s o cr o ss th a t n o th in g c o u l d b e d o n e w i th i t .
On e da y t h e t a i lo r a n d h is h e lpm e e t me a n t t o go to a
pl a c e s o me m i l e s dis ta n t a n d a ft e r gi v in g t h e c h i l d i t s
,
br e a kf a s t th ey p u t i t to b e d in t h e k i t c he n a n d bid
, ,
th e ir fa r m s e r v a n t look to i t f r om t i m e to t i m e 3 d e sirin g
hi m a l s o to th r a s h o u t a s m a ll q u a n t i t y of s t r a w in t h e
b a rn b e fo r e th e ir r e t urn Th e l a d w a s l a t e o f s e tt in g t o
.
wo r k bu t r e c oll e c t e d b e fo r e go in g o ff to t h e b a rn th a t
, ,
h e m us t se e i f t h e c h i l d w a n t e d f o r a ny th in g W ha t .
“
a r e y o u go in g to d o n ow ?
” s a id t h e b a irn s h a r pl y t o
D o n a l d a s h e op e n e d t h e ki t c he n d oo r
, T h ra s h o u t a .
“
p ic kl e o f s t ra w fo r y o ur fa the r 3 l i e s t i ll a n d d o n o t gl en
”
,
l i k e a goo d ba irn Bu t t h e b a irn got o u t o f b e d a n d

.
,
insis te d th e n a n d th e r e in b e in g a llow e d to a cc omp a ny

t h e s e r va n t .
”
G o e a s t D o n a l d s a i d the l i ttl e m a s t e r
, , ,
a u tho ri t a t i v e l y G o e a s t a n d wh e n y e c om e t o t h e bi g
,
“
,
bra e c h a p y e (a n gl ic e mp ) th r e e t i m e s 3 a n d wh e n th ey
,
S U TH ERLAND F A I R I E S . 73
c ome sa y y e a r e s e ek in g J o h n n i e s fl a i l ” ’
T he a s to nis h e d
.
,
D o n a l d did a s h e w a s bid a n d by r a pp in g th r e e t i me s
”
, ,
c a ll e d u p a fa iry ( l i ttl e m a n ) w h o g i v in g h i m t h e
“
,
fl a i l s e n t hi m o ff w i th i t in a n un e n v i a b le s ta t e o f
,
te rr o r .
J oh nny se t to wi th a w i ll a n d in a n ho ur s t i me he
,
’
a n d D o n a l d h a d th r a s h e d t h e whol e o f t h e s t r a w in the
b a rn 3 he th e n s e n t D o n a l d b a c k to t h e bra e wh e r e the ,
fl a i l w a s r e s to r e d w i th th e s a me c e r emo ny a n d we n t ,
q ui etl y b a ck to b e d At dus k t h e p a r e n t s r e t urn e d ;

.
a n d t h e a d m ira t i o n o f t h e t a i lo r a t t h e q u a n t i t y a n d
q u a l i ty o f t h e wo r k d o n e w a s s o g r e a t th a t h e q u e s t i o n e d
, ,
D o n a l d a s to wh ic h o f t h e n e i gh b o urs h a d h e lp e d h i m
to th r a s h o u t s o m uc h s t ra w D o n a l d t r e m b l in g c o n
.
, ,
f e ss e d t h e t ru th 3 a n d i t b e c a me p a in f u ll y e v id e n t to t h e
t a i lo r a n d h is w i f e th a t t h e c h i l d w a s n o n e of th e irs .
T h ey a gr e e d to dis lo d g e i t a s s oo n a s po ssib l e a n d c ho s e ,
a s t h e b e s t a n d q u ic k e s t w a
y o f d o in g s o to p u t i t in to ,
a cr e e l (op e n b a s k e t
) a n d se t i t o n t h e fi r e N o s oo n e r
,
.
s a id th a n d o n e 3 bu t n o s oo n e r h a d the c h i l d f e lt t h e
fir e th a n s t a r tin g f r om t h e cr e e l i t v a ni s h e d u p t h e
, ,
c h i m n e y A low cryin g n o is e a t t h e d oo r a tt r a c t e d
.
th e ir a tt e n t i o n 3 th e y ope n e d a n d a b o nny l i ttl e b a irn

,
(wh ic h t h e moth e r r e c og nis e d by i t s f r o ck to b e h e r o w n ) ,
s too d s h i v e rin g o u t sid e It w a s w e l c om e d w i th r a pt ur e

”
.
f r om i t s s oj o urn a mo n g t h e l i ttl e p e opl e a n d g r e w u p ,
t o b e a d o us e a n d wis e l i k e l a d s a ys m y in fo r m a n t
-
,
.
3 Th e burn o f I n v e r n a u l d a n d t h e h i ll o f D urc h a
.
, ,
o n t h e e s t a t e o f Ro s e h a ll a r e s t i ll b e l i e ve d to b e h a un t e d
,
by the fa iri e s W h o o nc e c h a s e d a m a n in to t h e s ea a n d
, ,
d e s t r oy e d a n e w m i ll b e c a us e t h e e a r th fo r t h e e m b a nk
,
m e n t o f t h e m i ll da m h a d b e e n du g f r om t h e sid e o f
-
th e ir b il l Th e h i ll of D urc h a i s a l s o the l o c a l i t y
.
a ssi g n e d fo r t h e follow in g t a le
2 6
4 A m a n who s e w i f e h a d j us t b e e n d e l i v e r e d o f h e r
.
,
fir s t b o rn se t o ff w i th a f ri e nd t o t h e tow n o f L a ir g to
-
, ,
’
h a v e t h e c h i l d s bir th e n t e r e d in the s e ssi o n b ook s a n d -
to buy a c a s k o f wh is k y fo r t h e c h ris t e nin g f et e A s .
’
th ey r e t urn e d w e a ry w i th a d a y s wa lk o r a s it is c a lle d
”
, ,
in t h e H i ghl a nds tra r el l ing th e y sa t d o w n t o r e s t a t ,
t h e foot of th is h i ll n e a r a l a r g e hol e f r om wh ic h th e y
, ,
w e r e e r e lo n g a s to nis h e d t o h e a r a s o und o f p i p in g a n d
, ,
d a ncin g Th e fa th e r fe e l in g ve ry curi o us e n t e r e d t h e
.
,
ca v e rn w e n t a f e w s t e p s in a n d dis a pp e a r e d T h e
, ,
.
s t o ry of h is f a t e s o und e d l e ss i mp r o b a b l e th en th a n i t
wo u l d n OW 3 b u t h is c omp a ni o n w a s s e v e r e l y a ni m a d
v e r t e d o n ; a n d wh e n a w e e k e l a p s e d a n d t h e b a pt is m ,
’
w a s ov e r a n d s t i ll n o si g ns o f t h e lo s t o n e s r e t urn h e
, ,
w a s a ccus e d o f h a v in g m urd e r e d h is f ri e nd He d e ni e d .
’
i t a n d a ga in a n d a ga in r ep ea t e d t h e t a l e o f h is f ri e nd s
,
d is a pp e a r a nc e d ow n t h e c a v e rn s mo u th He b e gg e d a
'
’
y e a r a n d a d a y s l a w to v indic a te h i m s e lf i f p o ssib l e 3 ,
a n d us e d to r e p a ir a t dus k t o t h e f a t a l s pot a n d c a ll ,
a n d pra y T he te r m a llow e d h i m h a d bu t o n e mo r e da y
.
to run a n d a s usu a l h e sa t i n t h e gl e a m i n g by the

, ,
c a v e rn wh e n wh a t s e e me d h is f ri e nd s sha do w p a ss e d
, ,
’
w i th in i t He w e n t d ow n h ea rd r e e l t un e s a n d p i p e s
.
, ,
a n d sudd e n l y d e scri e d t h e m issin g m a n t ri pp in g m e rri l y
wi th t h e fa iri e s He c a u ght hi m by t h e s l e e v e s topp e d

.
,
h i m a n d p u ll e d h i m o u t B l e ss m e wh y c o u l d y o u
“
” !
.
”
,
n ot l e t m e fi nis h m y r e el S a ndy ? B l e ss m e
,
“
r e j o in e d S a ndy h a v e y o u n ot h a d e n o u gh o f r e e l in g
“
” !
,
th is l a s t tw e lvemo n th ? ” L a s t tw e lve mo n th cri e d

“
t h e oth e r in a m a z e m e n t 3 n o r wo u l d h e b e l i e v e the
,
t ru th c o nc e rnin g h i m s e lf t i ll h e fo und h is w i f e si tt i n g by
t h e d oo r wi th a y e a r l in g c h i l d in he r a r m s s o q uic kl y
”
,
d o e s t i m e p a ss in the c omp a ny of TH E goo d p eop l e .
5 Of t h e D r o c ht n a V o u g b a o r Fu o a h — t h e brid g e o f
.
S U TH ERLAN D F A I R I E S . 75
the fa iri e s k elp i e s n ow c a ll e d t h e G iss e n Bri ggs a

or , ,
bar t h e mo u th o f t h e D o rn o c h F ir th — i t i s s a i d
a cr o ss
th a t t h e V o u gh a s b e in g t ir e d o f cr o ssin g t h e e s t u a ry i n
c o c kl e S h e ll s r e s olv e d to bui l d a bri dg e a cr o ss i t s m o u th
, .
It w a s a wo r k o f g r e a t m a g ni fi c e nc e t h e p i e rs a n d p o s ts , ,
a n d a l l t h e p i l e s b e i n g h e a d e d a n d m o un t e d w i t h p ur e
gol d . U n fo r t un a t e l y a p a ss e r by l i ft e d u p h is h a n d s
,
a n d b l e ss e d t h e w o r km e n a n d t h e wo r k 3 t h e fo r m e r
v a nis h e d 3 t h e l a tt e r s a n k b e n e a th t h e g r e e n wa v e s ,
wh e r e t h e s a nd a ccum u l a t in g fo rm e d t h e d a n g e r o us,
q uick s a n d s wh ic h a r e th e r e t o th is da y .
6 Th e H i ghl a nd e rs dis t in guis h b e tw e e n t h e w a t e r

.
a n d l a n d o r dr essed f a iri e s I h a v e g i v e n o n e s to ry wh ic h
.
s how s th a t th e y ar e su pp o s e d t o b e s p iri t s in p ris o n 3 “
i t is n o t t h e o n l y l e g e n d o f t h e k ind I n a Ro ss —s h ir e .
n a rra t i v e a b e a u ti f u l gr e e n l a dy is r e p r e s e n t ed a s
,
a pp e a rin g t o a n o l d m a n r e a d in g t h e Bib l e a n d s e ek in g ,
t o k n ow i f f o r suc h a s h e r Hol y S cri pt ur e h e l d o u t a n y

, ,
h op e o f s a lva t i o n Th e o l d m a n S pok e k ind l y to h e r 3

.
b u t s a id th a t in th e s e p a g e s th e r e w a s n o m e n t i o n of
,
s a lva t i o n f o r a n y bu t t h e sin f u l s o n s of A d a m S h e .
fl u n g h er a r m s o v e r h e r h e a d scr e a m e d a n d pl un g e d
'
, ,
i n to t h e se a T h e y w i ll n o t s t e a l a b a pti z e d c h i l d 3 a n d
!
.
“
B l e ss y o u ” s a id to a n unb a pti z e d o n e i s a c h a r m ,
a ga ins t th e m A wom a n o u t s h e a rin g h a d l a i d h e r b a by

.
d ow n und e r a h e d g e a n d w e n t b a c k f r om t i m e t o t i m e
,
to look a t i t S h e w a s go in g o nc e t o g i v e i t suc k wh e n
.
,
i t b e ga n t o y e ll a n d cry in suc h a f ri ghtf u l w a y th a t s h e

w a s q ui t e a l a r m e d La y i t d o w n a n d l e a v e i t a s y o u
“
”
.
,
v a l u e y o ur c h i l d s a id a m a n r e a p i n g n e a r h e r 3 h a lf a n
,
h o ur l a t e r Sh e c a m e b a c k a n d fi n d in g t h e c h i l d,
a pp a r e n tl y in i t s ri ght m ind a g a in S h e ga v e i t t h e ,
br ea s t Th e m a n s m i l e d t o l d h e r th a t h e h a d s e e n h e r
.
”a n d
,
o w n in fa n t c a rri e d o ff by t h e go o d p e o pl e a f a iry
“
,
C h a n g e l in gl e ft in i t s pl a c e W he n t h e folk sa w th a t
.
“
th e ir scr ea m in g l i ttle i mp w a s n ot n ot ic e d a n d g o t ,
n oth in g th e y tho u ght i t b e s t to ta ke i t b a c k a n d r epl a c e

,
t h e l i ttle b o y .
A s fa iri e s a r e r e p r e s e n t e d a s h a v in g a lwa ys foo d a n d ,
ric he s a n d p o w e r a n d m e rri m e n t a t c omm a nd i t ca n

, , ,
n ot b e temp or a l a d v a n t a ge s th a t the y s e e k fo r th e ir c h i l
dr e n p r o ba b l y s ome s p iri t ua l o n e s a r e hope d fo r by
,
a d opt i o n o r ma rri a ge w i th h u ma n b e in g s a s in t h e ,
r om a n t ic leg e nd o f U ndin e 3 a n d th a t th is t e mpt s th e m

to fo is t th e ir e v il dispo s e d l i ttl e o n e s o n us T h e y n eve r .
m a lt r e a t tho s e whom th e y c a rry a wa y .
B AD E N O C H .
Th e B a d e n o c h a cc o un t o f the fa iri e s is m uc h t h e
s a m e I h a v e r e c e i v e d e i ght s to ri e s f r om a H ighl a nd
.
m inis t e r who h a s b e e n k ind e n o u gh to in t e r e s t h i m s e lf

,
in t h e m a tt e r a t t h e r e q u e s t o f t h e C o un te ss o f S e a fiel d
, .
T h e s e S how th a t a cc o rdin g to pop u l a r b el i ef fa iri e s

, ,
c ommo n l y c a rri e d o ff m e n wom e n a n d c h i l dr e n wh o

, , ,
s ee m e d t o di e bu t r ea ll y l i v e d und e r gr o und I n s ho r t
, .
,
th a t mo r ta l s w e r e s e p a ra te d f r om fa iri e s by a v e ry n a r
r ow l in e .
1 A m a n s e e s f a iri e s c a rdin g a n d s p innin g in a S he a l

.
in g wh e r e h e is l i v in g a t t h e t i m e Amo n g s t th e m is .
M iss E m m a M a c P h e r so n o f C l uny wh o h a d b ee n d e a d
,
a b o u t o n e h undr e d y e a rs .
2 A wom a n b e ni ght e d g e t s in to a f a iry h i ll wh e r e

.
, , ,
S h e p r om is e s to g i v e h e r c h i l d o n c o ndi t i o n th a t sh e is
,
l et out Sh e g i v e s h e r c h i l d wh e n i t is b o rn a n d i s
.
,
a llow e d t o v isi t i t t i ll suc h t i me a s the c h i l d u po n o n e

“
,
B ADEN O C H F A I R I E S . 77
o cca si o n look e d a t h e r s t e rn l y in t h e fa c e a n d in a v e r y
, ,
d is pl e a s e d moo d a n d to n e u p br a id e d h e r fo r t h e m a nn e r
in wh ic h sh e h a d a c t e d in g i vi n g h e r c h i l d ov e r un t o
tho s e a mo n g s t whom i t wa s n ow d oom e d t o d w e ll Th e ” .
mothe r sc ol d e d fo und h e rs e lf s ta ndin g o n t h e h i llo c k

,
o u t sid e a n d n e v e r go t in a ga in
,
.
3 A l a d r e c og ni ze s h is moth e r who h a d b e e n c a rri e d

.
,
o ff by f a iri e s bu t w h o w a s b e l i e v e d to b e d e a d
, Sh e .
w a s r e c ov e r e d f r om t h e f a iri e s by a m a n who th r e w h is
b o nn e t to a p a ssin g p a r ty a n d d e m a nd e d a n e xc h a n g e
, .
Th e r e scu e r ga ve u p the w i fe a n d sh e r et urn e d h o m e , .
Of th is s t o ry I h a ve s e v e ra l v e rsi o ns in G a e l ic a n d in
E n gl is h a n d I b e l i e ve i t is in p rin t s om e wh e r e
, .
4 A n ol d wom a n m e e t s he r d e c e a s e d l a nd lo rd a n d
.
l a nd l a dy wh o t e ll h e r that t h e fa iri e s h a v e j us t ca rri e d

,
o ff a y o u n g m a n who is su ppo s e d to b e d ea d
,
T h ey .
a d vi s e he r n o t to b e o u t s o l a t e .
5 Th e y o un g B a r o n o f K inc a rdin e is e n te r t a in e d by
.
’
fa iri e s w h o s t e a l h is f a th e r s snu ff fo r hi m wh e n h e a s k s
,
fo r a p inc h .
6 Th e y o un g b a r o n m e et s a b ogl e w i th a r e d h a nd
.
,
t ell s a n d is p unis h e d
,
.
’
7 Th e b a r o n s d a iry m a id wh e n a t a s h e a l in g h a s a
.
, ,
v isi t f r om a c omp a ny o f fa iri e s w h o d a nc e a n d s tea l ,
m i lk .
8 . A m a n o nc e u po n a t i m e c om in g u p f r om I n v e r
“
, ,
n e ss l a t e a t ni ght c om in g th r o u gh a s ol i ta ry p a r t c a ll e d
,
S l o c km u i c w a s m e t by cr ow ds o f p e opl e n o n e o f wh o m
, ,
h e c o u l d r e c og ni z e n o r did th e y s e e m to t a k e a n y n ot ic e
,
o f h im T h e y e n ga ge d i n c l o s e c o n v e rs a t i o n t a lk e d o n
.
,
sub j e c t s n o t a w o rd of wh ic h h e c o u l d p ic k u p At .
le n gth a cc o s t in g o n e in d i v idu a l o f th e m h e a s k e d w h o ,
’
th e y w e r e ? N o n e o f t h e s e e d o f Abra m n o r o f Ad a m s
r a c e 3 bu t me n o f that p a r ty w h o lo s t fa vo ur a t the
C o ur t o f G ra c e He w a s a d v is e d n ot to p r a c t is e l a te
) 7
a t ni gh t t r a v e ll in g in f u t ur e .
T hom a s M a cD o n a l d ga m e keep e r a t D unr o bin a l s o

, ,
gi v e s me a fa iry ta l e wh ic h is n ow commo n l y bel i eved i n “
”
,
B a deno ch .
9 . A w e n t f r om hom e le a v in g h is wi f e in c h i l d
ma n ,
b ed .He r t e mp e r h a d n e v e r b e e n r u tfle d He fo un d .
h e r a w ic k e d sc ol d T h in k in g a l l w a s n ot ri ght h e
.
,
p i l e d u p a g r e a t fir e a n d th r e a te n e d to th r ow in the
,
o ccu pa n t o f t h e b e d un l e ss Sh e tol d h i m wh e r e h is o w n
”
,
w i f e h a d b e e n br o u ght S h e tol d h i m th a t h is w i f e
.
h a d b e e n c a rri e d to Cn o c Fr a i n g a mo un t a in o n t h e ,
b o rd e rs o f B a d e n o c h a n d S t r a t h d e a r n a n d th a t sh e w a s ,
a ppo in t e d succ e ss o r .
Th e m a n w e n t to Cn o c Fr a i n g He wa s sus pe c t e d
.
b e fo r e o f h a v in g s om e th in g su p e rn a t ur a l a b o u t h i m 3
a n d h e s oo n fo und t h e f a iri e s w h o t o l d h i m h is w i f e h a d
,
b e e n t a k e n to S h i a t h a n M o r a n e i gh b o urin g mo un ta in
, .
H e w e n t th e r e a n d w a s s e n t t o To m n a Sh i r i ch n e a r ,
I n v e rn e ss T h e r e h e w e n t a n d a t t h e F a iry K n oll
.
,
“
fo un d h i s w i f e a n d br o u ght h e r b a c k Th e p er so n who .
r el a ted th i s
p reten ded to h a ve
stor y seen p eop l e who kn ew
di sta n t descen da n ts of the wo ma n
” .
RO SS .
T h e Ro ss S h ir e a cc o un t of fa iri e s is a ga in m uc h the
-
s a me Th e p e opl e sa y v e ry l i ttl e a b o u t th e m a n d tho s e

.
,
w h o h a v e b e e n k ind e n o u gh t o n ot e s to ri e s p ic k e d u p
a mo n g s t th e ir l e ss ins t ruc t e d n e i gh b o urs h a v e o n l y s e n t ,
f r e s h e v id e nc e t o p r ov e th a t t h e fa iry cr e e d is the s a m e
th e r e a s e ve ry wh e r e a n d th a t i t is n ot q ui t e e x t inc t
, .
B EA R N A I R I DH FA I R I E S . 79
1 .I h a ve a s to ry got th r o u gh t h e k indn e ss of M r
!
, .
O s goo d Ma c k e n z i e in wh ic h a L o wl a nd m inis t e r s p ea k s
,
S l i ght in gl y o f t h e fa iri e s He w a s ri d in g hom e th r o u gh

.
a d a r k gl e n a n d th r o ugh a n o a k woo d
,
wh e r e th e r e ,
w a s m a ny a g r e e n tolm a n (mo und ) He w a s surr o und e d .
by a s q ua d o f l i ttle m e n le a p in g b e fo r e h i m a n d d a ncin g
,
b e h ind h i m T h ey took h i m o ff t h e ho rs e a n d c a rri e d

.
h i m u p th r o u gh t h e s k i e s hi s h e a d u n d e r h i m n o w a n d
, ,
h is f e e t und e r a ga in the wo r l d runnin g r o und 3 a n d a t

,
l a s t th ey dr opp e d h i m n e a r h is o w n ho us e .
2 I n a n oth e r s to ry a lot o f f a iri e s b o rr ow a w e a v e r s

’
.
,
loom a t night w i tho u t h i s l ea v e a n d m a ke a w eb of

, ,
g r e e n c loth f r om s tol e n wool .
B E AR N A I R I DH .
T h e r e w a s in B e ar n a i r i dh in t h e H a rris a m a a o mi n g ,
p a s t a k n oll a n d t a k in g t h e r o a d a n d h e h e a rd c h urnin g
, ,
in t h e h i ll T h irs t s truc k h i m
.
”
I h a d ra th e r s a id h e
.
”
, ,
“
th a t m y th irs t w a s o n t h e h e rds wom a n He h a d n ot .
go n e bu t a b o u t tw e n ty r o ds a wa y whe n a wom an met

h i m a n d sh e h a d a fin e g r e e n p e tt ic o a t o n t i e d a b o u t
,
h e r w a is t a n d sh e h a d a v e ss e l o f w a r m m i lk b e tw e e n
,
he r two h a nds S h e off e r e d h i m a d r a u ght a n d h e

.
,
wo u l d n o t t a k e i t .
T ho u o n e th a t s o u ght m y dra u ght a n d t o o k n o t m y

”
,
dra u ght m a y e s t th o u n o t b e lo n g a l i ve
,
.
He w e n t t o t h e n a rr ow s a n d h e t o o k a b o a t th e r e
,
ov e r 3 a n d c om in g o v e r t h e n a rr ow s h e w a s dr o w n e d .
Bh a nnu a m
a B e ar n a i r id h au n n s n a li E a a d h f e a r a t i gh in n
-
r ,
’
s e ac h a d a i r cnoc a t h a id a g us c h u a l e a u
’
21 01 11 00
’
a ab h a il an r nn s 1
g
m a is t r e a dh . B h u a il a m p a t h a dh e .
’ ”
B f h e ar l o o m a r s e s a n
r
’
, ,
g on m o ph a t h a d h a ir a b h a n a c h a i g
ro b h
’
.
” Ch a d e a c h
e a ch m u
t h u a i r e a m fic h e a d s l a t a i r f a l b h a n n a ir a c h o i n n i c h b o i r e a n n a ch
,
a g us c ot a b r i a gh u a i m u rr a i r a c h e an gh a l m u m i a dh o n a g u s
’ ’ ’
e , , ,
c u m a n b l at h a i c h a i c c a d a r a d a l ai m h Th a i r g i d a d e o c h s c h a
’ ’
.
,
gh a b h a d h e i Fh i r a d h i a r m o d h e o c h s n a ch do gh a b h m o
’ ’
. r
”
,
d h e o c h n a m u f a d a b h i o s th u b e o Gh a b h e i o n su i d h a
’ ’
. n
,
c h a o l a i s a g u s gh a b h e b a t a sin t h a i r i s
’ ’
s a t i gh i n n t h a i r i s a i r
’
, ,
’
a c h a o l a s c h a idh a b h at h a d h .
F ro m M a l co lm M a c Le a n wh o l e a rn t ,
it f ro m h is g ra nd fa th e r ,
H u gh M a c Le an .
N orth Uis t A u g ust 1 1 1 85 9

, , .
Th e Ar gy ll s h ir e s to ri e s wh ic h I ca n well r e mem b e r
,
a s a c h i l d a r e o f t h e s a m e s t a mp
,
Th e fa iri e s l i v e d in.
h i ll s the y c a me o u t n ow a n d th e n a n d ca rri e d people

,
a wa y 3 a n d th e y s p e n t th e ir t i m e insid e th e ir d well in g s
in d a ncin g t o t h e p i p e s T h e y s tol e m i lk a n d th e y we r e
.
,
ove rc ome by c h a r m s wh ic h me n s ol d t o th o s e who

,
b el i e v e d in them T h e y c o u l d n ot w i th s t a nd a r owa n
.
t r e e cr o ss 3 n o r c o u l d th e y follow ove r a runnin g s t r e a m .
T h e r e is a s m a ll w a t e r fa ll in a woo d wh ic h I k n ow ,
wh e r e i t us e d to b e s a id th a t th e fa iri e s m i ght b e s e e n
o n moo n l i ght ni ght s fi s h in g fo r a m a g ic c h a in f r om b o a t s
,
o f s e d g e l e a ve s T h e y us e d to dra g th is c h a in th r o u gh
.
the me a d ow s whe r e t h e c a ttle fe d a n d the m i lk c a me ,
a l l to th e m t i ll a l a d by t h e a d v ic e o f a s e e r s e i z e d
, , ,
o n e e nd o f the c h ai n a n d r a n fo r h is l i fe w i th t h e f a iry ,
t r 00p in p ursui t 3 h e l ea pe d the l in a n d dr opp e d the

c ha in 3 a n d t h e l in is c a ll e d the c h a in l in s t i ll .
MA N .
Th e
Ma n k s f a iry cr e e d is a ga in the s a m e S i m i l a r .
b e in g s a r e suppo s e d t o e xis t a n d a r e k n ow n by t h e ,
MAN FA I R I ES . 81
n a m e o f FE R I S H wh ic h a M a n ksm a n a ssur e d m e w a s a
,
g e nuin e Ma n k s wo rd I f so f a iry m a y b e ol d C e lt ic
.
, ,
a n d d e ri v e d f r om t h e s a m e r oot a s P e ri ins t ea d of b e in g ,
d e ri v e d f r om i t .
Th e fa iri e s in t h e I s le of M a n a r e b e l i ev e d t o b e
’
s p iri t s T h e y a r e n o t su ppo s e d to th r ow a rr ow s a s th e y
.
a r e s a id s t i ll to d o in t h e H i ghl a nds N o n e of the ol d

.
p e a s a n t s s e em e d t o t a k e t h e l ea s t in t e r e s t in e l f s hot s ”
,
t h e fl in t a rr ow s wh ic h g e n e ra ll y l e a d to a s to ry wh e n
,
s how n e l s e wh e r e On e o l d m a n s a i d T he fe r i sh h a ve “
”
.
,
n o b o dy n o b o n e s 3 a n d sc o rn e d the a rr ow h e a ds It
, .
’
is s ta t e d in Tra in s h is to ry th a t n o fli n t a rr ow h e a ds
,
-
h a v e e v e r b e e n fo und in t h e I s l e of M a n 3 bu t a s th e r e
a r e nu m e r o us b a rr ow s fl in t w e a po ns m a
, y y e t b e di s
c ov e r e d whe n s o m e o n e look s fo r th e m .
S t i ll th e s e Ma n k s fa iri e s a r e m uc h t h e s a m e a s the ir
n e i gh b o urs o n the m a in l a nd T h e y go in to m i ll s a t
.
‘
ni ght a n d grind s tol e n c o rn 3 th e y s t e a l m i lk f r om t h e

c a ttle ; th e y l i v e in g r e e n mo un d s 3 in s ho r t th e y a r e ,
l i k e l i ttl e mo r t a l s in v e s t e d w i th su p e r n a t ur a l pow e r ,
th us : T h e r e w a s a m a n w h o l i v e d n ot lo n g a go n ea r
P o r t E rin w h o h a d a LH I A N N A N S H EE
, He w a s l i k e
.
“
oth e r p e opl e bu t h e h a d a fa iry s w e eth e a r t 3 bu t h e

,
n ot ic e d h e r a n d th ey d o n ot l i k e b e in g n ot ic e d t h e
, ,
fa iri e s a n d so h e lo s t h is m ind W e ll h e w a s q ui t e
, .
,
q ui e t l ik e o th e r p e opl e bu t a t ni ght h e s lept in t h e ba rn 3

,
a n d th e y us e d to h e a r h i m t a lk in g t o h is s w e e th e a r t
,
a n d sc ol din g h e r s om e t i m e s ; bu t i f a n
y o n e ma de a
n o is e h e wo u l d b e q ui e t a t o nc e ” .
N ow t h e t ru th o f th is s to ry is c l e a r e n o u gh 3 t h e m a n
,
w e n t m a d ; bu t th is m a dn e ss took the fo r m o f t h e
pop u l a r b e l i e f a n d th a t a ga in a tt ribu t e d h i s m a dn e ss to
,
t h e f a iry m is t r e ss I a m c o n v inc e d th a t th is w a s b e l i e v e d
.
to b e a c a s e of g e nuin e f a iry in t e rc o urs e 3 a n d i t s how s

th a t t h e fa iry cr e e d s t i ll sur v i v e s in t h e I s l e o f M a n .
D E V O N S HIR E .
Th e s a m e is t r u e o f D e vo ns h ir e I n M a y 1 8 60 I w a s
.
tol d that ma ny o f t h e fa r m e rs a r e so su p e rs t i t i o us a s
“
t o b e l i e v e in P I S K I E S 3 t h e y a r e n e v e r s e e n bu t th e y
,
a r e oft e n h e a rd l a u gh in g a t p e o pl e in t h e d a r k a n d ,
th e y l e a d th e m a wa y .
” My in f o r m a n t s a id th a t wh e n
h e w a s y o un g h e us e d t o h e a r s o m a ny s to ri e s a b o u t
p is k i e s f r om t h e ol d wom e n a b o u t t h e fi r e sid e that h e ,
us e d t o b e f ri ght e n e d to go o u t a t ni ght .
W h e n t h e y o un g c olt s a r e o u t runnin g w i l d th e ir ,
m a n e s ge t r o u gh a n d h a n g d ow n o n b o th S id e s a n d get ,
t a n gle d w i th t h e w ind l i k e 3 n ot l i k e m a n e s of ho rs e s
th a t a r e w e ll k e pt (h e r e t h e s p ea k e r po in t e d w i th h is
wh i p a t t h e s l e e k p a ir wh ic h h e w a s dri v in g) 3 a n d wh e n
t h e fa r m e r s fi nd s t irru p s l i k e in t h e h a ir o f t h e m a n e
”
,
’
th e y sa y the p is ki e s h a s b e e n a ridin o f th e m .
I n S h o r t th is n ot ic e of fa iry b e l i e f m i ght b e e x t e n d e d
,
to fill vol u m e s 3 ev e ry g r e e n k n oll e ve ry w e ll e v e ry h i ll

, ,
in t h e H i ghl a nds h a s s om e fa iry l e g e nd a tta c h e d t o i t

,
.
I n t h e w e s t a mo n gs t t h e u n l e a rn e d t h e l e g e nds a r e
, ,
fi r ml y b e l i e v e d P e a s a n t s n e v e r ta lk a b o u t f a iri e s f o r
.
,
th ey l i v e a mo n g s t th e m a n d a b o u t th e m I n t h e e a s t
.
t h e b el i e f is l e ss s t r o n g o r t h e b e l i ev e rs a r e mo r e
,
a s h a m e d of th e ir cr e e d .I n t h e L owl a nds a n d e v e n in
,
E n gl a nd t h e s to ri e s sur v i v e a n d t h e b e l i e f e xis t s
, , ,
tho u gh m e n h a v e l e ss t i me to th in k a b o u t i t I n t h e .
s o u th t h e fa iry cr e e d of the p e a sa n t s h a s b e e n a lt e r e d ,
FA I RI ES . 83
bu t it s t i ll e xis t s a s is p r ov e d o cca si o n a ll y i n c o ur t s of
,
l aw . T h e r e is a gho s t wh ic h w a lk s und e r t h e N o r th
Brid g e in Ed inburgh 3 a n d e v e n in t h e cu lt i va t e d u pp e r
s t r a ta o f s o ci e ty in th is o u r c o u n t ry in F r a nc e a n d
, ,
e l s e wh e r e fa iry su pe rs t i t i o n h a s o n l y go n e d o w n b e f o r e
,
oth e r s t r o n g e r b e l i e f s i n wh ic h a ta b l e i s m a d e t h e s o l e
,
p a r t i t i o n b e tw e e n th is w o r l d a n d t h e n e x t W h e th e r
,
w e a r e s e p a r a t e d f r om t h e oth e r wo r l d by a d e a l b o a rd
o r a gr e e n mo un d d o e s n ot s e e m t o m a k e m u c h di ffe r
,
e nc e ; a n d y e t th a t is t h e c h i e f di ffe r e nc e b e tw e e n t h e
v a gra n t b e l i e f s o f t h e l e a rn e d a n d u n l e a rn e d.
A n ol d h i ghl a nd e r d e c l a r e d t o me th a t h e w a s o nc e in
a b o a t w i th a m a n who w a s s t ruc k by a f a iry a rr ow He.
had t h e a rr ow fo r a lo n g t i m e ; i t w a s S l e nd e r l i k e a
s t ra w fo r th ic k n e ss He h i m s e lf d r e w i t o u t o f t h e
.
temp l e o f t h e oth e r m a n wh e r e i t w a s s t uc k in t h e ski m

,
th r o u gh t h e b o nn e t T h e y we r e th e n m i l e s f r om the
.
s ho r e fis h in g A m a n whom t h e fa iri e s w e r e in t h e
,
.
,
h a bi t of c a rryin g a b o u t f r om is l a nd t o is l a nd tol d h i m
,
th a t h e h a d h i m s e lf th r o w n t h e da r t a t t h e m a n in t h e
b o a t by d e sir e o f th em 3 th ey m a d e h i m do i t ” .
My in f o r m a n t e v id e n tl y b e l i e v e d h e w a s s p e a k in g
t r u th a s m y m o r e e duc a t e d f ri e nds d o wh e n th e y tell
,
m e sge u l a ch d a b o u t M r H u m e . .
Fo r m y o wn p a r t I b e l i e v e a l l m y f ri e nds ; bu t I
,
c a nn ot b e l i e v e in fa iri e s o r th a t m y fo rb ea rs h a v e b e c o m e
,
s l a v e s o f a ta b l e t o b e summo n e d a t t h e w i ll o f a q ua c k .
I b el i e v e th a t th e r e is a s to c k o f o l d cr e d ul i ty s mo u l d e r
in g n e a r a s t o r e o f o l d l e g e nds in s o m e c o rn e r o f eve ry
,
m ind a n d th a t t h e o n e a c t s o n t h e oth e r a n d p r o duc e s

, ,
a f r e s h l e g e nd a n d a n e w b e l i e f wh e n e v e r circu m s t a nc e s
a r e f a v o ur a b l e t o t h e g r owth o f suc h w e e ds At a l l
.
ev e n t s I a m qui t e sur e th a t t h e fa iry cr e e d o f t h e

,
pe a s a n t ry a s I h a ve l ea rn e d i t f r om th e m is n o t a wh i t
, ,
m o r e unr e a s o n a b le th a n t h e b o di l y a ppe a ra nc e o f the

h a nd o f Na pol e o n t h e F irs t to N a pol e o n t h e T h ird in
1 8 6 0 a s i t is d e scrib e d in p rin t ; a n d the g r a v e b ook s
”
,
wh ic h a re w ri tt e n o n S p iri t u a l Ma ni fe s ta t i o ns a t
h o m e a n d a br o a d W h a t is t o b e s a id o f t h e ta b le wh ic h
.
b e c a m e s o f a m i l i a r w i th a y o un g l a dy that i t followe d
,
h e r u p s ta irs a n d j u mpe d o n t o t h e s of a
XX I X .
THE FINE .
HE F e e n w e r e o nc e, and
th e ir h un t in g f a i l e d a n d
T th e y did n o t k n o w wh a t th e y S ho u l d d o T h e y .
,
w e r e go in g a b o u t s t r a nds a n d s h o r e s ga th e rin g l i mp e t s ,
a n d to t ry i f th e y s ho u l d f a ll in w i th a p i geo n o r a
plov e r T h e y w e r e hol din g c o uns e l tog e th e r how th e y

.
s ho u l d go to ge t ga me T h e y r e a c h e d a h i ll a n d s l e e p
.
,
c a m e o n th e m W h a t s ho u l d F i o nn s ee bu t a dr e a m
. .
T h a t i t w a s a t y o n cr a g o f r o c k th a t h e wo u l d b e t h e ,
lo n ge s t ni ght th a t c a m e o r w i ll c om e 3 th a t h e wo u l d b e
dri v e n b a ckwa rds t i ll h e S ho u l d s e t h is b a c k t o the cra g
o f r o ck . He ga v e a s p rin g o u t o f h is s l e e p .He s t ruc k
’
h is foot o n D i a r m id s mo u th a n d h e dr ov e o u t th r e e of
,
h is t e e th D i a r m id c a u ght hol d o f t h e foot o f F i o n n

.
,
a n d h e dr ov e a n o unc e o f b l o o d f r om e v e ry n a i l h e h a d
!
.
“
U d wh a t dids t th o u to m e ?
” W h a t dids t tho u
“
th ys e lf t o m e — B e n ot a n g ry tho u s o n o f m y sis t e r
“
.
”
,
W h e n I tell th e e t h e r e a s o n tho u w i lt n ot t a k e i t i ll
,
.
“
W ha t r ea s o n 2
” “
I sa w a dr e a m th a t a t y o n d e r cra g
I wo ul d p a ss t h e h a rd e s t ni ght I e v e r p a ss e d ; th a t I
s ho ul d b e dri ve n b a c kwa rds t i ll I s ho u l d se t m y b a c k to
”
t h e cr a g a n d th e r e w a s n o g e tt in g o ff f r o m th e r e
! !
.
,
W h a t s o u r f ea r W h o s ho u l d f ri ght e n us \ Vh o
“ ’
w i ll c ome “
I f ea r a s w e a r e in s t r a i t s j us t n ow th a t
”
, ,
i f th is l a s t s w e m a y b e c ome us el e ss Th ey we n t a n d
.
the y c a s t lot s who s ho ul d go a n d w h o S ho ul d s t a y .

Th e Fe i n n ltog e th e r w is h e d t o go F i o nn w a s n o t
a .
w i ll in g to go fo r fe a r t h e pl a c e s ho ul d b e ta k e n o u t
”
,
b e fo r e th ey s ho u l d c om e (b a c k ) I w i ll n ot go s a id “
”
,
F i o nn . W heth e r tho u go e s t o r s t a y e st w e w i ll go
“
, ,
s a id th e y .
T he r e s t w e n t bu t F i o nn did n o t go T h e y s toppe d
,
.
,
o n t h e ni ght wh e n the y w e n t a t th e r oot o f a t r e e 3 ,
th e y m a d e a b ooth a n d th ey b e ga n t o pl a y at c a rds
,
.
S a i d F i o nn wh e n t h e r e s t w e r e go n e
,
I put him ,
“
f r om a mo n g s t h e r o e s a n d w a rri o rs a n y m a n th a t w i ll
follow m e o u t ” T h e y followe d a ft e r F i o nn T h e y
. .
sa w a l i gh t b e fo r e th e m a n d th e y w e n t fo r wa rd wh e r e
,
t h e l i ght w a s W h o w e r e h e r e bu t t h e oth e rs pl a yin g

.
a t c a rds a n d s o m e a s l e e p ; a n d i t w a s a fin e f r o s t y
,
n i ght. F i o nn h a i l e d th e m s o s t a t e l y a n d br a v e l y .
W h e n th e y h e a rd t h e S p e a k in g o f F i o nn th o s e who ,
w e r e l a id d ow n t ri e d t o ris e a n d the h a ir w a s s t uc k to ,
t h e g r o und T h e y w e r e pl ea s e d to se e th e ir m a s t e r
. .
P l e a s a n t t o h a v e a s t r a y h un t in g ni ght T h e y w e n t .
h o m e G o in g p a s t a pl a c e whe r e th ey us e d t o ho us e
.
,
th e y sa w a h o u s e T h e y a s k e d wh a t ho us e wa s th a t
. .
Th e y t o l d th e m th e r e w a s t h e ho u s e o f a h un t e r .
T h e y r e a c h e d t h e ho us e a n d th e r e w a s b u t a wom a n
,
w i th in t h e w i f e o f t h e fi n e g r e e n k ir tl e Sh e s a id t o .
”
,
th em F i o nn so n of Cu ma l tho u a r t w e l c o m e he r e
,
“
, ,
.
T h ey w e n t in T h e r e w e r e s e v e n d oo rs to t h e ho us e
. .
F i o n n a s k e d h is g i ll i e s to si t in the s e ve n d oo rs T h e y .
did th a t F i o nn a n d h is c o mp a ny sa t o n t h e o n e sid e
.
o f t h e h o u s e to br e a th e Th e wom a n w e n t o u t
. W hen .
s h e c a m e in sh e s a id
, F i o nn s o n of Cu m a l i t is lo n g
, , ,
sinc e I w a s w is h in g th y w e lfa r e bu t i t s l i ttl e I ca n d o ,
f o r th e e to ni ght -
Th e so n o f t h e k in g o f t h e p e opl e
.
o f D a n a n is c om in g h e r e w i th h is e i ght h undr e d f u ll
”
,
h e r o e s th is ni ght
, Yo nd e r sid e of th e h o u s e b e
.
“
TH E F I NE . 87
th e irs and
th is sid e o urs un l e ss th e r e c om e m e n o f
”
, ,
Ei r i n n . T he n th e y c a m e a n d th e y sa t w i th in Yo u .
“
”
,
wi ll n ot l e t a m a n o n o u r sid e s a id F i o nn un l e ss “
”
, ,
th e r e c o m e s o n e th a t b e lo n g s to o ur ow n c ompa ny .
Th e wom a n c a m e in a ga in s a yin g Th e m i dd l e s o n o f
, ,
“
t h e k in g of t h e p e opl e of D a n a n is c om in g a n d h is fiv e
”
,
h undr e d br a v e h e r o e s w i th h i m T h e y c a m e a n d m o r e .
,
o f th e m s t a id w i t h o u t o n a k n oll S h e c a m e in a ga in .
,
s a yin g Th e y o un g e s t so n o f t h e k in g of t h e p e o pl e o f
,
“
.
D a n a n i s c om in g a n d h is fiv e h undr e d s w i ft h e r o e s wi th
,
h im ” S h e c a m e in a ga in s a yin g T h a t Ga l l a i dh w a s “
”
.
, ,
c o m in g a n d fiv e h undr e d f u ll h e r o e s
,
T h is si d e o f .
“
t h e h o us e b e o urs a n d th a t b e th e irs u n l e ss th e r e c o m e
”
, ,
o f t h e m e n o f B irinu Th e p e opl e o f D a n a n m a d e
.
s e v e n r a n k s o f th e m s e lv e s a n d t h e fo ur th p a r t of th e m
,
c o u l d n ot cr a m in T h e y w e r e s t i ll w i th o u t a wo r d
. .
T h e r e c a m e a g i ll i e h o m e w i th a b e a r th a t h a d fo und
d e a th f r o m l e a nn e ss a n d w i th o u t a goo d s e e m in g a n d ,
h e th r ow s th a t in f r o n t o f F i o n n w i th a n insu lt On e .
of F i o n n s g i ll i e s c a u ght hol d o f h i m a n d h e t i e d h is
’
f o ur s m a ll s a n d th r e w h i m b e low t h e b o a r d a n d th e y
, ,
spa t o n h im L oo s e m e a n d l e t m e s ta n d u p 3 I w a s
.
“
,
n ot i n fa u lt th o u gh i t w a s I th a t did i t a n d I w i ll bri ng
”
, ,
th e e t o a b e a r a s go o d a s tho u e v e r a t e — I w i ll d o .
“
”
th a t s a id F i o nn bu t tho u gh th o u s ho u l ds t t ra v e l
“
,
t h e fiv e fift h s of E i r i n n un l e ss th o u c o m e s t b e fo r e t h e
-
”
,
da y c om e s I w i ll c a t c h th e e
,
Th e y loo s e d h i m 3 h e.
We n t a wa y a n d g i ll i e s w i th h i m T h ey w e r e n o t lo n g
,
.
w h e n th e y got a goo d b o a r T h e y c a m e w i th i t a n d
.
,
t h e y c o o k e d i t a n d th e y w e r e e a t i n g i t
,
A b a d pr o .
“
”
v i d e r o f fl e s h a r t tho u s a id Ga l l a i dh to F i o nn Tho u .
“
”
,
s h a lt n ot h a v e th a t a n y l o n g e r t o sa y 3 a n d t h e j a w
b o n e w a s i n h i s h a nd He r a i s e d t h e b o n e a n d h e k i ll e d
.
,
s e v e n m e n f r o m e v e ry r o w of t h e p e opl e o f D a l i a n a n d ,
th is m a d e th e m s top T h e n a g i ll i e c a m e h o m e a n d
.
,
t h e b l a c k d og of t h e p e opl e o f D a n a n w i th h i m s e e k in g ,
a b a ttl e o f d og s E v e ry o n e o f th e m h a d a p a c k o f d og s
.
,
a n d a d oze n in e ve ry p a c k Th e fi rs t o n e o f th e m w e n t
.
a n d s l i pp e d t h e firs t d oz e n Th e b l a c k d o g k i ll e d t h e
.
d oze n 3 h e k i ll e d th e m by th e w a y o f d oz e n a n d d oz e n ,
t i ll th e r e w a s l e ft bu t Bra n in lo n e l in e ss S a id F i o nn .
to C o n a n Le t s l i p Bra n a n d u n l e ss Bra n m a k e s i t
“
, ,
”
,
out ,
w e a re done He l o o s e d h i m
. Th e t w o d og s .
b e ga n a t e a c h o th e r It w a s n o t lo n g t i ll Br a n b ega n to
.
t a k e dri v in g 3 th ey t o o k f e a r wh e n th e y sa w th a t 3 b u t
wh a t w a s o n B r a n bu t a v e n o m o u s c l a w T h e r e w a s a .
gol d e n s ho e o n the c l a w o f V e n om a n d th e y h a d n o t ,
t a k e n o ff t h e s ho e Bra n w a s look in g a t C o n a n a n d
.
,
n ow C o n a n t o o k o ff t h e s ho e 3 a n d n o w h e w e n t t o m e e t
”
t h e b l a c k d og a ga in ; a n d a t t h e th ird s o ch
p h e s t ruc k
o n h i m 3 h e took h is th r o a t o u t T h e n h e t o o k th e
.
h e a r t a n d t h e l i v e r o u t o f h is c h e s t Th e do g took o u t.
to t h e k n oll 3 h e k n e w th a t fe e s w e r e th e r e He b ega n .
a t th e m . A m e ss a ge c a m e in to F i o nn th a t the d og w a s
d o in g m u c h h a r m t o t h e p e opl e w i tho u t ”
C om e s a id .
”
,
F i o nn t o o n e o f t h e g i ll i e s a n d c h e c k the d og
, Th e .
g i ll i e w e n t o u t a n d (w a s) tog e th e r w i th t h e do g 3 a m e s
,
s a ge c a m e in th a t t h e g i ll i e w a s wo r k in g wo rs e th a n t h e
d og F r om m a n to m a n th ey we n t o u t t i ll F i o nn w a s
.
l e ft w i th in a lo n e Th e F e e n k i ll e d t h e p e ople o f D a n a n
.
a ltog e th e r . Th e l a ds o f t h e F e e n w e n t o u t a l t og e th e r ,
a n d t h e y did n ot r e m e m b e r th a t th e y h a d l e ft F i o n n
w i th in W h e n t h e c h i l dr e n o f the k in g sa w th a t t h e
.
r e s t w e r e go n e th e y s a id that th e y wo u l d ge t t h e h ea d
,
o f F i o n n a n d h is h e a r t Th ey b e ga n a t h i m a n d th e y
.
,
dr ove hi m b a c kw a rds t i ll h e r e a c h e d a cra g o f r o c k .
At the e n d o f t h e h o u s e h e se t h is b a c k to i t a n d h e ,
wa s k e ep in g th e m o ff N o w h e r e m e m b e r e d t h e dr e a m
.
NA FEI N N E . 89
He w a s t i ghtl y t ri e d F i o nn h a d the O rd F i a nn a .
”
,
a n d whe n h e w a s i n e x t r e m i ty i t wo u l d s o und o f i t s e lf
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a n d i t wo u l d b e h e a rd in t h e five fif t h s of E i r i n n Th e -
.
g i ll i e s h ea rd i t ; th ey ga th e r e d a n d r e t urn e d He w a s .
a l i ve a n d h e w a s n o mo r e
,
T h e y r a is e d h i m o n t h e .
po in t o f th e ir s p ea rs : h e go t b e tt e r T h e y k i ll e d t h e .
s o ns o f t h e k in g a n d a l l th a t w e r e a l i v e of t h e p e opl e
, ,
a n d th e y got t h e c h a s e a s i t e ve r w a s .
NA FE I N N E .
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n P h in u n a ir a g us c h e il e a dh orra s c h a r o b h fio s an t -
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a c a dé dh i a n a d h e u d B h a e n d a f a l b h f e a dh t r a gh a a s c l a d a c h
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a c h a rra gh s c h a r o b h do l a s a n s i
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Co c h u i r e a d h e agal o i r n n ? Co th i g ? a rs a D i m a i d Th a ar .
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c a g a l o r m a s S inn a i r a n a c o t h o m a n d r a s d m a l e a n a s s o g u m
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d h fh o l b h eu d, a ig b o nn c r a o ib h e . R inn
cu d b u th a g us t h oi s i c h eu d a ir i o ma ir t c h a i r t e an . Urs a F ionn
nur
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d h fh o l b h c h ur a c i d l a o i ch n ga isgi c h
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. n Gh a b h e n d i r a n a gh a id h
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go fla t h a il fia l a id h N u r a c h u a l e u d b r u i dh i n Fh i n n th u g a n
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l am h a i r é i r i d h , bha
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n . e n d t o i l i c h t a m m a i gh s t i r fh a i c i n n
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a ch b o i re a n n a c h B e a a c h ot a c h a o il n a in e Urs i riu
. n .
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’
sti h
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gh il l e an s u id h e a n n a n s e a c h d d o r sa n a n t i gh e R inn e n d si n . .
S h u idh F ionn s a c h u i d e a c h d s a n d a rn a t a o b h d e 11 t i gh a l i ge i l
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a n a n al a c h Ch ai dh a b h e a n a m a c h
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t h u ir t i Fh i n M h ic C m h a i l s f h a d o u a b h a m i g a l t a c h a dh
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t h a m a c ri gh s l u a gh d e D a a i n n a t i gh i n n a n s o a n o c h d a g us
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gh a i s ge a c h a i ge
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m r a n d th i g e dh fh e a r a i b h B i r i n n
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s s h u i dh cud a s t i h Ch a l i g s ib h duin
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d a r c i d e a c h d fh l n
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n
c i a d t r e n gh a i sge c h a i ge
u
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m a c h a i r cnoc Th ai n i g i st i gh a r i t h i s d a g r a d h Th a m a c i s
.
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ei g e ri gh Sl u a gh d e D a n a t i gh i n n a g us c oi g c i a d Hi gh gh a i sg e c h -
a
lei s ”
. Th ai i g i s t i gh a r i s a g r ad h g un rob b G a l l a i d h a t i gh i n n
n
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a g us c oi g c i a d l a n gh a i sge ac h l e is A n t a o b h s o n t i gh a ga i e ’
. nn
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s a n t a o b h sin a c a s a m ar a d th i g e d h fh e a r a i b h E i i nn
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n, n r ,
a rs a F ionn R inn a n Sl u gh d e D a n a s e a c h d s t e a t h a n dh i u fh i
. a r n,
s c h a d o t h e a c h d a n c e a t h r a m h c i d a s t i h d h in
’
g Bh a eu d n a u .
t amh g un s m id Th ai n ig g i ll e d a c h a idh 1e t o e a fh u a i r b a s
’
11 . r
l e is a c h a o i l e g u sga t h m a th s t il ge a s i u d a i r b i al t h a o b h
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n ,
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n R u g h a o n d e gh i l l e a n Fh i n a i r a g us c h e a n g
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h i l e c h e i t h i r c h a o i l 3 t h il g e f o n b h or d e s b h a c u d a c a it h ea d h
a
’ ’
NA P E I NNE . 91
s m u ga i d e a n a i r . m is a g us l i g n a m sh e a sa m h m i c li a
F u a sg a i l
’ ’
,
m b i bu c h o i r e a c h g a d is m i rinn e a g us b h e i m i g o t o r e t h u h o r c
” ”
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m th 3 a dh i th th u r i a b h
a
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N i m is e si a rs a F ionn a c h .
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n, ,
g d a s h i ub h l a t u c oi g c h oi ge a b h n a h Eir e a nn m a n d th i g
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th u m a (1 th i g a n l a t h a b e i r i d h mi s o r t Dh fh u a g a il e n d e
n
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D h fh a l b h e s gi l l e a l e is C h a b f h a d b h a c u d
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T h ai i g e d l e is s b h r u i c h e u d e s b h a e d
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ga i th e adh S d o n a m b i a t a i c h e fe ol t h
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a g u s c n ai m h a c h i o b h u i l l a i ge n a l i m h C h a i t h e n c n ai mh
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l ion d u s a n a s dus a n gu s n a c h d f h aga dh a c h Bra n n a on r a ch d

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F E I N E th a t is t h e t ra di t ion con v e rs a t ion o r ta l e or o l d s t ori e s
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th e m f ro m m a ny bu t c a nno t n a m e a n y in p a r t icu l a r T h e y s t a t e
, .
th a t th e s e t a l e s w e r e v e ry c o m mo n in th e ir y o u n g e r d a ys T h e y .
a r e p r e tt y co mm on s t i ll T h e y c a n t e ll no th in g r e sp e c t in g t h e
.
t al e s b e y o nd t h e p e rsons fr o m wh o m t h e y l e a rn t th e m O f th os e
f ro m wh o m th e y l e a rn t th e m th e y k no w no th in g ” .
.
T h e r e a r e n u m e ro u s p ros e t a l e s o f t h e Fi n ga l i a n s i n G a e l ic
m a nuscri pt s n o w in t h e A d v oc a t e s Libr a ry in Edinburgh (a c
,
’
cordin g t o a n a bs t ra c t l e n t by W F S k e n e Es q ) On e is pr o . .
,
.
NA P E I NNE . 93
b a b l y t h e s a m e a s th is t al e 3 it i s N o 4 o f t h e m a nuscri pt
.
nu m b e r e d 4 c a ll e d T HE BOO TH 0F E OCH A I D H D E A R G —a t a l e Of
,
F in g a l d e c o y e d in t o a t e n t a n d h is c o m b a t s w i th m o nst e rs
, ,
g i a n ts a rm i s e t c
,
e , .
Of th is m a nuscri pt t h e a u th or o f t h e a bs t r a c t E we n Mac
,
L a c hl an s a ys ( 1 8 1 2 ) — T h is v o lu m e i s e v id e n tl y a t r a nscri p t
,
“
,
p e r h a p s n o t O l d e r th a n h a lf a c e n t ury Th e l a n g u a g e b e s p e a k s
”
.
h i gh a n t i q ui t y .
W i th t h e e xc e pt ion o f a f e w w ords t h e l a n g u a g e in th is B a rr a
,
t a l e is t h e ordin a ry l a n g u a g e o f t h e p e o pl e O f t h e is l a nd It.
s e e m s t h e n th a t th i s i s a re m n a n t Of a n O l d t a l e ra p id l y fa din g
, ,
f ro m m e m o ry a n d m ixin g w i th t h e m a nn e rs Of t h e da y bu t si m i l a r
,
t o t a l e s in m a nuscri pt s a b o u t o n e h undre d y e a rs o l d a n d t o t a l e s
,
no w t o l d in I re l a nd S e e Po e m s o f Ossin B a rd O f Erin 1 8 5 7
.
, , .
X XX .
TH E TW O S H EP H E RDS .
H E RE w e r e o u t b e tw e e n L o c h a b e r a n d B a id e an a ch
two s h e ph e rds who w e r e n e i gh b o u rs to e a c h oth e r ,
a n d t h e o n e wo u l d o ft e n b e go in g t o se e t h e oth e r .
O n e w a s o n t h e e a s t sid e Of a ri v e r a n d a n oth e r o n th e ,
w e s t Th e o n e who wa s o n t h e w e s t sid e o f t h e ri v e r
.
c a m e to the ho u s e O f the o n e w h o w a s o n t h e e a s t o f
i t o n a n e ve nin g v isi t He s ta id t i ll i t w a s p r etty
.
l a t e a n d th e n h e w is h e d to go h o m e It is ti m e t o .
“
”
,
go hom e s a id h e It is n ot th a t wh ic h th o u s h a lt
“
”
.
,
d o b u t tho u s h a lt s ta y to ni ght s a id the oth e r -
”
, , ,
“
sinc e i t is s o lo n g in the ni ght I w i ll n o t s ta y .
“
’
a t a l l e v e n t s ; i f I w e r e ove r t h e ri v e r I d o n t c a r e
mo r e Th e ho us e m a n h a d a p r etty s t r o n g so n a n d ,
h e s a id I w i ll go w i th the e a n d I w i ll se t th e e ov e r
”
, ,
t h e ri v e r bu t th o u h a ds t b e tt e r s t a y — I w i ll n o t “
.
,
s ta y a t a l l e v e n t s ” If th o u wi lt n o t s ta y I w i ll go
.
“
w i th th e e ” Th e s o n O f the h o u s em a n c a ll e d a d o g
.
w h ic h h e h a d he rdin g Th e d o g we n t w i th h i m
. .
Wh e n h e s et t h e m a n o n t h e othe r sid e O f t h e ri v e r ,
t h e m a n s a id t o h i m B e r e t urnin g n ow I a m fa r i n
“
”
, ,
th y d e b t T he s t r o n g l a d r e t urn e d a n d t h e d og wi th
.
,
h i m W he n h e r e a c h e d the ri v e r a s h e wa s r e turnin g
.
b a c k h o m e h e w a s th in k in g wh e the r h e s hou l d ta ke
,
t h e s t e pp in g s to n e s o r p u t Off h is foot c loth e s a n d

-
,
-
t a k e b elow He p u t Off h is foot c loth e s fo r fe a r O f

.
-
t a k in g the s tepp in g s to n e s a n d wh e n h e wa s ove r th e r e

-
,
TH E T WO S H E P H ERD S .
i n th e ri v e r t h e d og t h a t w a s w i t h h i m l e a p e d a t t h e
,
b a c k o f h i s h ea d He th r e w h e r Off hi m 3 sh e l e a p e d
.
a ga in 3 h e d i d t h e s a m e th in g \V h e n h e wa s o n the
.
o th e r sid e o f t h e ri v e r h e p u t h i s h a n d o n h is h e a d
, ,
a n d th e r e w a s n o t a bi t o f a b o nn e t o n i t He w a s s a yin g
.
,
wh e the r s h o u l d h e r e t u rn t o s e ek t h e b o nn e t o r s h o u l d ,
’
h e g O h o m e w i tho u t i t I t s d is g us t in g fo r m e t o
.
“
r e turn h o m e w i tho u t m y b o nn e t 3 I w i ll r e t urn ov e r y e t

to t h e pl a c e wh e r e I pu t m y foot c l o th e s Off m e 3 I d o ub t
-
i t is th e r e th a t I l e f t i t ” S O h e r e tu rn e d t o t h e o th e r
.
S id e o f t h e ri v e r .He sa w a ri ght bi g m a n s e a t e d
whe r e h e h a d b e e n a n d h i s ow n b o nn e t in h is h a nd
, .
He c a u ght h o l d O f t h e b o n n e t a n d h e t OOk i t f r o m h im
, .
“
W h a t busin e ss h a s t th o u th e r e w i th th a t C L— I t is m in e
,
a n d tho u h a ds t n o busin e ss to t a k e i t f r om m e th o u gh
”
,
th o u h a s t go t i t . Ov e r t h e ri v e r th e n th ey w e n t ,
w i tho u t a w o r d fo r e a c h oth e r fi e rc e l y h a t i n gl y
, , .
W h e n th e y w e n t ov e r th e n o n t h e ri v e r t h e bi g ma n
, , ,
p u t h is h a n d und e r t h e a r m O f t h e s h e phe rd a n d h e ,
b e ga n to dra g t h e l a d d o w n t o a lo c h th a t w a s th e r e ,
a g a ins t h is w i ll a n d a g a ins t h i s s t r e n gth Th e y s to o d

.
f r o n t to f r o n t br a v e l y fi r ml y o n e i th e r si d e I n S p i t e
, , .
’
o f t h e s t r e n g th O f t h e s h e ph e rd s so n t h e bi g m a n w a s
,
a bo u t t o co nque r I t w a s s o th a t t h e s h e ph e rd s so n
’
.
tho u ght Of p u tt in g h i s h a nd a b o u t a n o a k t r e e th a t w a s
i n t h e pl a c e Th e bi g m a n w a s s tri v in g to ta k e h i m
.
w i th h i m a n d t h e t r e e w a s b e ndi n g a n d tw is t in g At
,
.
l a s t t h e t r e e w a s l o o s e nin g in t h e e a r th Sh e loo s e n e d
.
a l l bu t o n e of h e r r o o t s At t h e t i m e whe n t h e l a s t
.
r o o t Of t h e t r e e s l i pp e d t h e c o c k s th a t w e r e a b o u t t h e
,
’
w o o d cr o w e d . Th e s h e ph e rd s s o n und e rs too d th a t
wh e n h e h ea rd t h e c o c k s cr ow in g th a t i t w a s o n t h e
S h o r t sid e o f d a y . Wh e n th e y h e a r d b e tw e e n th e m t h e
c o ck s cr ow in g t h e bi g m a n s a i d T h o u h a s s t o o d well
, , ,
and tho u h a d s t n ee d o r th y b o nn e t h a d b e e n d e a r fo r
”
,
th e e Th e bi g m a n l e ft h im a n d th e y n eve r m o r e
.
,
n ot ic e d a th in g n e a r the ri v e r .
AN D A C H I OBA I R .
B HA m a c h c a d a r
,
Lo c h a b a r a g us Baid e a n a c h , d a c h io b a ir a bha
’
n a n n ab a idh e a n a ig a c h ei l e
d a rn a f e a r gu b i c h e a n t a
,
’
s b h i o dh an , ,
do l a d h a mh a r c a f h i r e i l e B h a fe a r a i r t a o b h n a h a ird a n
’
n .
-
i r d e n a b h a inn s f e a r e i l e a i r t a o b h n a h a ird a n e a r
’
a
’
, Th ain i g -
.
am fe a r a b h a i r t a o b h n a h a ird a n i a r d e n a b h a inn i o n n su id h
’
-
’ ’
t i gh a n fh i r a b h a i r t a o b h n a h a ird a n e ar di a i r c h ei l i d h
’
-
, .
D h fh a n e g os a n rob b e go m a th a n m o e h s b h a e n sin
“ ’ ’ ’
”
,
d e On a c h a i r do l d a c t a m do l d a c h ai d h urs ’
h a i dh Th a n .
“ -
’
”
,
e san C h a n e s i n a n i th u a c h f a n a i d h t u n o c h d urs a m
“ ’ ’
”
. ,
f e a r e i l e on a t h a e c h o fa d a s a n o i d h c h e C h a n fh a n
’ “ ’
”
.
,
m i c o dh i u 3 n a m b i t h i n n th a r n a h a b h a nn t h a m i c o ma t u il l i dh
’
-
.
B h a m a c g o m a th l ai di r a ig f e a r a n t i gh e S t h u i rt e
’
Th é i d ,
“
m is e l e a t s c u i ri dh m i th a r n a h a i b h n e th u 3 a c h s fh e ar r a dui t
’
-
’
fa n t a i l ” . C h a n fh a n m i c o dh i u
” M a r am fa n fa l b h ai d h
’
.
“
m is e l e a t
” D h e u b h m a c fi r a n t i gh e a i r g a ll a b h a i g a
.
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
c i o b a i re a ch d Dh fh a l b h a gh a ll a l e is
. N ur a c h u i r e nu ll a n
’ ’
.
d u in a i r a n t a o b h e i l e d e n a b h a inn t h u i r t a n duin e ris

’ ’
Bi .
t i l l ea d h a nis t h a m i f a d a n n a d c h o m a i n
” T h i ll an g i l l e l aidi r ’ ’
.
a g us a gh a lla c o mh l a r i s N u r a r ai n i g e n a b h a inn a gus e

’
.
’
,
a ir a is d a ch a i d h , b h a e s ma o i n t e a c h a d h c Oca a
t il l e a d h gh a b h a dh
e n a sm t e a ga n , n a c h u i r e a dh dh e t h c h a i sb h e a r t a g u s a
gh a b h
‘
e a
a dh e go hC h ur e dh e t h a c h a i sb h e ar t e a gal n a si n t e a ga n
-
i se a l
‘
a gh a b h a i l s nur a b h a e nu l l a nns a n a b h a inn l e u m a gh a lla

,
’
,
’
b h a l e is a n n a n c u l a c h inn Th i l g e d e th i L e u m i r i t h i sd . . .
R inn e i ci a nd a
’
n N ur b h a e n t a o b h th a ll d e n a b h a inn
u .
’ ’
,
l am h
’
a ir ch e an n , b h o i n n e id
’
ch u ir e a s ch a r o b h sp l d ea g de n
a ir. Bh a e
’
s an ag a g r a d h c Oc a t h i l l e a dh e dh i a r r a i d h n o
’
b Oi n n e id , n a r a ch a dh e d h a c h a id h a s a h i o gh n a i s
’
S c each arra
’
.
d o mh fh i n g u n t i ll m i d a c h a id h gu n m o b h o in n e i d ; t i l l id h m i
nu os a n a i t e a n d o ch u i r m i dh i o m m o c h a i sb h e a r t 3
ll fh a t h a s d g
’
s an n a n n a t h a a mh a r u s a g a m a dh fh a m i i
” T h i ll e ’ ’
g . n
s o go t a o b h t h an l l n a h a i b h n e Ch u n n ai c e f e a r r o mh or-
.
TH E T W O S H E I ’H E R D S . 97
’
na sh u i dh e f a r r o bb e an b l u n a l Aim h R u g ,
’
sa b h o i n n e id i
’
.
e a ir a
’
b h o i n n e i d s th u g
e u a id h i D é d o gh n o t h a e h s a
’ ’
.
ris a si n ?” M o c h a id t
n a th an n s n a c h rob b gn o t h a c h
’ ’
”
,
a a dsa t o i t u a m
g ga d a t h a i a g a d
r ,
N u ll a n si n t h a t a n .
, ,
a b h a inn d h f h a l b h e n d s g un f a c a l a c a r a c h ei l e go fia c h c h
’ ’ ’
, ,
a
fu ach a ch N ur a c h a i dh e n d nu ll a n sin a i r a n a b h a inn c h u i r

. a , ,
a m fe a r mO r a l am h f O a c h l a i s a
’
s thOi si c h e a i r a
’ ’
c h i o b a ir ,
gh i l l e a t h a r u i n n a sios g u l oc h a b h a n s i n a n a gh a i dh a t h o il
’
,
’
s a n a gh a i d h a n e a r t S h e a s e n d a gh a i dh ri a gh a i d h g o t r e u n
.
,
c a lm a i r ga e h t a o b h A dh a i d e o i n c h o l aidi r s a b h a m a c a
’
.
’
n
’ ’
c h i o b a i r b h a m f e a r m or a br a th b u a dh a c h a d h S e s ma o i n t i c h
’ ’ ’
.
m a c a c h i o b a i r a n i s a l amh a c h ur t i m c h i o l l a i r c r a o b h dh ar a i c h
’
sa n a i te Bh a m f e a r m Or a s t r i t h r a t h o i t l e is s b h a
’ ’ ’ ’
a bha . r ,
’
FO d h e i r e a dh b h a ch rao b h a
’ ’ ’
ch rao bh a l ub a d h s a f asga d h .
t a l a mh ga il i a c h a o n f h r e u m h a c h di
’
f u a sgl a dh a s an . Dh f h u as .
’
Sa n a m an d ’
f h u a s ga i l an f h r e u m h a c h m a d h e i re a d h d e
’
11
c h ra o i b h , gh a i r m coi ll e Th u ig m a c
n a c o il i c h a bha fea d h na . a
’
c h i o b a ir nur a c h u a l e a c o il i c h a ga i r m g on r o b h e ai r a
,
n
’
,
n
t a o b h gh o i r id d e n l a t h a N ur a c h u a l e u d e a t o r r a n a c o il i c h a
’
.
’
ga i r m t h u i t a m fe a r m Or 8 m a th a s h e a s th u s b h f e u m a g a d
’ ’
r a
”
, ,
a i r a i n e o b h i o dh do b h o i n n e id d a o r dui t
,
r , Dh e a l a i c h a m fe a r .
m Or ris s c h a d f h a i r i c h cud s ga t h r i a b h t u il l id h a c h Oi r n a
’ ’
,
n -a ib b n e .
T h e r i s a bogl s t ory in I V Gra n t S t e w a r t s H i ghl a nd

e e
’ “
”
.
S u p e rs t i t ions (p ub l is h e d 1 8 2 3 a n d in wh ic h a m a n i s
dra gg e d t o wa rds a ri v e r by a su p e rn a t ur a l b e in g wh o m h e k il l s ,
w i th his dir k .
2 I h a v e a no th e r s t ory l i k e th is wh ic h w a s s e n t t o m e by a
.
,
y o u n g g e n tl e m a n a m e m b e r o f t h e Ossi a nic S oci e t y O f G l a s g o w

, .
It h a s s o me l i k e n e ss t o N o 2 8 Th e S mi th a d i s a g ood i ll us .
, ,
n
t r a t i o n o f th is p a r t o f p o p u l a r m y th o l o g y W h e n t h e p e o pl e o f .
Kin tyre M UI N TI R C HE A N T I R E A D H w e r e com in g h o m e f ro m t h e

,
n o r th e rn a ir t f ro m fight in g a ga ins t Princ e C h a r l s u nd e r th i r e ,

e
C h i e ft a in t h e m a n o f S kip n i sh th e y w e r e g oin g t o g e th e r e a c h
, , ,
ban d th a t w a s n e a r e s t a s n e i gh bours S O e l i ttl e co mp a ny . on
st a i d b e h ind t h e g re a t b a nd in C E AN L O CH G I LP Loc hg i lph e a d , , .
Th e o n e w h o w a s h ind m os t o f th is co mp a ny w h o w a s c a ll e d by ,
t h e nic k n a m e o f I AN D U BH M O R Bi g B l a c k J o h n h e ar d a n u n , ,
~
e a r thl y n o is e wh e n h e w a s co m e in f ron t o f a f ll th a t w a s a t
, a
98 W E S T H I G H LAND TALE S .
A M H A OI L D U BH o n t h e nor th e rn sid e O f TA I R B A I R I C HE AN
,
’ ‘
TI R E A D H T a rb e r t (wh ic h m a y b e r e nd e r e d L a nd s e n d d r a w b o a t )
’
-
.
,
H e w e n t on a n d in a burn b e l o w t h e f a ll a t e rrib l e b e in g m e t
”
, ,
h i m 3 h e dre w h is b l a d e S a id t h e b e in g t o hi m . S t ri k e m e .
”
,
“
I w i ll n t s t ri k e th ou m ons t e r s a id J o h n ; b u t B R OD A I D H M I
o
”
, ,
TH U ,
I w i ll p rod th e e .
“ ”
Prod m e t h e b e in g w ou l d s a y I w i ll no t p r o d th e e .
“
”
, ,
m ons t e r bu t I w i ll s t ri k e th e e J o h n w ou l d s ay
, , .
T h e y f ou ght th us f or a g r e a t t i m e t i ll t h e coc k cr e w 3 a n d t h e
b e in g s a id t o I a n T h ou w i lt n o w b e g oin g bu t b e f o r e th o u
,
“
,
g o e s t t a k e th y c h o ic e o f t h e t wo f o ll o w in g th in g s —E A L A N G U N
”
,
R A TH N o R A TH G U N E A L A I N s p e e c hl e ss a rt or a r tl e ss s p e e c h
, , , .
J o h n c h os e s p e e c hl e ss a r t a n d s o i t h a pp e n e d H e w a s a
, .
b l a c k s m i th a s s k i lf u l a s e v e r dre w h a mm e r o n a n v i l 3 bu t h e w a s
,
n o t m uc h b e tt e r f or th a t 3 th e r e w a s n o p e nny h e e a rn e d th a t h e
w ou l d no t S p oi l a n d th a t w o u l d no t go in s o m e w a y th a t w a s
,
no t e a si l y e x pl a in e d A s a n ins ta nc e o f a rt h e cou l d m e nd a
. ,
s a w th ou gh th ou h a ds t a bi t in e i th e r h a nd in suc h a w a y th a t
, ,
i t cou l d no t b e s e e n wh e r e i t w a s bro k e n 3 a n d a g un in t h e s a m e
w ay T h e re w ou l d b e a co v e rin g on t h e s m i th y w indo w s wh e n
.
h e w ou l d b e m e ndin g s u c h th in g s .
Bi g B l a c k J o h n g o t gr e a t p o we r o v e r w i t c h cr a ft B U I TS E A C HA S , ,
an d e vi l ey e .
T h e r e w a s a m a n in Ski pn i sh wh o h a d m a d e m on e y by s m u g
gl in g b u t h e b e g a n t o l os e h i s m o n e y f or h i s m a lt r e fus e d t o
, ,
yi e l d i t s p roduc t t i ll a t l a s t h e l o s t t h e wh o l e o f wh a t h e h a d
,
m a d e ; a n d h e w a s a p oor m a n H e w e n t a t l a s t t o I ON A R A I R .
,
A yr wh e r e J o h n w a s d w e ll in g a t th a t t i m e J o h n t o l d h i m th a t
, .
i t w a s e n m i t y th a t w a s doin g t h e i ll H e did n o t l e a rn w h o w a s .
S p oi l in g h i m H e s a id t o h i m
. GO h o m e a n d th ou w i lt ge t b a c k
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h e ma d e b e g a n t o g i v e m or e th a n t h e o th e r t i ll t h e p roduc e h e ,
g o t f ri ght e n e d h i m H e f o ll o w e d o n th us t i ll t h e l oss w a s m a d e
.
u p a n d a fte r th a t h e g o t bu t t h e usu a l p rodu c t

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n o t ions a r e th a t su p e rn a t ur a l b e in g s e xis t wh ic h c a nno t wi th

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s t a nd t h e p o w e r Of iron a n d th a t th e r e a r e m e n a n d w o m e n wh o
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. .
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, .
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t o o k a h Ol d man wh o w a s c a r t i n g co a l s u p t o t h e Lo d g e Good .
TH E Tw o S H E P H ERD S . 99
da y to y o u Joh n Good d a y
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t o yours e lf s a ys J o h n
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a n d m e a y o u n g l a d a l l our co w s l os t t h e m i lk
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n
w e g u e ss d wh a t w s w ron g w i th th e m a n d m y bi g bro th e r l o s t
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, .
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l i v in g p e rs o n k n o w O f i t .
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g oin g in t o t h e h ous e I d o o t k no w h o w h e m a n a g e d t o ge t
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a n d h e t o o k t o h is h o u s e a n or ph a n boy W h e n t h e boy w a s .
g ro w n u p h e w a s s e n t t o h e rd 3 a n d u p o n a d a y o f d a ys a n d h i m
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r , ,
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,
t o e a t a n d drin k c l o th s a n d g r e a t w a g e s Th e boy t o l d h i m
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fin e g e n tl e m a n w ou l d h a v e h i m e n g a g e d w i th ou t a n y d e l a y 3 th i s
t h e b o y w ou l d no t d o u p on a y t e r m s t i ll h e w ou l d s e e h is m a sn
W e ll s a ys t h e g e n tl e m a n in t h e m e a n t i m e w ri t e y u r
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ter .
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w ou l d h e t e ll h is n a m e t i ll h e w ou l d a c q u a in t his m a s t e r fi rs t
, .
1 00 W E S T H I G H LAND T ALE S .
N o w s a ys t h e g e n tl e m a n sinc e y o u w i ll n e i th e r e n g a g e or
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t e ll y o u r n a m e t i ll you s e e your p r e s e n t m a s t e r b e sur e t o m e e t

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m i s e d th a t h e w ou l d b e s u r e t o m e e t h i m a t t h e pl a c e a b o u t s u n
s e tt in g W h e n t h e boy c a m e h o me h e t o l d h is m a s t e r wh a t t h e
.
g e n tl m a n s a id t o h i m
e P o o r boy s a ys h e a fi e m a s t e r h e
. ,
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n
w ou l d m a k e 3 l uc k y fo r y o u th a t y o u n e i th e r e n g a g e d n o r w ro t e
y o u r n m e i n h is b o o k ; bu t sinc e y o u p ro mis e d t o m e e t h i m
a ,
y o u m us t g o 3 bu t a s you v a l u e y o u r l i f e d o a s I t e ll you H is ’
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ma st e r g a v e h i m a s w ord a n d a t t h e s a m e t i m e h e t o l d h i m t o b e
,
su re a n d b e a t t h e pl a c e m e n t ion e d a wh i l e b e fo r e suns e t a n d t o ,
dra w a circ l e round h i m s e lf w i th t h e p o in t o f t h e s wo rd in t h e

n a m e o f t h e Trini t y W h e n you do th is dr a w a cross in t h e
.
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n o t m o v e o u t O f th a t p osi t ion t i ll t h e risin g O f t h e s u n n e x t
m ornin g H e a l so t o l d h i m th a t h e w ou l d w is h h i m t o c o m e ou t
.
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o f t h e circ l e t o p u t h i s n a m e in t h e b o o k 3 b u t th a t u p o n n o
a ccoun t h e w a s t o l e a v e t h e circ l e 3 bu t a sk t h e b o o k t i ll y o u
w ou l d w ri t e y o u r n a me yours e lf a n d wh e n o nc e y o u ge t h o l d o f,
t h e boo k k e e p it h e c a nno t t o u c h a h a ir O f y o u h e a d i f you k e e p

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insid e t h e circ l e .
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h is a pp e a r a nc e 3 bu t s u r e e n o u gh h e c a m e a ft e r s u ns e t 3 h e t ri e d
a l l h is a r t s t o ge t t h e boy ou t sid e t h e circ l e t o si g n h is n a m e in ,
t h e r e d b o o k bu t t h e boy w ou l d no t m o v e o n e f oo t o u t o f wh e r e
,
h s t o o d 3 bu t a t t h e l on g l a s t h e h a nd e d t h e b o o k t o t h e boy s o
e , , ,
a s t o w ri t e h is n a m e th e r e in Th e b o o k w a s n o s o o n e r insid e t h e
.
circ l e th a n i t f e ll o u t o f t h e ge n tl e m a n s h a nd insid e t h e circ l e 3 ’
t h e b o y c a u t ious l y s t r e t c h e s o u t his h a nd f or t h e boo k a n d a s ,
soon a s h e g o t h o l d o f i t h e p u t i t in h is ox t e r W h e n t h e fin e
, .
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h e g o t f urious 3 a n d a t l s t h e t r a ns f or m e d h i m s e lf in t o a g r e a t
a
m a ny l i k e n e ss e s b l o w in g fir e a d bri m s t on e o u t o f h is m ou th a d
, n n
nos t ri l s 3 a t t i m e s h e w o l d a pp e a r a s a h o rs e o th e r t i m e s a h u g e
u
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n d a f e a r f u l b e a s t (u i l l e b h e a st
cat ,
a
) 3 h e w a s g oin g round t h e
circ l e t h e l e n gth o f t h e ni ght 3 wh e n d a y w a s b e g innin g t o bre a k
h e l e t o u t o n e f e a r f u l scr e e c h 3 h e p t h i m s e lf in t h e l i k e n e ss o f a
u
l a rg e r a v e n a nd h e w a s s e e n o u t o f t h e boy s si ght Th e boy

,
’
.
s t i ll r e m a in e d wh e r e h e w a s t i ll h e saw t h e sun in t h e m ornin g ,
whi c h n o s o o n e r h e Obs e rv e d th a n h e t o o k t o h is s o l e s h o m e a s
,
TH E T W O S H E P H ERD S . 1 01
fa s t as hecou l d He ga v e t h e b o o k t o h i s m a s t e r ; a n d th is is
”
.
h o w t h e fa r fa m e d r e d boo k o f A pp in w a s ge t
-
.
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p a r t s t o consu lt t h e r e d b o o k o f A pp in th ou gh this i s t h e b e s t ,
s t ory I h e a rd a b o u t i t Y o u a sk i f th e re w e re v ir t u e in iron ;
.
you m us t k no w th a t iron w a s t h e p rinci p a l s a fe gu a rd a ga ins t e i l v
s p iri t s e t c e t c 3 wh ic h I s h a ll S h o w in m y n e x t l e tt e r on t h e
, .
, .
f a iri e s .
5 Th e n e x t is f ro m t h e t e ll in g o f a d a ncin g m a s t e r a nor th
.
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coun t ry H i ghl a nd e r a n d w ri tte n by m y f ri e nd M r J o h n C a mp

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b e ll Of Ki l b e rry in A rg y ll s h ir e Th e su p e rn a t ura l b e in g d
,
. e
scrib e d a s B a c h a n i s p rob a b l y BO CA N a l i ttl e buc k a h ob g ob l in

u , , , ,
a gh os t a s p ri t e s p e c t r e (A r m s t ron g a n d o th e r D i e ) 3 a d h e
, , . n
s e e m s bu t a h a lf t a m e d s p e ci m e n o f t h e s a m e ge n u s a s t h e t e rrib l e
-
b e in g b e f o re d e scrib e d .
C OLU I N N G U N CH E A N N Th e H e a d l e ss Trun k , Co l u in n g u n .
Ch e a n n w a s a v e ry c e l e br a t e d B a u c h k a n w h o fa v our e d t h e ,
f a m i l y O f t h e M ac d o n a l s o f M or a r for a g e s i mm e m ori a l a d w a s , ,
n
f re q u e n tl y s e e n a bou t th e ir r e sid e nc e M ora r H ous e 3 wh ic h i s ,
si t u a t e d o n t h e m a in l a nd o pp osi t e t h e p o in t o f S l t e in t h e
,
aa ,
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.
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ar
t i c u l r l y h os t i l t o t h e n e i gh bour h ood a n d w a g e d w a r e s p e ci a ll y
a e , ,
w i th a l l t h e s t ro n g m e n h e cou l d m e e t w i th 3 f or th is p urp os e h e
”
p a r t icu l a rl y h a un t e d t h e M i l e R e i th o r S m oo th M i l e o e ” n
, ,
e n d o f wh ic h w a s n o t a bo v e 2 00 y a rds f ro m t h e M a nsion ( I k no w
t h e pl a c e w ll ) 3 t h e o th e r e d o f t h e M i l e t e r m in a t e d a t a l a r g e
e n
s t r e a m c a ll e d t h e Ri v e r M ora r fa m e d in h is t ory f or s a lm on fish

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, ,
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a n y s t r a y m a n wh o p a ss e d w a s sur e t o b e c o m e a v ic t i m th e ,
b o di e s b e i n g a lw a ys fo u nd d e a d a n d in t h e m a j ori t y O f ins t anc e s

,
m u t i l a t e d a l so A s h e t o o k c r e n e v e r t o a ppe a r e xc pt t o a
. a ,
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so l i t a ry p a ss e n ge r i t w a s in v a in t o s e nd a p a r t y a g a ins t h i m
, .
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, , ,
t o th e m o r t o c h i l dr n Onc e i t h a ppe n e d th a t dis t n t re l a t i v e

e . a a ,
bu t in t i m a t e f ri e nd of R a a sa y s d a re d h is fa t e a n d r e m a in e d a
’
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.
vi c ti m on t h e g round T h is c m e t o t h e e a rs O f I AN G A R BH
. a
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M A C GI LLI E C H A L LU M B A A S A Y Bi g J o h n t h e so n O f M Le o d ‘
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o f R a a sa y 3 h e w a s c e l e br a t e d f or h i s p ro w e ss a n d s t r e n gth a n d ,
n e v e r h a d b e e n v a n q uis h e d in a n y fight th o u gh h e h a d t ri e d w i th ,
t h e s t ron g e s t H e t o l d h i s s t e p m o th e r o f t h e n e w s h e h a d h e a rd
.
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1 02 \VE S T H I G H LAND T ALE S .
f ro m t h e M a in l a nd a n d a s k e d h e r a d v ic e a s h e u su a ll y did b e
, , ,
f or e h e u nd e r t o o k a n y e x pl oi t o f t h e k ind Sh e a d vis e d h im t o .
g o a n d a v e n g e t h e b l o o d o f h i s f ri e nd Aft e r h i s p re p a ra t ions
, .
w e r e m a d e a n d o t w i th ou t a b l e ssin g f ro m t h e Ora c l e h e s et
n
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o u t o n h is circui t ous j o u rn y a n d met t h e C OL U I N N a ft e r

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suns e t o n t h e M i l e R e i th a n d a ba ttl e did e nsu e a n d I d a re s a y

, , ,
i t w a s a v e ry s t i ff o n e B e for e sunris e i t w a s n e c e ss a ry f or t h e
.
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,
.
fin din g h e m a d e n o p ro g r e ss discour a g e d h i m o r n o t w c a n t s a y ,
e
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bu t I a n g o t t h e v ic t ory B e in g d e t e r m in e d t o ge t a si ght o f t h e
.
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n , ,
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C HA LEI G M I A s .
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fh e a c h e ar a n so m i gu br a th t u il e a dh Le t m e g o an d I s h a ll
.
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a s
l e o b h a r a i r a c h o n a i l a g u s a i r a s t o c a id h dh u b h bi f a l b h
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If t h o u s w e a r th a t o n t h e boo k o n t h e c a nd l e a n d o n t h e
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,
th is o n h i s k n e e s I a n l ib e r a t e d hi m Th e C o l i n n fle w Off sin g
, . u ,
in g t h e f o ll o w in g do l e f u l w ords — S f a d a u a m f in bo n n b e i n n
“
e
H e d e rin s fa d a u am f e in b e a l a c h a b h o r b h a ” wh ic h w e c a n n,
,
on l y t ra ns l a t e by
Fa r f ro m m e is t h e h i ll o f B e n H e d e rin
”
,
Fa r f ro m m e i s t h e p a ss o f m ur m urin g .
T h is l a m e n t w a s r e p e a t e d a s l on g a s I cou l d h e a r a n d t h e s e an ,
w ords a r e s t i ll sun g by w o m e n in th a t c o n t ry t o th e ir c h i l dr e n u ,
t o t h e f o ll o w in g n o t e s wh ic h t r a di t ion s a ys w a s t h e v e ry a i r
,
TH E T W O S H E P H ERD S . 1 03
I n t h e n e x t f ro m t h e s a m e sourc e t h e s a m e b e in g a pp e a rs
, ,
f u ll y t a m e d ; s t i ll su p e rn a t ura l s t i ll p oss e ss e d o f e x t r ordin a ry ,

a
s t r e n gth bu t a tt a c h e d t o a f m i l y a d a r e g u l a r bro w ni e
,
a ,
n .
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.
, ,
M or M a c I n t o sh h e l d a l i ttl fa r m T h e re w e r e ru m ours Of h is e .
h a v in g in te rcours e w i th a m ys t e rious p e rson a g e c a ll d b u c h a e a a n,
bu t O f h i s fi rs t a c q u a i n t a nc w i th h i m th e r e a e no u th e n t ic e r a
a ccoun t s On e th in g h o w e v e r i s c e r t a in th a t o so m e occ a sions

.
, , ,
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h e w a s su p e rn a t ur a ll y a id e d by th is b u c h a u wh i l e a t o th rs a , e ,
h a v in g in so m e w a y e xci t e d h is dis pl a sur e C a ll u m w a s O pp os e d e ,
in a l l h is sc h e m e s a n d o n s e v e r a l occ a sions th e y c m e t h e l n gth

,
a e
o f fight in g h a nd t o h nd C ll u m n e v e r s ffe rin g m u c h in j ury

a ,
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n ,
-
m a r k e t h e m e t his f ri e nd t h e b a u c h a n w i th i n a s h o r t dis t a nc e
,
o f h is o w n h o u s e a d o o f th s e c o n t e s t s t oo k pl c e durin g
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n ne e a ,
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a -
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b l e ss e d a n d p re s e n t e d t o hi m by t h e p ri e s t w s p o ss ss e d Of a , a e
p e cu l i a r c h a r m Th e fight b e in g e nd e d C a ll u m h rri d h o m e 3
.
,
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bu t t o h i s dis m a y found th a t h e h d lost h i s c h a r m e d h a nd

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c e r t in h h a d t o th a n k t h e b a u c h a u f or th is m is h a p a n d h urri e d
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. e a
w a s th e b a u ch busi l y e n g a ge d in rubbin g a fl t s t on w i th t h e
an ,
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id n t ic a l h a nd k e rc h i e f On s e e in g C a ll u m h e c ll e d o u t A h
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you a r e b a c k 3 i t i s w ll f or you f o r i f I h a d rubb e d hol e in t o

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th is b e f or e y o r r e t urn y o u w r e a d e a d m a
u N o doc t or o e n . n
e r th o
a p o w e r cou l d s a v e you ; bu t y u s h a ll n v e r h v th is
r o e a e
h a nd k e rc h i e f t i ll y o u h v e w on i t in a f a ir fight a
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h is h nd k e rc h i e f P e a t s w e re a lm os t un k no w n a t th a t t i m a n d
a . e,
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l a rg e birc h t r e e in t h e n e i gh bourin g f or e s t t h e bra nc h e s su ppl i d ,

e
w o o d f or t h fi f or s e v e r l d a ys a n d C a ll u m did o t t roub l e
e re a n
h i m s e lf t o l a y in a s t o r e n e a r e r h a nd —Wh e n l !
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1 04 W E S T H I G H L A ND T A L E S .
a nd burn t l o w U p s ta r t e d C all u m wi th a n e xc l amat i o n

t h e fir e
w i fe w o u l d that w e ha d t h e t re e I f e ll e d in t h e fo r e s t !
.
,
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Oh
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i t w o u l d k e e p u s war m th is ni ght Ha rd ly h a d h e s p o k e n wh e n .
t h e h o us e wa s s hak e n a nd t h e d o o r r attl e d a h e av y w e i ght ha d

fall e n n e a r t h e d o o r C all u m rus h e d t o s e e what t h e c a us e wa s
.
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a nd th e re w as t h e w is h e d fo r t r e w i th t h e B a uc ha u g rinnin g
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at h i m — S ma am B a uc ha u f a t h a st ge d a s ga i n a n Sa ga r t
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(t h e B a u c h a n is s t i ll k ind th o u gh t h e Pri e s t s h o u l d burs t )

,
s a id t h e w i fe On a n o th e r o cc a si o n i t happ e n e d that C all u m l e ft

.
t h e fa r m h e wa s in a nd w e n t t o o n e a d j o inin g wh ic h h e ha d tak n e
c a rryin g wi th h i m h i s w i f e a nd all h is f urni t ur e I n t h e ni ght .
t i m e C all u m t urn e d t o h i s w i f e a nd s a id \Ve ll i t is w e ll w e ,

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,
hav e all w i th us o n l y on e th in g hav e w e fo rg o tt e n t h e h o g s h e d a
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,
in wh ic h t h e h id e s a r e b e in g b a r k e d ; th a t w e have fo rg o tt e n .
N o matt e r f o r that
” s a id t h e w i fe ; th e re is n o o n e t o o ccu p y “
,
t h e pla c e y e t a wh i l e a nd w e hav e t i m e t o g e t i t h o m e s afe

,
e n o u gh ; a nd so t h e matt e r re s t e d ; bu t o n go in g r o und t h e
e n d o f t h e h o us e n e x t m o rnin g what did C all u m s e e bu t ,
h is o wn id e n t ic al h o g s h e a d h id e s a nd all It ha d b e e n
,
.
t r a ns p o r t e d t h e dis ta nc e o f five m i l e s o f m o s t ru gge d r o c k y ,
dis t ric t N o n e bu t a g o at c o u l d hav e cro ss e d t h e pla c e a nd

. ,
in t h e t i m e i t w o u l d hav e b o th e r e d o n e t o d o i t bu t t h e ,
B a uc ha u man age d i t a nd s av e d C all u m a m o s t t ro ub l e s o m e

,
j o u r n e y If y o u w il l g o a nd tak e a l o o k at i t — t h e s p o t i s th e r e
.
y et — a d I w o u l d l i k e t o s e e h o w s o o n y o u w o u l d m a n ag e i t l e t
n ,
al o n e t h e h o g s h e a d .
P o o r C all u m h o w e v e r wa s o b li g e d wi th many o f h i s n e i gh
, , ,
b o urs t o l e av e L o c ha b e r ; ind e d h e w a s am o n g s t t h e fi rs t
, e ,
e m b a r ki n g at A ris a i g f o r N e w Y o r k Th e pa ss ag e wa s a t e di o u s.
o n e bu t i t e nd e d at la s t a nd w i th o u t a ny pa r t icu la r a d v e n t ur e s
, ,
bu t o n a rri v in g th e y ha d t o p e r fo r m a q u a r a n t in e o f many d ays .
On g e tt in g p r at i q u e C all u m w a s in t h e fi rs t b o at wh ic h la nd e d
, ,
a nd happ e n e d t o hav e s t o w e d h i m s e lf in t h e b o w s o f t h e b o at ,
a nd wh e n sh e g ro und e d wa s t h e fi rs t ma n t o j u mp o n s h o r e
, .
D ir e c tl y h is f e e t t o uc h e d t h e g ro und w h o s h o u l d m e e t h i m i n ,
t h e s hap e o f a g o at bu t t h e B a u c h n Ha ha C all u m ha m i a ,
“
, ,
s h o a ir t h o s e a c h Ha Mal c o lm I am h e re b e fo r e th e e
, , .
H re e nds o u r s t o ry ; bu t ru mo ur s a ys that C all u m w a s t h e

e
b e tt e r o f t h e B a u ch a n s h e lp i n c l e a rin g t h e la nds o f h is n e w
’
s e ttl e m e n t a nd that t i ll h e w a s fa irl y in t h e wa y o f p ro s p e ri t y

, , ,
t h e B a u c h an a bs ta in e d f r o m t e a sin g a nd p r o v o k in g p o o r C all u m .
TH E TW O S H E P H E RD S . 1 05
Th e n e x t mak e s t h e su p e rn at ural b e in g s r o bb e rs a nd i s a ,
f ur th e r a rg u m e n t in fav o u r o f t h e th e o ry that all th e s e t r a di t i o ns

a r e fi c t i o ns f o und e d o fa c t ; r e c o ll e c t i o ns o f w i l d s avag e s l i v i n g
n
i n m o un ta in fa s t n e ss e s wh o s e p o w e r a nd s t r e n gth a nd c av e rn
, , ,
d w e ll in g s w e r e n la rg d a nd dis t o r t e d i t o mag ic a r t s g i ga n t ic
e e n ,
s tat ur e a nd t h e und e r g r o und w o rl d I t r ans lat e t h e s t o ry f r o m

,
-
.
G a e l ic w ri tt e n by H e c t o r M a c Le a n f r o m t h e t e ll in g o f J OH A N N A
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M A C CR I M M ON in B e r n e r a y A u g us t 1 85 9 ,
T h is w o ma n is a .
n ati v e o f S k y e a nd d e sc e nd e d f ro m t h e c e l e br at e d p i p e rs H r
,
. e
fath e r g r a nd fath e r a nd unc l e s w e r e p i p e rs S h e l e a rn e d t h e

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s t o ry f ro m h e r g ra nd unc l e A n g us M a c Cr i mm on
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7 A g e n tl e ma n ha d A I R E A C H a h e rd s d w e ll in g a nd h e wa s
’
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o u t in a fa r o fi gl e n l o n g in t h e y e a r w i th h is h e rd w o m e n a nd
' '
-
h is c alf h e rd T h e y ha d e v e ry ma n th e y n e e d e d a n d th e y w e r e
.
,
th e re t i ll t h e m idd l e o f su mm r wa s T h e t h e h e rd w o ma n e . n
s a id that s h e m us t go t o s e e k th in g s that sh e wa n t e d .
Th e h e rd w o ma n w e n t a wa y a nd s h e ha d a g r e at dis ta nc e t o
,
g o b e f o r e s h e s h o u l d r e a c h t h e fa r m .
S h e s a id t o t h e h e rd i n s p i t e f t h e l e n gth o f t h e path that

,
o ,
s h e w o u l d t ry t o b e b a c k that ni ght t e n t h e e v e nin g wa s

.
c m in g t h e h e rd wa s w e a ryin g that t h e h e rd w o ma n wa s n o t
o ,
c m in g T h e n h e p u t t h e c attl e t o ri ght s A G U S B H LI GH E B U D
o . ,
a nd h e m i lk e d th e m a nd th e r e w e r e w i l d s h o w e rs o f sn o w in t h e
,
b e g innin g o f t h e ni ght H w e n t h o m e wh e n t h e b e g innin g o f

. e
ni ght wa s and h e s e t in o rd e r h is o w n fo o d aft e r h e ha d tak e n

, ,
a th o u ght — D U I L A TH OI R T D E T H —that t h e h e rd w o ma n w o u l d
.
n o t co me H e t o o k h i s fo o ds a nd b e s h u t t h e d o o r a s w e ll s h e
. a
c o u l d th in ki n g that n o ma n w o u l d c o m e n e a r h i m that ni ght

, .
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t h e C oM H L A a nd th e n h e sa t t o t o a s t h i m s e lf at t h e fir e
b e c a us e t h e SI D E (w e ath e r) wa s s o c o l d H e wa s tak in g h i s dinn e r .
th e r e wh e n h e h e a rd a g r e at T A R T A R (n o i se ) c o m in g t o wa rds t h e
,
do o r . T h e n h e g o t u p f ro m t h e d o o r w i th g r e at f a r a nd h e e ,
n o tic e d a b e in g s t ri k in g t h e d o o r aga in H e wa s th in k in g a nd . ,
h e di d n o t k n o w what t o d o that i f t h e d o o r w e r e s t ruc k a th ird

,
t i m e i t w o u l d b e in .
It is q ui t e c o m mo n in H i ghla nd c o ttag e s t o k e e p a la rg e
bund l e o f h e ath e r o r brus hw o o d t o s t u ff in t o t h e d o o r way o n t h e
'
w ind wa rd sid e ; s o m e ti m e s i t is t h e s o l e d o o r .
2 8
1 06 W E S T H I G H LA ND T A L E S .
H e go t u p a nd t h e d o o r w a s s t ruc k a th ird t i m e T h e n h e
, .
cr o uc h e d in a c o rn e r at t h e l o w e r e n d o f t h e s h e al in g wh e n h e
s aw t h e d o o r b e in g dri v e n in .
H e did n o t k n o w o w wh e th e r h s h o u l d s ta y a s h e wa s o r
n e
h id e h i m s e lf \Vh e n h e n o t ic e d t h e d o o r b e in g p us h e d in th e r e
.
,
c am e in a b e a s t a nd sh e w e n t u p t o t h e fir e
, .
Th e h e ath e r t o o k fir e a nd h e s aw th is n a s t y b e a s t s ta ndin g at
t h e fir e . A nd s h e ha d a g re at l o n g ha ir a nd that cr e at ure wa s ,
A C N A M H A C I R — c h e w in g t h e cud a s th o u gh th e r e w e r e a s h e e p
,
o r a cow . Th e h o rns that w e r e o n h e w e r e u p t o t h e t o p o f t h e r
s h e al in g Th e p o o r ma n that wa s w i th in th o u ght that i t wa s

.
t i m e fo r h i m t o tak e h is l e g s al o n g w i th h i m a nd h e w e n t o u t ,
th ro u gh t h e ni ght a nd t h e w i n n o vvi g a nd sn o w in i t n .
H e fo und o e o f t h e h o rs e s a nd h e r e a c h e d h is ma s t e r s h o us e
’
n ,
b e fo re t h e d a y c am e H e re th e re h e s t ruc k i n t h e d o o r o f h is
.
ma s t e r f uri o u s l y a nd h i s ma s t e r aw o k e and h e w e n t wh e re h e
,
w s a nd h e t o l d h is ma s t e r t h e U A M H A s — t e rrib l e w o nd e r that
a ,
ha d c o m e u p o n h i m sinc e t h e h e rd w o ma n l e ft h i m .
Th e ma s t e r w e n t a nd t h e e l d e s t s o n h e ha d a nd h i m s e lf a nd
, ,
th y t o o k a gu n w i th th e m T h e y w e n t a s fa s t a s th e y c o u l d t o
e .
t ry t o c at c h t h e b e a s t t o k i ll h e r T h e re wa s t h e w o r th o f m uc h
.
m o n e y in t h e s h e al in g a nd th e y th o u ght i t a l o ss that th e y
,
sh o u l d wa n t i t T h e n wh e n th e y w e r e c o m in g n e a r t h e s h e al in g
.
t h e g e n tl e ma n p u t a c ha r g in t h e g un t o b e all r e a dy — D E IS E A L
e , .
(T h is w o rd i s s a id t o b e d e ri v e d f r o m S o u th — abo u t t h e o l d
p r a c t ic e b e in g t o mak e a t urn s u n w is e b e f o r e d o in g a ny th in g o f
-
i mp o r ta nc e ) .
T h e y r e a c h e d t h e s h e al in g a nd th e y l e t o ff a s h o t in T h o u gh
, .
h e l e t o ff t h e s h o t h e did n o t n o t ic e a th in g a nd f e a r w o u l d n o t ,
l e t o n e o f th e m s e a rc h w i th in T h e y w e re th us at t h e d o o r a nd
.
th e y p e rc e i v e d t h e b e a s t s h o w in g h e rs e lf o u t It wa s ha rd l y .
that s h e dr agg e d h rs e lf o u t o f t h e d o o r o f t h e s h e al in g
e .
T h e r e o t w e n t th e y — t h e g e n tl e ma n a nd h i s s o n
u Th e y
w e n t in su c h a g r e at p e r t urb at i o n that th e y did n o t r e m e m b e r
,
t h e h o rs e s ; bu t th y s t r e t c h e d o u t o n f o o t fl e e in g b e f o r e t h e
e ,
b e a s t that wa s th r e W hat bu t that t h e b e a s t f o ll o w e d aft e r

e .
th e m t i ll th e y r e a c h e d t h h o us e a nd th e y th o u ght sh e w o u l d
e ,
hav e fi nis h e d th e m b e f r e th e y s h o u l d a rri v e W h e n th e y

o .
r e a c h e d t h e fa r m o n e o f t h e g e n tl e m e n s m e n m e t h i m a nd t h e
,
’
,
g e n tl e ma n t o l d h i m that h e wa s a lm o s t d e a d at all e v e n t s t hat ,

TH E TW O S H E P H E RD S . 1 07
he ha d h o p e s o f re a c h in g t h e h o us e a nd that h e s h o u l d g o t o t ry
,
t o m e e t t h e b e a s t a nd k e e p h e r b a c k a s pa c e
, .
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t h e sn o w ; a nd h e l o o k e d k e e n l y at h e r H e r e t urn e d t o h i s
.
m a s t e r t o t e ll h i m what s o r t o f b e a s t i t wa s a nd h e s a id Co m e
”
, ,
o u t h e r e that y o u ma y c o m e a n d se e t h e b a s t e .
W h e n th e y w e n t o u t t o s e e t h e b e a s t what w as h e r e bu t t h e
,
b uc k g o at f u ll o f t h e sn o w a nd t h e ma s t e r wa s s ham e d that h e
, ,
s h o u l d hav e fle d fr o m t h e l i k e o f that b e a s t .
Th e h e rd fle d by t h e wa y o f t h e b a n k s o f t h e s h o r e wh e n h e
s a w h is ma s t e r runnin g awa y a nd th e y ha d n o tal e o f h i m
,
.
T h re e o f t h e s e r va n t s w e re s e n t ab o u t t h e gl e n t o t ry i f th e y
c o u l d fi nd h i m a nd th e y w e r e n o t fi ndin g h i m at all .
H e w a s l o s t th us f o th r e e d a ys a nd th r e e ni ght s a nd th e y
r ,
h a d n o h 0p e that th e y w o u l d fi nd h i m f o r e v e r On t h e th ird .
d a y h e wa s g o in g at t h e sid e o f t h e s h o r e and wat e r h o rs e s a nd

,
-
w i l d b e a s t s c o m in g o n la nd o n t h e s h o r e s W hat s h o u l d h e fall
.
i n w i th bu t a d w e ll in g pla c e th e r e H e w e n t in T h e re w s n o
-
. . a
m a n th e r e bu t a l i ttl e russ e t ma n Th e l i ttl e russ e t ma n p u t

.
w e l c o m e o n h i m a nd h e a s k e d h i m t o c o m e f o r wa rd —that h e
,
wa s w e l c o m e He a s k e d o f t h e l i ttl e russ t ma n what wa s t h e

. e
m e a nin g o f h i s s tayin g in suc h a pla c e that th e r e wa s n o ma n

,
w i th h i m
”
.
Oh s a id t h e l i ttl e russ e t man i t i s n o t all o w e d m e t o t e ll

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, ,
a n y th in g .
”
I w i ll t e ll th e e s a id t h e h e rd what s e n t m e in h e r e It .
”
, ,
—
i s that I fle d f r o m U A M H A s a t e rrib l e w o nd e r .
”
T h is i s t h e th in g th o u s halt d o s a id t h e l i ttl e russ e t m a n .
,
T h o u s hal t s t r e t c h th ys e lf o n th is b e d u p h e re a nd th in g o r ,
th in g that th o u s e e s t in th y s l e e p r e m e m b e r o n t h y d e ath that

”
,
th o u d o s t n o t t e ll i t .
T h e n wh e n h e w e n t t o s t re t c h h i m s e lf in t h e b e d what s h o u l d ,
m e e t h i m i n t h e b e d bu t t h e b o dy o f a m a n ; a nd h e t o o k t o
t r e m b l in g w i th fe a r bu t h e did n o t m o v e H e th o u ght h e
, .
w o u l d s tay a s h e wa s that t h e d e a d ma n wa s t t o t o uc h h i m n o
at all e v e n t s T h e n h e h e a rd g r e at s p e ak in g c o m in g t o wa rds
.
t h e h o us e ; h e wa s n o t l o n g so t i ll h e n o t ic e d a g r e t c latt e a r
c o m in g a nd what w a s th i s bu t —S E I S E A R FE A R (c o ll c t i v e sin g u
,
e
la r n o un o f nu m b e r s i x ma n ) —si x m e c m in g in a nd a o w w i th
,
n o c
th e m Th e ma s t e r that wa s o v e r t h e s ix s a id t o t h e l i ttl e russ e t

.
,
1 08 W E S T H IG H L A ND T A L E S .
man , D ids t th o u s e e o r p e rc e i v e a ma n c o m i n g th is w ay sinc e

e a rl y e a r l in e ss
” .
”
I did n o t s e e s a id h e h e m i ght c o m e t h e wa y un k n o w n
”
, ,
t o me .
Shut th e ”
d o o r s a id th e bi g ma n a nd all w i th o u t b e th e y
“
”
, ,
w i th o u t a nd all w i th in w i th in
, .
T h e n th e y p u t t h e c o w o n t h e fir e in a g r e at c al dr o n aft e r th e y
h a d t o rn i t a sund e r in q u a r t e rs W h e n th e y ha d p u t th is o n t h e
.
fir e i t wa s n o t l o n g t i ll th e y n o t ic e d t h e n e x t c latt e r a nd what ,
wa s h e r e bu t a n o th e r b a nd c o m in g .
\ V h a t s h o u l d th is b a nd hav e bu t a n o th e r c o w fla y e d a nd th e y ,
h a d a p i t w i th in a nd th e r e th e y s alt e d h e r
,
Wh e n t h e fle s h .
that wa s i t h e k e ttl e w a s c o o k e d th e y t o o k th e ir su pp e r a l l
n ,
t o g e th e r .
Th e p o o r m a n that wa s h e r e in t h e b e d did n o t k n o w o n
e a r th what h e s h o u l d d o f o r f e a r H e re wh e n i t wa s c o m in g
.
n e a r o n t h e m o u th o f t h e d ay t h e l i ttl e russ e t ma n w e n t o u t t o
,
l o o k what l i k e n e ss wa s o n t h e ni ght .
W h e n h e c am e in s a id th e y t o h i m W hat s e e m in g is o n t h e
” ”
, ,
n i ght ? T h e r e is a m idd l in g s e e m in g s a i d b e ; bu t i t i s I ,
w h o s a w t h e t e rrib l e m a n D U I N E F UA TH A SA C H sinc e I w e n t o u t ,
a s th o u gh h e w e r e l is t e nin g t o y o u I th in k that i t is FH U A M H A I R
.
C H R E I G D A L LA I G t h e g i a n t o f cr ag d allag w h o is th e r e , .
T h e r e o u t w n t e v e ry ma n o f th e m a nd t h e o n e that wo u l d
e ,
n o t wa i t o n h is b o w h e w o u l d s e i z e o n h is s w o rd t o k i ll h i m f
W h e n t h e l i ttl e russ e t m an w h o wa s w i th in th o u ght th a t

, ,
t h e y h a d h urri e d w e ll f r o m t h e h o us e h e s a id t o t h e o n e w h o ,
w as i n th e b ed T h o u o n e that a r t u p c o m e d o w n a s fa s t a s
”
,
th o u dids t e v e r . T h e n b e s t re t c h e d t o t h e p o o r ma n w h o w a s
i t h e b e d a s fa s t a s e v e r h e did a s t o c k in g f u ll o f d o lla rs a nd
n , , ,
h e gav e h i m br e a d a n d c h e e s e .If th o u e v e r dids t i t d o i t

“
”
,
now , s a i d t h e l i ttl e russ e t ma n t o t h e h e rds ma n Th e h e rds ma n .
w e n t a nd h e r e a c h e d t h e h o us e o f h is ma s t e r wh o l e a nd h e alth y
, .
Th e m o r al o f th is tal e s e e m s t o b e that h e w h o runs a wa y ,
f ro m fanci e d d a n g e r ma y fall in t o r e al p e ri l ; bu t what b e a rs

u p o n t h e th e o ry o f t h e o ri g in o f suc h s t o ri e s is that t h e r ea l p e ri l
”
,
i s f ro m w a t e n h o r se s a nd r o bb e rs w h o hav e a l i ttl e r e d
“ “
,
(R U A G E ) ma n w h o pla ys t h e pa r t o f t h e e nc ha n t e d p rinc e ss a n d ,
t h e f ri e nd l y c at a nd t h e w o ma n w h o i s t h e s lav e o f t h e g i a n t s
, ,
a d t h e r o bb e rs
n t h e c ha r a c t e r wh ic h app e a rs in all c o ll e c t i o ns o f
p o p u la r t a l e s to b e f ri e nd t h e b e ni ght e d s t r an g e r o r t h e wa nde rin g ,
. TH E Tw o S H E P H E RD S . 1 09
p rinc e A nd what is m o re t h e f a nc i ed d an g e r w a s f ro m a cre at ur e

. ,
und e r t h e fo r m o f a g o at W h y a ma n s h o u l d b e f ri ght e n e d by
.
a g o at app e a rs f ro m t h e la s t o f fo ll o w in g t w o s t o ri e s t r ans lat d

, ,
e
f ro m t h e G a e l ic o f H e c to r Ur q u ha r t a nd w ri tt e n f ro m t h e t e ll in g
,
o f J o h n C amp b e ll in S t r ath G a ir l o c h B o ss sh i r e H e is n o w
-
,
‘
.
( 1 85 9 ) six ty th r e e -
.
8 . A t s o m e t i m o f t h e w o r l d t h e l o a d o f Ge a r l o e h T I G H E A R N A
e
G H E A R L OC H ha d a C E A TH E A R N A C H w h o u s e d t o b e s layin g,
F U ATH A N b e gl e s a nd ro u t in g o t t h e s p o i l e rs Th e n am e o f
, ,
u .
th is s talwa r t ma n w a s U I STE A N M OR M A C G H I L LE P H A D R I G .
U i t e a n wa s o n a d a y h un t in g a nd h e s a w a g r e at w r e ath o f
‘
s ,
m is t ab o v e h i m a nd h e a rd t h e s w e e t e s t m usic h e e v e r h e a rd bu t
, ,
h e wa s n o t s e in g a th in g bu t t h e m is t i t s e lf
e H e c as t a sh o t .
that wa s in h is g un at t h e w r e ath o f m is t a nd t h e v ry fi n e s t ,
e
w o ma n h e e v e r s aw f ll d o w n at h is sid e H e t o o k h e r w i th h i m
e .
t o h i s o w n h o us e bu t th e r e wa s n o t a w o rd o f s p e e c h in h e r ;
,
a nd s h e w a s th us f o r a y e a r w i th h i m a nd sh e n e v e r sa w a th in g ,
t h a t sh e c o u l d n o t d o A nd U i s t e a n wa s th us in t h e m o un ta i n
.
a s usu al s layin g t h e b o gl e s F U A T H A N a nd o n a d ay at t h e e n d o f
, ,
a y e a r a nd h e i t h e m o un ta in t h e ni ght c m e o h i m a s h e w a s
,
n ,
o n
c o m in g h o m e T h e re h e s a w a l i ght in a h i ll h e r e a c h d wh e re
. e
t h l i ght wa s a nd h e s t o o d in t h e d o o r a nd N A S I T H I C H E A N t h e
e , , ,
fa i ri e s w e r e w i th in mak in g m usic a nd d a ncin g a nd t h e bu tl e r

, ,
that th e y ha d g o in g r o u nd a b o u t a m o n g s t th e m a nd g i v in g th e m
t h e drin k U i st e a
. wa s l o o k in g at th is a nd t h e bu tl e r s a id
n : ,
It i s a y e a r f ro m th is ni ght s ni ght that w e l o s t t h e d au ght e r o f

’
I l a A n n d r m t h e E a r l o f A n t ri m
ar u , Sh e h s t h e p o w e r o f t h e
. a
d r u gh t o n h e r that s h e d o e s n o t s p e ak a w o rd t i ll s h e g e t s a
a
,
drin k f r o m t h e c p that i s in m y ha nd A nd t h e bu tl e r wa s
u .
g o in g r o und a b o u t t il l h e r e a c h e d wh e r e U i s t e n wa s a nd h e gav e a ,
t h e C O R N (c u p ) t o U i s t e a n N o s o o n e r go t U i s t e a n a h o l d o f t h e
.
cu p in h is ha d t h a n h e t o o k h i s s o l e s o u t (o f that ) a nd th e y
n ,
afte r h i m T h e y w e r e h e r e c o m in g c l o s e t o (s h a rin g o ) U i st e a
. e n n ,
a nd wh e n th e y w e re c o m e w i th i n si ght o f t h e t o w n t h e c o c k
cro w e d On e s a id It is a s w ll f o r us t o r e t urn bu t a n o th r e e
”
. ,
s aid It is bu t B O G A G F OG H A I R a S p rin g s o ft e A t t h e e d
, ,
on . n
o f a wh i l e a n o th e r c o c k cr o w e d Bu t i t is t i m e t o r e t urn n e w
.
th i s is t h e b la c k c o c k o f M a c h — a nd th e y r e t u rn e d b u t r
U i s t e a n did n o t l e t go t h e c u p t i ll th e y r a c h e d h is o w n h o us e e,
a nd t i ll h e h a d g i v e n a dr a u ght t o h e r f ro m t h e cu p a n d a s s o o n ,
1 10 WE S T H I G H L A ND T ALE S .
as sh e ha d drun k a dr a u ght f r o m t h e cu p s h e h a d s p e e c h a s w e ll
,
a s a n o th e r A nd U i te a n w e n t o n t h e s p o t b a c k w i th t h e cu p
. s , ,
a n d h e l e ft i t o n t h e h i ll ; a nd wh e n U i s t e a n c am e b a c k t o h is
o w n h o us e s h e t o l d h i m tha t s h e wa s t h e d a u ght e r o f t h e E a r l o f
A n t ri m a nd that t h e fa iri e s ha d tak e n h e r f ro m c h i l db d

,
e .
U i s t e a n gav e h e r t w o c h o ic e s wh e th e r w o u l d sh e r ath e r s ta y by
,
h i m o r b e s e n t b a c k t o B irinu ; a nd s h e ha d r ath e r go h o m e
,
.
T h e y w e n t a nd wh e n th e y r e a c h e d t h e h o us e o f t h e E a r l o f
,
A n t ri m sh e s tay e d in a l i ttl e h o us e that w a s n e a r u p o n t h e c a s tl e

,
f o r that ni ght a nd wh e n th e y b e ga n t o g i v e th e m n e w s t h e
, ,
h o us e w i f e t o l d th e m that t h e d a u ght e r o f t h e E a r l o f A n t ri m
wa s e xc e e d i n gl y i ll a nd that th e r e w a s n o l e e c h in E i r inn th at
,
c o ul d d o h e r g o o d U i s t e a n s a id that h e w a s t h e g r e at d o c t o r o f
.
t h e Kin g o f t h e G a e l d o m a nd that h e w o u l d h e al h e r a nd that

, ,
h e w o u l d n o t a s k pa y m e n t t i ll s h e s h o u l d b e h e al e d .
Th e E a r l wa s ri ght w e ll pl e a s e d h is l i k e t o b e c o m e a b o u t a n d ,
i t wa s t o l d t o t h e o n e w h o wa s o n t h e b e d that a g r e at S c o tt is h ,
d o c t o r w a s c o m e t o h e r t o w n that c o u l d cur e h e r Bu t th is did .
n o t pl e a s e h e r at all a nd sh e w o u l d n o t l e t h i m c o m e n e a r h e r
, .
Bu t U i st e a n s a id that h e w o u l d go th e r e th o u gh i t wa s i ll w i t h
h e r a n d h e w e n t wh e r e s h e wa s w i th h is n ak e d s w o rd in h i s
,
ha nd S h e w h o wa s in t h e b e d c a s t a n e y e o n h i m a nd sh e s aid
.
, ,
If I ha d b e e n t o p u t m y th u m b o n t h e appl e o f th y th r o at o n
t h e ni ght that th o u w e r t b o rn th o u c o u l d e st n o t d o th is t o m e
,
th is d a y ” .
A nd wh e n U i s t e a n w e n t t o t h e b e d sh e w e n t a s a flam e o f fir e
,
o u t at t h e e n d o f t h e h o us e .
T h e n U i st e a n gav e h is o wn d a u ght e r by t h e ha nd t o t h e E a r l
o f A n t ri m wh o l e a nd h e alth y
, Th e E a r l o f A n t ri m gav e U i s t e a n
.
h i s t w o c h o ic e s that h e s h o u l d s tay w i th h i m o r a b ag o f g o l d
, ,
a nd g o h o m e U i st e a n t o o k t h e b ag o f g o l d a nd h e c am e h o m e ;
. ,
a nd h e b e ga n at k i ll in g Fu a t h a n a s h e wa s b e fo re , .
T h is s t o ry j o ins Fa iri e s a nd F u a t h a n a nd ha s many r e lat i o ns

,
in o th e r lan g u ag e s a nd t h e n e x t j o ins t h e wh o l e t o t h e F re nc h
,
L o u p G a ro u o f wh ic h I h e a rd f ro m a p e a s a n t in F r a nc e i n
,
N o v e m b e r 1 8 5 9 bu t t h e w o lf is a g o at in t h e H i ghla nds
, .
9 . So me t i m e aft e r th is w o rd w e n t t o
, that th e re wa s U is te a n
a F u a t h o n T OM B U I D H E G H E A R R LOC H o n t h e y e ll o w k n o ll o f
G a irl o c h a nd th is F u a t h wa s k i ll in g m uc h p e o pl e a nd s e ndin g
, ,
o th e rs o u t o f t h e h us k (o r t h e gat e s ) o f th e ir h e a r t s A C OC H A I L ,
TH E Tw o S H E P H E RD S . 111
A N CR I D H E ,b e c a us e o ma n c o u l d tak e t h e path aft e r t h e ni ght

n
o r d a r k n e ss s h o u l d c o m e .
U i s t e a n c am e a nd o n t h e wa y at t h e fo o t o f t h e k n o ll U i st e a n
,
w e n t in t o t h e h o us e o f a y e ll o w f o o t e d w e av r th at w a s l i v in g -
e
th e r e S a id t h e w e av e r t o U i s t e a
. T h o u ha ds t b e s t s t o p t h e n,
ni ght ”
.
l V e l l I w i ll d o that
” s a id U i s t e a n I am g o in g t o k i ll t h e
”
, ,
Fu a t h o f To m b u idh t o ni ght -
.
”
P e r hap s that is n o t s o e a sy s a id t h e w e av er w i th what
,
w i lt th o u k i ll G b h a i r M h o i l B h ui t h e g o at o f M a o l b u idh
a - - ?
”
,
W i th t h e gun s a id U i s t e a n .
” ”
,
\V h t a s a id t h e w e av e r i f t h e g u n w i ll n o t sui t ?
” ”
, ,
If i t w i ll n o t sui t s a id h e I w i ll t ry t h e s w o rd o h er n
”
, .
,
W hat s ai d t h e w e av e r i f t h e s w o rd w i ll n o t c o m e o u t o f
, ,
“
t h e s h e ath ?
”
W e ll s a id U i s t e an I w i ll t ry m y m o th e r s sis t e r o n h e ” ’
r.
, ,
A nd o n e v e ry a r m that U i t e a n n am e d t h e w e av e r la id R OS A D
s , ,
a s p e ll bu t o n t h e dir k wh ic h h e c all e d h i s m o th e r s sis te r t h e

,
’
w e av e r c o u l d n o t la y a s p e ll T h e n U i s t e a n w e n t u p t o t h e t o p
.
o f t h e k n o ll a nd o n t h e t 0p o f t h e k n o ll wa s a p i t i n wh ic h t h e
,
g o at u s e d t o d w e ll .
S h e l e t o u t a M E I G A I D b l e at a nd U i s t e a n s a id Do s t t h e n
, ,
“
wa n t th y k id th o u s k u lk e r
“ ”
If I d o I hav e go t i t o w s a id sh e T h e n U i t ea n la id n . s
, ,
ha nds o h is g un bu t s h e w o u l d n o t g i v e a s pa r k T h e n h e la id
n , .
hands o n h i s s wo rd bu t i t w o u l d n o t c o m e o u t o f t h e s h e ath
, .
\V h e r e o w i s th y m o th e r s sis t e r s a id t h e go at
’
n ? .
W h e n U i s t e a n h e a rd th is h e s p r an g o n t h e g o at a nd t h e fi rs t ,
t h rus t h e gav e h e r w i th t h e B I OD A G dir k s h e l t o u t a r o a r ,

e .
It s e e m s o d d t o m e p o o r b e a s t i f I d o n o t g i v e th y k id m i lk
”
, ,
n o w.
A nd hedid n o t s e e t h e g o at a ny m o r e U i s t e a n t urn e d b a c k .
t o t h e w e av e r s h o us e a nd wh e n h e k ind l e d a l i ght h e f o und t h e

’
, ,
w e av e r und e r t h e l o o m p o urin g b l o o d .
If i t w a s th o u w h o ma d e s t s o m u c h l e s s o n t h e y e ll o w k n o ll
”
,
th o u s halt n o t ge t o ff a ny fa r th e r s a id U i s t e a n ,
.
T h e n h e k i ll e d t h e w e av e r und e r t h e l o o m a nd n o ma n wa s ,
s la in o n t h e y e ll o w k n o ll sinc e th e n by t h e g o at o r b o gl e ,
.
T h e s e t w o s t o ri e s a r e c e r ta in e n o u gh It wa s by m y m o th e r I .
h e a rd th e m a nd ma ny a tal e th e r e is o f U i s t n i f I ha d m ind
,
ea ,
o f th e m .
J OH N C A M P BELL S t r ath G a ir l o c h R o ss s h ire , ,

-
.
1 12 W E S T H I G H L A ND T ALE S .
1 0. I h a v e a n o th e r v e rsi o n o f th is s am e tal e w ri tt e n by a
sc h o o l ma s t e r at t h e r e q u e s t o f M r Os go o d M a c k e n z i e It is in
-
,
. .
v e ry g o o d G a e l ic bu t t o t r ans lat e i t w o u l d b e r e p e t i t i o n f o r i t is
, ,
alm o s t t h e id e n t ic al I d o n o t m e n t i o n t h e n am e o f t h e w ri t e r
.
,
for i t m i ght b e dis pl e a sin g t o h i m Th e n a rr at o r is A l e x and e r

.
Ma cd o n al d I n v e r a sd al e Th e g o at is c all e d G A B H A R M H O R R H I
,
.
B E A G A C H F H E U S A G A C H a g r e at ha iry b e a rd e d g o at
,
-
and t h e dir k
is c all e d C A T RI O NA P U I T E A R M O S H E A N A M H A T HA I R C ath e rin e m y , ,
g r a nd m o th e r s sis t e r H e fi nds t h e B R EA B A D A I R w e av e r in b e d
’
.
,
w i th a w o und in h i s th i gh a nd g i v e s h i m h i s d eath th rus t th e r e

, .
I hav e g i v e n th e s e s p e ci m e ns o f a pa r t icu la r c la ss o f tal e s

wh i c h a r e c o mm o n e n o u gh a s th e y c am e t o m e b e c a us e th e y
, ,
s e e m t o b e fa ir i ll us t r at i o ns o f t h e p o p u la r cr e e d a s t o s p iri t s :
a nd t o s h o w that t h e s e c all e d s p iri t s a r e g e n e r all y v e ry n e a r
-
m o r tal m e n M y b e l i e f is that b o c an b o d a c h f u a t h a nd all

. , , , ,
th e ir t rib e w e r e o nc e s avag e s dre ss e d in s k ins a nd that gru a ga c h

, , ,
wa s a half tam e d s avag e ha n g in g a b o u t t h e h o us e s w i th h is l o n g

-
,
hair a nd s k in c l o th in g that th e s e hav e g r a du all y a c q uire d t h e

att ribu t e s o f d i v ini t i e s ri v e r g o ds o r f o r e s t y mph s o r that th e y
, ,
n ,
h av e b e e n c o nd e m n e d a s paga n su p e rs t i t i o ns a nd d e g r a d e d in t o
,
d e m o ns ; a nd I k n o w that th e y a r e n o w r e m e m b e e d a nd s ti ll r
,
s o m e what dre a d e d in th e ir la s t c ha r a c t e r Th e tal e s t o l d o f

, .
th e m pa r tak e o f t h e n at ur al a nd su p e rn at ur al a nd brin g fi c t i o n ,
n e a r e r t o fa c t tha n a ny c la ss o f tal e s curr e n t in t h e H i ghla nds ,
un l e ss i t b e t h e fa iry s t o ri e s o f wh ic h a f e w a r e g i v e n und e r
nu m b e r 2 8 e t c
, .
XXX I .
OSEA N AF T E R T H E F EE N .
F r o m B arr a .
'
I SEA N w a s a n o l d m a n a ft e r t h e (t i m e o f t h e ) F e e n ,
a nd h e (wa s) d w ell in g in t h e h o us e o f h is d au ght e r .
He w a s b l ind d e a f a n d l i mp in g a nd th e r e w e r e ni n e
, , ,
.
o a k e n s k e w e r s in h is b e ll y a nd h e a t e t h e t ribu te t h a t
,
P a d r a i g h a d o v e r B i r inu T h e y we r e th e n w ri t in g th e
.
o l d h is t o r i e s th a t h e w a s t e ll in g th e m .
T h e y k i ll e d a ri ght bi g s ta g ; th e y s t ri pp e d th e
s h a n k a nd br o u ght h i m t h e b o n e D i d s t th o u ev e r
.
“
”
,
s e e a s h a n k th a t w a s th ic k e r th a n th a t in th e F e e n ?
’
“
I sa w a b o n e o f t h e b l a c k bi r d s c h ic k i n wh ic h i t
w o u l d g o r o und ab o u t ” I n th a t th e r e a r e bu t l i e s
“ ” .
.
\ V h e n h e h e a rd th is h e c a u ght h o l d o f t h e b o o k s w i th
,
r ag e a nd h e s e t th e m in t h e fir e
,
Hi s d a u ght e r t o o k
.
th e m o u t a nd q u e nc h e d th e m a nd sh e k e pt th e m ,
.
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, ,
d o g in t h e F e e n s h o u l d l ay w e i ght o n h is c h e s t .
He f e lt a w e i ght o n h i s c h e s t VVh a t s th is ?
.
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M a cR u a gh a dh (so n o f t h e r ed o r a ubur n o n e) .
”
,
“
Wh a t is th a t W e i ght W h ic h I f e e l a t m y f e e t ?
“
T h e r e i s M a e B u i dh e i g (t h e so n o f t h e l i ttl e y e ll o w ) .
T h e y s t ay e d a s the y w e r e t i ll t h e d a y c a m e T h e y .
a r o s e He a s k e d t h e l a d t o t ak e h i m t o suc h a gl e n
. .
T h e l a d r e a c h e d t h e gl e n w i th h im He t o o k o u t a .
W h is tl e f r o m h is p o c k e t a nd h e pl ay e d i t
,
Sees t .
“
114 WE S T H IGH LAND T ALE S .
’
tho u a n y th in g g o in g p a s t o n y o nd e r mo un t a in l I
se e d e e r o n i t
” s o r t d o s t t h e n se e o n i t ? ”
”
.
I s e e s o m e s l e nd e r a nd g r e y o n i t T h o s e ar e t h e .
“
s e e d o f t h e L o n L u a th s w i ft e l k ; l e t th e m p a ss ” .
,
\ V h a t k ind s e e s t th o u n o w 2 — I s e e s o me ga u n t a nd “
g ri zzl e d ” . T h o s e a r e t h e s e e d o f D e a r g da sda n a ch
“
”
,
t h e r e d F i e r c e : l e t them p a ss \Vh a t k ind s e e s t “

.
th o u n ow 2 I se e s o m e h e av y a n d s l e e k ” L et the .
d og a t th e m V ic V u i a ig l ” M a cBh u i e i g w e n t Is .
“
h e dr a gg in g d o w n pl e n ty ?
” ”
He is — N o w wh e n “ “
”
.
,
th o u s e e s t th a t h e h a s a d o z e n tho u s h a lt c h e c k h i m .
\Vh e n h e th o u ght h e h a d th e m h e pl a y e d t h e wh is tl e , ,
a nd b e c h e ck e d t h e do g N o w i f th e p u p i s s a te d
.
“
w i th c h a s e h e w i ll c o me q ui e tl y g e n tl y i f n o t he w i ll
”
, , ,
c o me W i th h is g ape o p e n He w a s c om in g w i th h is
.
g ap e o p e n a nd h is to n g ue o u t o f h is m o u th
,
B a d is .
“
t h e th in g wh ic h tho u h a s t d o n e t o c h e c k t h e p u p uns a t e d
w i th c h a s e ” .Wh e n h e c o me s c a t c h m y h a nd a nd
“
”
, ,
t ry t o p u t i t i n h is g ap e o r h e w i ll h a ve us
,
He p u t .
t h e h a nd o f O is e a u in h is g a pe a nd he s hook h is th r o a t
”
,
ou t .
“
C o me ga the r the s t a g s to th a t k n o ll o f rus h e s
,
.
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,
w e r e th e r e a nd th a t w a s bu t e n o u gh fo r Oi se a n alo n e
,
t h e l a d s s h a r e wa s l o s t
’
P u t m y two h a nds ab o u t the
.
“
”
rus h y k n o ll th a t is he r e 3 h e did th a t a n d t h e g r e a t ,
c al dr o n th a t t h e F e e n us e d t o h a ve w a s i n i t N ow .
,
m a k e r e a dy a nd p u t t h e s t ag s in th e c al dr o n a nd s et
”
, ,
fi r e und e r i t Th e l a d did th a t
. Wh e n th e y w e r e .
h e r e r e a dy t o t ak e i t O is e a u s a id to h i m T o uc h th o u
”
, ,
th e m n o t t i ll I t ak e m y fill fi rs t Oi s ea n b eg a n u p o n .
th e m a nd a s h e a t e e a c h o n e h e took o n e o f t h e s k e we rs
, ,
o u t o f h is b e ll y \Vh e n Oi se a n h a d si x e a t e n t h e l a d
.
,
h a d th r e e t a k e n f r om h i m H a s t th o u d o n e th is to
.
“
m e 3 s a id Oi sea n
’ ”
I did i t s a id h e 3 I w o u l d n e e d
.
“ “
,
OS E A N A F T E R TH E F EE N . 115
a fe w whe n th o u thys e lf h a ds t so m a ny of th e m .
”
“
Try i f th o u W i lt t ak e m e t o su c h a r o ck ” He w e n t .
d o w n th e r e a n d h e b r o u ght o u t t h e c h ic k o f a b l a c kbird
,
”
o u t o f t h e r o ck Le t us c o m e t o b e g o in g h o me “
. .
Th e l a d c a u ght h i m und e r t h e a r m a n d th e y w e n t ,
a w ay \Vh e n h e tho u gh t th a t the y w e r e n e a r in g t h e

.
h o us e h e s a id A r e w e v e ry n e a r t h e h o us e C
“
l We
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a re ,
s a id th e l a d \V o u l d t h e s h o u t o f a m a n r e a c h
.
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t h e h o us e wh e r e w e a r e j us t n ow l It w o u l d r e a c h ’
it ”
. S e t m y f r o n t s t r a i gh t o n t h e h o us e
“ ” T he l a d .
di d th us Wh e n h e w a s c om in g o n t h e h o us e h e c au ght
.
,
the l a d a n d h e p u t h is h a nd i n h i s th r o a t a nd h e k i ll e d
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“
n e i th e r th o u n o r a n o the r w i ll
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.
w all a nd h e l e ft t h e b l a c k bird s c h ic k w i th in T h e y
,
’
.
w e r e a s k in g h i m W h e r e h e h a d b e e n sinc e t h e d ay c am e
h e s a id h e h a d b e e n W h e r e h e h a d o ft en p a ss e d pl e a s a n t
h app y d ays Ho w dids t tho u go th e r e wh e n th o u a r t
.
“
b l ind ? ” I go t a c h a nc e t o go th e r e th is d ay a t a l l
“
e v e n ts T h e r e is a l i ttl e p e t y o n d e r th a t I br o u ght
.
h o m e a nd b r in g i t in ” T h ey w e n t o u t to look a nd i f.
, ,
th e y we n t th e r e did n o t go o u t so m a n y a s c o u l d bri n g
,
i t h o m e He h i m s e lf a r o s e a nd h e br o u ght i t i n He
.
, .
a s k e d f o r a k ni f e He c a u ght t h e s h a n k b e s t ri ppe d i t
.
, ,
a n d th e n t o o k t h e fl e s h o ff i t He br oke t h e t w o e nds .
o f th e b o n e Ge t n e w t h e s h a n k o f t h e dun d e e r th a t
.
“
”
y o u s a id I n e v e r sa w t h e l i k e o f in t h e F e e n Th ey .
go t th is f o r h i m a nd h e th r e w i t o u t th r o u gh t h e ,
m a rr o w hol e N o w h e w a s m ad e t ru thf u l T h e y b e ga n
. .
t o a s k m o r e t al e s f r o m h i m bu t i t b e a t th em e v e r to ,
m a k e h i m b eg in a t th e m a ny m o r e .
’i
A L app m e a sur e of dis ta nc e is a d o g s b ar k
’ ” .
1 16 W E S T HIGHLAND T ALE S .
OI S E A N AN D E I GH NA PE I NN E .
B H A Ois e a u n a s h e a n duin a n d é igh n a F inn e s e fu i r e a e h d a n

’ ’ ’
t i gh a n i gh in n e B ha e d a u ll b o d h a r b a c a c h s b ha n a o i dh
. , , ,
’
d e i l g d a r a i c h n a b h r o i n n s e g i t h e a d h n a c a in a b h a i g P a dr a i g
’ ’ ’ ’
,
a ir E ir in n B ha e n d a n s in a sgr i o b h a d h n a s e a n n e a eh d r a i d h a
.
’
b ha e g i n n se a dh d h a ib h M h a r b h e u d d amh r o mh or r ui sg
’
.
e n d a n c alpa s th u g cud a i o n n s u i dh a n c n ai m h
’
A nis a m ’
”
.
,
fa c a t u c alpa r i a b h a bu gh a ir b h e n a s in sa n Fh i nn C h unn a ’
.
m i c n ai mh i s e i n a n l on d u i gh s r a c h ad h e ma n c u a i r t a n t a o b h
’ ’
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,
a st igh d h e t h C ha 11 e i l a n sin a c h n a b ri a gan

.
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N ur a
’
.
c h u al e so ru g e a ir n a l e a b h a ic h e a n l e c o r r a i c h ag us c h u i e r ,
r
s an t e in e u d T h u g a n igh e a n a s a n t e in e n d S c h u i r i a s e u d
’ ’ ’ ’
. , ,
s gh l é idh i e u d
’
.
Dh i arr Ois e a u d e dh a eh a n a i c h a n g i ll ag us a n c u bu m h i o sa
’ ’ ’
b ha sa n F h i n a c h ur c u d t h r o m a ir u e h d D h f h a i r i c h e c u d t h r o m
’
n .
’
a ir u c h d D é so
. M is e Ma c n a R u a gh a dh ” De n .
’
c u d t h r o m u d a tha m i f a o t a i n a i g m o c ha s a n 2 ” T ha Ma c n
‘ “
B u i dh e ig
” D h f h a n e u d m ur a b ha e u d g o s a n d t h ai n i g a l a t h a
.
’ ’
.
N ur a th ai n ig a n l a t h d h é i r i dh e u d D h i a r r e a ir a gh il l e
a
’
.
’
R ai n i g a n g i ll e a n gl e a nn l e is
’
t h o i r t g o l e i t h i d s o d e gh l e a n n . .
T h u g e ma c h fi d e a g a a ph oc a s sh e i n n e i A m f a i c th u d a d ’
.
s am bi th a d o l s e a c h a d a ir a n a o n a dh u d sh u a s ? ” Ch i mi “
feid h a nn ” D é n s e or s a a c h i th u a nn
.
’
? ” C h i m i fe a d h a i n “
c ha o la gh l a s a nn S in aga d s i o l n a L i n e l u a i t h e l i g s e a c h a d
“
u
end .
” D é n sc ors a c h i th u n d r as d 2
’
C h m i f e a dh a i n ’ ‘
s h e a n a ri a b ha c h
” S inn aga d s i o l n a D e i r ge d asa n a i c h ; l i g
g .
se a ch a d e u d
” D é n f h e a dh a in a c h i t h u n d r asd
.
’
Chi ’
m i f e a dh a i n t h ro ma l o ma ” Li g a n e n th u e a Mh ic .
“
B h u idh e ig D h f h a l b h M a c B h u idh e i g
’
A b h e i l e l e a ga i l .
“
n a l eo ir ?
T ha ” N ur a c h i th u nis a o n dus a n a ige c a i sgi dh
”
.
th u e . N u r a s h a o i l e g u n r o b b e u d a i ge s h i n n e n f h l d e a g s e
’ ’
c h a i sg e n c u
’
N is m a tha n c u i l l e a n b u i d h e a c h s e il ge th i g e
.
’
”
gu m o d ha i l s o e a i r ; m ur e il th i g e s a c h r a o s f o sga i l t B ha e
’ ’
, .
t i gh i n n s a c h r a o s f o s ga i l t e sa t h e a ga m a c h a ir a b h i a l
’ ’ ’
S n .
d o n a n ru d a rinn th u a n c u il e a n a c h a sg s gu n e b u i dh e a ch
’ ’
seilg . N ur a th i g e b e ir a ir m o l aim h s a s fia c h a n c uir th u st igh ’

'
n a c h ra o s i n o bid h sinn a i ge ” C h u i r e s t igh l a m b Oi se i n n a .

’
,
c h a o s s c h a t h e n sgor n a n a s T halla c r u i n n i c h n a d a i mh
’ ’
r r .
”
,
i o n n s u i d h a n t o m l u a c h ra c h D h f h a l b h e s d i a n a r si u d ag u s
’ ’ ’
. ,
OSE A N AF T E R TH E F EE N . 1 17
’
s e n a o id h a b h a nn ag us c ha b u i l e a r d o d h Oi se an s i u d
d a i mh
’
,
’ ’
’
n a o n ra c h d s b ha c u id a gh il l a ir c h a u l l
’
Cuir m o d ha l a i m h sa
’
”
.
,
ma n t o m l u a c h r a e h a tha n so
’
Rinn e sind s b ha n c o ire ’
.
’ ’
m or a b ab h a is t a b h i a ig a n Fh i n n a nn
’
D i a n a nis d e a s s cuir ’
”
,
n a d a i m h a nns a c h o ir e s cuir g e a l b h a n f o id h e Rinn a n gi ll e

’ ’
.
sind N ur a b ha e n d a n so d e a s a i r s o a n g b h a il u s Ois e a u
. n a ,
r
’
ris . N a b e a n t h u s a d h a i b h go s a n ga b h In i s e m o d h i al a n
“
t o is e a c h ” Th oi si c h Oi sea n o r a sa h ni l e f e a r a d h i t h e a dh e
. r
’
-
’
,
b h e i r e a dh e f e a r d e n a d e il g a s a b h r o i n n N ur a b ha s ia a ig .
Oi s e a n a ir a n i t h e a dh b ha t ri a i g a g h il l a ir a n t o i r t u a idh e
’
.
A n (1 rinn th u s o o r m
’
u rs Oi s e a n ”
Rinn u s e s a n d h ’
. r
’ ’
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, ,
f h e u m a i n n s a b e aga nur a b ha m ora n aga d fh i n diu

n Fi a c h
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a n (1 t h e i r th u m is i o n n s u i d h a l e i t h id so d o c h r e a g Rinn e
’ ’
.
sind C h a i d h e si o s a n si n S th u g e ma c h i se a n l on d u igh a s a
.
’ ’
c h r e ig Th u ga i n n a b h i f a l b h d a c h a i d h
.
“ ” Ru g a n g i ll a ir .
’
a ch l a i s a ir s d h fh a l b h e u d
’
N u r a b ha e s ma o i n t e a c h a dh ge n
’
.
r o b b e u d a t e a n n a d h a ir a n t i gh t h u i t e
’
A b h e i l sinn a r .
“ ’
t e a n n a d h g o i r id o n t i gh
” ”
T ha u s a n g i ll e A n r u i g e a d h
’
. r
’
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e u b h duin a ir a n t i gh fa r a b h e il s i n a n d as d
’
R u ig e a d h r .
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.
“
Cuir m a gh a i d h sa d i re a c h a ir a n t i gh
’
Rinn a n g i ll e si u d . .
N u r a b ha e t i gh n a ir a n t i gh ru g e a ir a gh i l l e s c h u i r e l am h
’ ’ ’
’
n a s or a n s m h a r b h e e
’
So
” u r s e s an c ha b h i t h u sa n a ’
g n .
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fe a r e i l e g i n n se a dh e a c h dr a i d h a m d h é igh sa
’
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’ ’
-
.
d a c h a i dh s a l a m b a n s a b halla s d h i b ag e isc a n a n Inn d u igh

’ ’ ’ ’ ’
a s t igh B ha e n d a f or a i dh d e th c ai t a n r o b h e o t h ai i g a n
.
’
e
’
n
l ath a Th u i r t e g o n r o bb e fa r am m i n ig a n d o e h u i r e l ai t h e a n
.
s el a s a c h t o il i c h t e se a c h a d
, D e m ur a c h a i dh th us a n s i n 8 .
“ ’ ’
t h u d a u ll ? Fh u a i r m i c o t h r o m a ir a d h o l a nn a n d i u gh c o
d h in T ha P E A T A b e ag a n si u d a th u g m i d a c h a i dh S t h u ga ib h
.
’
a s te a ch e ” D h fh a l b h e u d a ma c h a c h o i m h e a d 8 ma d h
.
’ ’ ’
,
f h a l b h c ha d e a c h a ma c h n a b h e i r e a d h d a c h a i d h e
’
, Dh e i r id h .
e f h i n a ma c h s th u g e s t e a c h e Ru g e a ir a
’
Dh i a r r e c o re
’
. .
c halpa s r ui sg e e s th u g e n f h e oil d e th B h r i s e d a c h e a n n
,
’
,
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.
a c h ai mh Fa i gh i b h a n i s e a l p a n d a i mh o d h a i r a b ha s ib h
’ “ ’
n .
a g r a d h n a c h fh a c a m is e r i a b h a l e i t h id s a n Fh i n n
” Fh u a i r e n d
’
.
s o d ha s t h il g e ma c h r o m b th o ll a n s m i o r a i g e B ha e n s o
’ ’
.
a ir a d h i a n a d h fi i n n e a c h Th oisi c h e u d a ir i a r a i d h t u il l id h
r . r
e a c h d r a id h a ir a c h d h f h a i r t l i c h o rr a r i a b h t o i r t a ir t ois e a c h a dh
’
o rr a t u i l l idh .
2 . A v e rsi on o f t h is wa s to l d t o m e by a n o l d t in k e r a t I n v e r a ry ,
1 18 WE S T HIGHLAND T ALE S .
bu t a cc o rdin g t o h i m t h e b o o k s w e re d e s t r o y e d I t o o k i t t o
, , .
b e t h e p o p u la r a cc un t o f t h e Ossi a n c o n t r o v e rsy
o Ossi a n .
”
,
M a c P h e r so D r S m i th a nd th e ir pa r ty f us e d in t o Ossi an
n, .
”
, , ,
D r J o h ns o n a nd h is f o ll o w e rs c o nd e ns e d in t o P a drai g Th e
. , , .
fam o us R e d B o o k o f Cl a n r a n n a l d h a s al s o b e c o m e m y th ic al It s .
t ru e h is to ry w i ll b e f o und in t h e b o o k by t h e H i ghla nd S o ci e t y .
I wa s to l d in B e n b e cu l a h o w a ma n ha d f o und a b o o k c o n ta inin g ,
t h e h is t o ry o f t h e F e e n in a m e s s ; a nd h o w h e ha d pa r t e d w i th
,
i t t o a b l ind b e gga r w h o ha d s o l d pa r t t o a c l e rgy ma n t h e r e s t

, ,
wa s in A m e ric a Th e b o o k wa s n o t du g u p ; i t wa s o n t h e
.
“
m o ss It s e e m e d a s i f t h e a nc e s t o rs ha d s e n t i t
.
” .
3 .T h is s t o ry o f t h e B la c k bird s b o n e i s c o mm o n I h e a rd i t ’
.
m ys e lf f ro m s e v e r al m e n in S o u th U is t w i th va ri at i o ns A cc o rd , .
in g t o o e t h e d e e r s b o n e w a s t o t urn r o und o n e n d in t h e
n ,
’
b la ck bird s s han k A n o th e r v e rsi o n h a s b e e n s e n t t o m e f r o m

’
.
S u th e r la nd A cc o rdin g t o J H S i mp s o n a si m i la r t al e i s n o w
. . . ,
t o l d by t h e p e a s a n t ry o f Ma y o (P o e m s o f Ossi n B a rd o f Erin . , ,
f ro m t h e I ris h 1 85 7 pag e ,
M r M A C L E AN v e ry in g e ni o us l y
, .
su gg e s t s that t h e w o rd wh ic h n o w m e ans B la c k bird (L o n d u b h )

ma y o ri g in all y hav e m e a n t B la c k E LK A r m s t ro n g s D ic t i o n a ry -
.
’
gi v e s L o N a m e a d o w
,
L oN a di e t a dinn e r a s t o r e p r o v isi o n
,
.
, , , ,
f o o d LON a n o us e l a b la c k bird a n E l k L ON g r e e d p r attl e

, , , , , ,
h un g e r ; al s o a r o p e o f r aw h id e s us e d by t h e p e o pl e o f S t
, .
Ki l d a Th e w o rd th e n m ay m e a n alm o s t a ny th in g that c an b e
.
, ,
e at e n by ma n o r b e a s t in g e n e r al a nd a n e l k i n pa r t icu la r .
T h e r e a r e pl e n t y o f e lk s s t i ll l i v in g i n S c a ndin av i a T h e ir .
g i ga n t ic f o ssi l b o n e s a r e f o und in I ris h b o g s a nd i n t h e I s l e o f ,
M a n a wh o l e s k e l e t o n i s t o b e s e e n in t h e Bri t is h M us e u m a nd
i t is su ppo s e d that m e n a nd e lk s e xis t e d t o g e th e r in I r e la nd .
(S e e \V il s o n s P r e h is t o ric A nn al s o f S c o tla nd pag e 2 2

’
-
, :
T h e s t o ry p ro b a b l y r e s t s o n a f o und at i o n f fa c t — n am e l y t h e o ,
d isc o v e ry o f fo ssi l b o n e s —m ix e d u p w i th t h e fl o at in g t r a di t i o ns
a b o u t t h e F e n wh ic h p e r va d e b o th I r e la nd a nd S c o tla nd a nd
e ,
w h ic h hav e b e n w o v e n in t o p o e m s f o r c e n t uri e s in b o th c o un t ri e s
e .
T h e s e m a y d at e f r o m t h e d ays wh e n m e n h un t e d e lk s in Eri n a s
”
,
th e y n o w d o in S c a ndin av i a P a dr a i g p r o b ab l y s l i pp e d in
.
“
wh e n that curi u s di al o g u e wa s c o mp o s e d o f wh ic h s e v e ral

o ,
v e rsi o ns a r e s t i ll e x ta n t in o l d ma nuscri pt s .
4 . Th e S u th e r la nd rsi o n i s a s fo ll o w s
ve
Th e la s t o f the g i a n ts l i v e d am o n g t h e F e a rn H i ll s (R o ss s h ir e -
,
OS E A N AF T E R TH E F EE N . 119
and w i th in si ght o f t h e w ind o w s o f S k ib o ) h e h a d a n o n l y

d a ght e r ma rri e d n o t t o a g i a n t bu t t o a c o mm o n ma n
u , , .
H is so i n law did n o t alwa y s t r e at h i m w e ll fo r h e w a s s o m e

n- -
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t i m e s v e ry h un g ry a nd ha d t o w e a r a h un g e r b e lt
,
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.
O e d a y at dinn e r h is so i n law s a id t o h i m
n n -
D id y o u e v e r
-
,
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am o n g s t t h g i a n t s e a t suc h g o o d b e e f o f ro m so la rg e a n e x
e r
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2
”
, ,
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A m o n g s t us s a id t h e la s t o f t h e g i a n t s t h e l e g s o f t h e
, ,
“
birds w e re h e av i e r tha n t h e h ind q u a rt e rs o f y o ur e x ” .
T h e y la u gh e d h i m t o sc o rn a nd s a id that i t wa s b e c a us e h e
, ,
wa s b l ind that h e ma d e suc h m is tak e s s o h e c all e d t o a s r va n t e
a nd bid h i m brin g h is b o w a nd th re e a rr o w s a nd l e a d h i m by ,
t h e ha nd t o a c o rri e wh ic h h e n am e d i n t h e B a l n a go w a fo r e s t n .
“
Now
” s a id h e d o y o u s e e suc h a nd suc h a r o c k
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Yes s a id t h e s e r van t .
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,
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A nd is th e r e a s t e p in t h e fa c e o f i t ?
Ye s
” s a id t h e s e r va n t .
,
A r e th e r e rus h e s at t h e fo o t o f i t
‘
2
Ye s
” s aid t h e s e r va n t .
,
T h e n tak e m e t o t h e s t e p s a nd p u t m e o n t h e fi rs t o f th m
, , e .
Th e s e r va n t did so .
L o o k n o w a nd t e ll m e what c o m e s ” .
”
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I s e e birds s aid t h e fe ll o w
, .
A r e th e y bi gg e r tha n c o mm o n 3
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N o bi gg e r tha n in F e a rn s a i d t h e s e r va n t .
,
A l i ttl e aft e r \ V h a t d o y o se e ‘
u 9
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Bir d s s t i ll s a id t h e s e r van t
, .
A nd a r e th e y n o bi gg e r tha n usu al ?
T h e y a e th r e e t i m e s bi gge r tha n agl e s

r
” e .
A l i ttl e lat e r D o y o u s e e a ny m o re birds s a id t h e g i a n t

,
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2
.
Y e s birds that t h e a ir i s b la c k w i th th e m a nd t h e bi gg e s t
”
, ,
i s th re e t i m e s a s bi g a s a n e x .
”
T h e n g uid e m y ha nd t o t h e b o w s a id t h e b l ind g i an t a nd ,
t h e b o y g uid e d h i m so w ll that t h e bi gg s t bird f e ll at t h e f o o t

e e
o f t h e r o c k am o n g s t t h e rus h e s
”
.
T ak e h o m e a h ind q u a r t e r s a id t h e g i a n t a nd th e y c a rri e d
, ,
i t h o m e b e tw e e n th e m .
W h e n th e y c am e t o t h e h o us e o f h is s o n i law h e walk e d in -
n -
w i th i t a nd a i m e d a t r e m e nd o us b l w at t h e pla c e w h r e h i s
,
o e
so n i
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n l w usu all y s a t
-
a B e in g b l ind h e did n o t s e e that t h c ha i r
. e
wa s e mpt y i t w a s bro k n t o p i e c e s bu t t h e s o n ih law l i v e d t o

e - -
re p e n t a nd t r e at t h e b l ind g i a n t b e tt e r
,
.
12 0 W E S T HIGH LAND T ALE S .
I hav e a n o th e r v e rsi o n w ri tt e n in En gl is h by M r H u gh .
M a c Co l l ga rd e n e r at A r d ki n gl a s f r o m wh ic h i t app e a rs that
,
s,
t h e b l ind o l d g i a n t w a s Ossi a n a nd that h is fath e r i n law w s

,
- -
a
P a u l n a n e o i c l e r a c h P a u l o f t h e nin e c l e r k s (wh o m I s t r o n gl y
,
sus p e c t t o b e S t P at ric k ) T h e y q u e s t i o n e d h i m a b o u t d e e r ;
. .
a nd th is s h o w s h o w s t o ri e s alt e r f o r D A M H m e a ns 090 a nd sl a g
, ,
a nd in S u th e rla nd i t ha s b e c o m e e x .
5. T h e y w o u l d n o t b e l i e v e that Ossi an s b la c k birds w e re so ’
larg e H e go t a b o y a nd w e n t t o a h i ll a nd p u ll e d a t u ft o f
. ,
rus h e s a nd h e r e again is a n o th e r c han g e in t h e t r a ns at i o n fr o m l
G a e l ic t o En gli s h fo r TOM m e a ns a kn o l l a nd a b u sh Und e r t h e .
t u ft th e y fi nd a y e ll o w d o g a nd und e r a n o th e r fir e l o c ks and
, ,
s pa d e s wh ic h i s a n o th e r curi o us c ha n ge f r o m t h e b o w a nd
a rro w s T h e n th e y go t o a h i l l c o v e re d w i th w o o d wh ic h su i t s
.
,
t h e c o un t ry a b o u t S t ir l in g ; a nd t h e la d is m a d e t o di g a h o l e
w i th t h e s pa d e a nd p u t h is h e a d in t o i t Th e o l d g i an t wh is tl s
,
. e ,
a nd n e a r l y s pl i t s t h e b o y s h e a d a nd h e d o e s th is th ric e Th e
’
.
fi rs t t i m e t h e b o y s e s d e e r a s bi g a s p e at s ta c k s t h e s e c o nd a s
e -
,
la rg e a s h o us e t h e th ird a s la rg e a s h i ll s a nd th e y s l i p c u e
”
,
b a i e ma c k i ll e b i a c h t h e y e llo w d o g aft e r th e m
u , .
T h e n th e y k ind l e a fir e a nd r o a s t t h e d e e r H e r e t h e b e ttl e .
ha s dro pp e d o u t a nd t h e b o y e at s s o m e and o l d g i a n t is f uri o us

, ,
f o r i f h e ha d e at e n all h e c o u l d hav e r e c o v e r e d h is si ght The n .
h e t o o k t h e b o y t o a w o o d a nd m a d e h i m s h o o t a b la c k bird o n
,
i t s n e s t a nd h e t o o k h o m e a l e g wh ic h wa s s o h e av y that i t
, ,
br o k e t h e tab l e .
T h e n th e y t ri e d t o ge t t h e o l d ma n t o t e ll th e m m o re ab o u t
t h e Fa e n bu t h e w o u l d n o t b e c a us e th e y w o u l d n o t b e l i e v e h i m
, ,
a nd t h e n e x t d a y th e y w e n t w i th t h e b o y t o a w e ll a nd w run g ,
h is n e c k t o k e e p h i m sil en t al s o
, .
H e re a s i n all t h e v e rsi o ns wh ic h I hav e go t t h e b la c k b i r d

, ,
s e e m s t o b e ha u l e d i n t o a cc o un t f o r t h e G a e l ic w o r d wh ic h i s ,
bu t r a r e l y us e d a nd wh o s e m e a nin g is fo rg o tte n L O N D U B H
, .
m e ans b la c k b i r d o r b la c k E l k ; a nd sur e l y d e e r a s bi g a s h i ll s
m i ght hav e d o n e t o p ro v e t h e w o nd e rs o f t h e o l d e n t i m e T h e s e .
th r e e v e rsi o ns o f t h e s am e s t o ry s h o w a s w e ll a s a ny wh ic h I
,
hav e h o w t h e s am e tal e c han g e s in va ri o us l o c al i t i e s a nd wh y

, , .
I n S t ir l in g a nd in S u th e rla nd G a e l ic is fa din g r ap id l y E lk s .
hav e c e a s e d t o e xis t in S c o tla nd a nd t h e t r a di t i o n ha s c han g e d

w i th t h e t i m e s a nd s hap e s i t s e lf t o sui t t h e id e a s o f t h e n a rr ato rs
, ,
a n d t h e c o un t ry a b o u t th e m .
XXX II .
THE B ARRA VVI D OVV S S ON

’
.
F ro m Al e x a nd e r M a c N e il l , t e n an t a nd fi s h e r ma n th e n at ,
T a n gu a l B a rr a
, .
T
H E R E w a s a p o o r wid o w in B a rr a a nd sh e h a d a ,
b ab e o f a so n a n d I a in w a s h is n ame S h e wo u l d
, .
b e go i n g t o the s t ra nd t o g a th e r Sh e ll fish to f e e d h e rs e lf
-
a nd h e r b ab e W h e n S h e w a s o n t h e s t r an d o n a d a y
'
.
,
wh a t did s he se e bu t a v e ss e l o n the w e s t o f B a rr a .
T h r e e o f tho s e w h o we r e o n b o ar d p u t o u t a b o a t a nd ,
th e y w e r e n o t lo n g c o m in g o n s ho r e .
S h e W e n t t o t h e s h o r e a nd sh e e mpt i e d o u t th e
s h e ll fish b e sid e h e r T he m a s t e r o f t h e v e ss e l p u t a
-
.
qu e sti o n t o h er ”
Wh a t th in g w a s th a t ? S h e s a id
“
,
th a t i t w a s s t r a nd s h e ll fish the f o o d th a t s he h a d
-
.
“
\Vh a t l i t t le f a ir l a d is th is ?
” A so n o f m i n e
“ ” .
“
G i v e h i m t o m e a n d I w i ll g i v e th e e g o l d a nd si lv e r ,
a nd h e w i ll ge t sc h o o l i n g a n d t e a c h in g a nd h e w i ll b e
”
,
b e tte r o ff th a n t o b e h e r e w i th th e e — I h a d r a th e r .
“
”
su ff e r d e a th th a n g i v e t h e c h i l d a wa y — T h o u a r t .
“
si ll y Th e c h i l d a nd th ys elf w i ll b e w e ll o ff i f th o u
.
l e tt e s t h i m (go ) w i th m e W i th t h e l o ve o f t h e m o n e y
s he s a id th a t sh e w o u l d g i v e h i m the c h i l d Co me .
“
h i the r l a ds go o n b o a rd he r e s fo r y o u t h e k e V Op e n
, ,
’
.
a p r e ss in t h e c abin a n d y o u w i ll bri n g m e h i t h e r a
”
,
b o x th a t y o u w i ll fin d in i t T h e y w e n t a way t h ey
.
,
did th a t a nd th ey c ame He c a u ght t h e b o x h e op e n e d

, .
,
2
9
i t he e mpt i e d i t w i th a g us h (o r i n t o he r s k ir t ) a nd h e
, ,
di d n o t c o un t i t a ll a nd h e t o o k the c h i l d w i th h i m
,
.
S h e s t a id a s sh e w a s a nd whe n sh e saw the c h i l d

,
g o in g o n h e a r d sh e wo u l d h ave g i v e n a ll sh e e v e r s a w
th a t sh e h a d h i m He s a i l e d a w ay a nd h e w e n t t o
.
,
E ngl a nd He ga v e sc h o o l i n g a n d t e a c h in g t o t h e b o y
.
t i ll h e w a s e i ght e e n y e ars o n the ve ss e l It w a s I ain .
A l b a n a c h t h e b o y w a s c all e d a t fi rs t he g a ve h i m the ,
n am e o f I ain M a c a M a i gh st i r (J o h n m a s t e r s s o n ) ,
’
b e c a us e h e h i m s e lf w a s m a s t e r o f t h e v e ss e l T he .
o wner o f t h e v e ss el h a d s eve n s h i p s o n se a a n d s e v e n ,
s hop s * o n s ho r e — e a c h o n e g o i n g t o h e r o w n s hop w i th
h e r c ar go It h app e n e d to t h e s e ve n S h i p s t o b e a t
.
h o m e tog e th e r T he o wn er t o o k w i th h i m t h e s e ve n
.
S k i pp e r s t o t h e ho us e I a m gr o wi n g he a vy a nd ag e d
“ ”
, ,
s a id h e ; y o u a r e th e r e s e v e n m a s t e rs ; I h a d n o n e
“
altog e th e r th a t I wo u l d r ath e r th a n th o u I am w i tho u t .
a m a n o f c l a n th o u gh I a m m a rri e d I k n ow n o t w i th
wh o m I w i ll l e a v e m y go o ds a nd I h a v e a g r e a t s h a r e
,
th e r e w a s n o n e I wo u l d r a the r g i v e i t t o th a n th e e bu t
”
,
th a t th o u ar t w i th o u t c l a n a s I a m m ys e lf ”
I s a id .
,
t h e s k i pp e r h a ve a so n e i ght e e n y e a rs o f a ge in t h e
“
”
,
s h i p w h o h a s n e v e r b e e n l e t o u t o f he r a t a ll — I s
, .
“
n o t th a t w o n d e r f u l f o r m e a n d th a t I did n o t h e a r o f
”!
,
it M a ny a th in g m i ght t h e l i k e o f m e h a v e a nd
“
”
,
n ot t ell i t t o y o u Go a nd bri n g h i m d o w n h i th e r to
.
me th a t I m ay se e h i m ” He w e n t a nd h e br o u ght h i m
.
d o w n a nd h e se t h i m in o rd e r I s th is th y so n “
”
,
“
It i s s a id t h e sk i ppe r
, Wh e the r w o u l ds t th o u
.
“
r a th e r s t ay w i th me o r go w i th th y f a the r o n the s e a
,
a s th o u w e r t b e f o r e a nd th a t I s h o u l d m a k e th e e a n
,
h e ir fo r e v e r W e ll th e n i t w a s ev e r a t s e a th a t I
,
Bu t h a n a n , B o o th s .
TH E B A RR A W IDo w S SON
’
. 12 3
was r a is e d a n d I n eve r go t m uc h o n s h o r e f r o m m y
,
y o u th ; so a t se a I w o u l d r a th e r b e ; bu t a s y o u a r e
d e te r m i n e d t o k e e p m e l e t m e s t ay w i th y o urs e lf
” .
,
“
I h a v e s ev e n s h o p s o n s h o r e a nd th o u mus t t ak e
‘
th y h an d in t h e s e v e n s h o p s T h e r e a r e c l e r k s a t e v e r y
'
o n e o f t h e sho ps
” s a id h e N o o n e o f th e m w i ll h o l d
.
,
b a d op i n i o n o f h i m s e lf th a t h e i s n o t a s g o o d a s I If .
o u insis t th a t I t ake them I w i ll t ake t h e s e v e n th o n e

y
”
,
o f th e m .
He t o o k t h e s ev e n th o n e o f the s h e p s a nd t h e fi rs t ,
d ay o f h i s g o in g in he s e n t w o r d th r o ugh t h e tow n ,
t h e th i n g th a t w a s b e f o r e a p o und w o u l d b e a t fift e e n
s h i ll i n g s ; so th a t e v e ry th in g i n t h e s h o p w a s d ow n ,
a n d t h e s h o p w a s e m pt y b e f o r e t h e s h i p s c a m e He .
( t h e o w n e r ) w e n t in b e ,
c o un t e d h i s m o n ey a nd h e ,
s a id th a t t h e s h o p w a s e mpty It is n o t w o nd e r f u l
.
“
tho ugh i t w e r e wh e n the th in g th a t w a s b e fo r e a p o u n d

”
,
i s l e t d o w n t o fift ee n s h i ll i n g s A nd m y O I D E a r e
.
“
, ,
y o u t a k i n g th a t i ll D o y o u n o t see th a t I w o u l d p u t
o u t a ll in the s h o p s e v e n t i m e s b e f o r e th e y c o u l d p u t i t
o u t o nc e
” . \Vi th th a t th o u m us t t ak e t h e r e s t in
“
h a nd a nd l e t th e m o u t s o ” T he n h e to o k th e r es t in
.
,
h a n d a nd h e w a s a m a s t e r ab o v e t h e o th e r c l e rk s
, .
Wh e n t h e s h i p s c ame t h e s h o p s alt o ge th e r w e r e
empty T h e n h i s m a s t e r s aid
. Wh e the r w o u l ds t th o u
,
“
r a th e r b e m a s t e r ov e r t h e s h o p s o r go w i th o n e o f
the s ev e n s h i p s T ho u w i lt ge t th y c ho ic e o f t h e s e v e n
sh ip s ” It is a t sea I w a s e v e r r a is e d a n d I w i ll t ak e
”
.
a s h ip He go t a s h i p C o m e s e nd h i th e r h e r e
“
”
. .
,
to me t h e s e v e n s k i pp e rs Th e s e v e n s k i pp e r s
.
ca me . No w
“ ” s aid h e t o t h e si x s k i pp e r s th a t
,
w e r e g o i n g w i th I a i n I a in is g o i n g w i th y o u y o u
,
“
,
w i ll se t th r e e s h i p s b e fo r e a nd th r e e b e h i n d a n d h e ,
w i ll b e in t h e m idd l e a nd u n l e ss y o u brin g hi m wh o l e
, ,
12 4 W EST H IG H LAN D T ALE S .
h i the r t o m e the r e i s bu t to s e i ze y o u a nd h a n g
” ”
,
y ou . the n m y a d opte d f a th e r s a id I ain

, , ,
“
th a t is n o t ri ght T he s h i p s a r e go in g t o gethe r a
.
,
'
s t o r m m ay c o m e a nd dri ve us f r om e a c h o th e r ; l e t
e a c h d o a s b e s t he m a y
” T he s h i p s we n t th e y s a i le d
.
, ,
a nd i t w a s a c ar go o f c o al th a t I a i n p u t in h is o w n .
T h e r e c a me o n th e m a gr e a t d ay o f s t o r m T he y w e r e .
dri v e n f r o m e a c h othe r Wh e r e did I a in s a i l bu t t o

.
Turk e y He to o k a nc ho r a ge in T u r ke y a t e a r l y d a y
.
,
a nd h e tho u ght t o go o n s ho r e to t ake a wa lk He .
w a s g o in g b e f o r e h i m w a lk i n g h e s a w t w o o u t o f the ir
s h ir t s w o r k in g a nd a s tho u gh the y h a d two ir o n fla il s
!
.
,
Wh a t h a d th e y bu t a m a n s c o r p s e Wh a t a r e y o u
’ “
d o in g to the c o rp s e — I t w a s a C h ris t i a n ; we h a d
“
e i ght m a rk s aga ins t h i m a nd sinc e h e did n o t p ay us ,
wh i le h e w a s al i ve we wi ll t ak e i t o u t o f h is c o rp s e
”
,
wi th the fia il s We ll the n le a ve h i m w i th me a nd
.
“
”
,
I w i ll p ay y o u the e i ght m a rk s He s e i z e d h i m he .
,
to o k h i m f r o m th e m h e p a id th e m a n d h e p u t m ou l d
, ,
a nd e ar th o n h i m It wa s s oo n fo r h i m to r e t urn t i ll
.
h e s h o u l d se e m o r e o f the l a nd o f t h e Tur k He we n t .
o n a bi t a nd wh a t s ho u l d h e s e e the r e bu t a g r e a t
cr o w d o f m e n togeth e r He t o ok o v e r whe r e th e y .
we r e Wh a t did h e se e bu t a gap in g r e d fir e o f a
.
g r e a t hot fi r e a nd a w o m a n s t ri pp e d b e tw e e n t h e fir e
” ”
,
a nd th e m . Wh a t s a id b e
“
a r e y o u d o in g he r e ? ,
“
”
,
“
T h e r e a r e s a id the y
,
two C h ris t i a n wome n th a t
,
“
t h e g r e a t Tur k go t th e y we r e c a u ght o n the o c e a n he

h a s h a d them f r o m t h e e n d o f e i ght y e a rs T h is o n e .
w a s p r o m isi n g h i m th a t sh e wo u l d m a rry h i m e v e ry
y e a r : wh e n t h e t i m e c a m e to m a rry h i m sh e wo u l d n o t
m a rry h i m a bi t He o rd e r e d h e rs e lf a nd the w o m a n
.
th a t wa s w i th he r to b e bur n t O n e o f them w a s
”
.
burn t a nd th is o n e is a s y et unburn t
,
.
TH E BA R R A W I Do w S se x
’
. 12 5
“
I wi ll g i v e y o u a go o d l o t of si lv e r a nd gol d i f
o u w i ll l e a v e he r w i th me a n d y o u m ay sa y t o h i m
y
”
,
th a t y o u burn t he r .T he y lo o k e d a t e a c h o th e r .
T h e y s a id th a t h e wo u l d get th a t He we n t a nd h e .
to o k h er w i th h i m o n b o a rd a nd he c l o th e d he r in
,
c l o th a nd l in e n.
“
No w
” s a id sh e tho u h a s t s a v e d m y l i f e f o r me ;
“
, ,
th o u m us t t ak e c a r e o f th ys elf in th is pl a c e T h o u .
s h a lt go u p n ow t o y o nd e r c h an g e ho us e T he m a n o f -
.
t h e inn w i ll p u t a q u e s t i o n t o thee wh a t c a r g o th o u
h a s t Say tho u a c a r go o f c o al He w i ll sa y th a t
. .
w o ul d b e well w o r th s e ll in g in th e pl a c e wh e r e th o u a r t .
Say tho u i t is fo r s ell in g i t th a t th o u a r t c o m e ; wh a t

offe r wi ll h e m ake fo r i t He w i ll say t o mo rr ow a t
.
,
-
si x o c lo c k th e r e w o u l d b e a wa ggo n o f gol d go in g
’
d o w n a nd a w a ggo n o f c o a l c om i n g u p s o th a t the
, ,
s h i p m i ght b e k e pt in h s ame m *
t i ll si x o c lo c k ’
t e tr i ,
o n t h e n e x t ni ght .Say th o u th a t tho u w i lt t a ke

th a t ; bu t un l e ss tho u a r t w a t c hfu l th e y w i ll c om e i n
t h e ni ght whe n e v e ry m a n is a s l e e p w i th m us ket s a nd ,
p is to l s ; the y w i ll se t t h e s h i p o n the g r o und ; th e y

w i ll ki ll eve ry m a n a nd the y w i ll t ak e the g o l d wi th
”
,
th e m .
He we n t to the m a n o f the inn a nd ag r e e d w i th ,
h i m a s sh e h a d t au ght h i m T h ey b ega n o n t h e mo rr ow
.
,
in th e mo rnin g to p u t d o w n the go l d a nd t ake u p t h e

, ,
c o al . Th e s k i pp e r h a d a m a n s t a ndin g l o o k in g o u t
th a t the v e ss e l s h o u l d b e in t r i m Whe n the c o a l w a s
.
o u t a nd the s h i p w a s a s he a v y w i th t h e g o l d a s sh e w a s
,
w i th the c o al ; a nd whe n he wa s o n s h o r e sh e got a n ,
o rd e r f o r t h e s a i l o rs to t ak e h e r a d v ic e t i ll h e s h o u l d
co me .
“ ”
P u t u p s a id sh e the s a i l s a nd dra w t h e
“
, , ,
Tru mp .
a nc ho rs . P u t a r ope o n s ho r e ” T h e y did th a t He . .
c am e o n b o a rd t h e s h i p s a i l e d a w ay th r o u gh t h e ni gh t
the y h e a rd a s hot bu t th e y w e r e o u t a nd th e y n e ve r
, ,
c a u ght th e m m o r e .
T h e y s ai le d t i ll th e y r e a c he d E n gl a nd Thre e .
s h i p s h a d r et urn e d a nd t h e th r ee s k i pp e rs we r e in
,
p ris o n t i ll I a i n s h o u l d c om e b a c k I a in w e n t u p a n d .
h e r e a c h e d h is a d o pte d f a the r T he gol d w a s t ake n .
o n sh o re a nd t h e o l d m a n h a d t w o th irds a nd I a in a
,
th ird . He go t c h a m b e rs fo r t h e wom a n whe r e s he ,
s ho ul d n o t b e t r o ub le d .
“
A r t th o u th ink in g th a t tho u w i lt go y et s a i d the
wom a n t o h i m I a m th i n k in g th a t I h a v e e n o u gh o f
.
t h e w o r l d w i th th a t s am e
” T ho u we n t e s t b efo r e f o r
.
th i ne o w n wi ll i f th o u w o u l ds t b e so go o d a s t o go n o w
”
,
w i th m y w i ll ” . I w i ll d o th a t C ome t o th a t s h o p .
w i tho u t ; t ake fr o m i t a c o a t a nd a b r igi s a nd a w a is t , ,
c o a t t ry i f th o u c a ns t ge t a c a r go o f h e rr i n g a nd th o u
s h alt go w i th i t t o S p a in W h e n the c a rgo is i n c ome
.
”
,
wh e r e I am b ef o r e th o u g o e s t .
Wh e n h e go t t h e c a rgo o n b o a rd he we n t whe r e
sh e w a s H a s t t h e n go t the c a rgo o n b o a rd I
“ “
”
.
h ave go t i t .
“
T h e r e is a dr e ss he r e a nd the fi rs t S und ay a fte r ,
th o u h a s t r e a c h e d t h e S p a in tho u wi lt p u t i t o n a nd ,
th o u w i lt go t o the c h urc h w i th i t He r e is a wh is tl e .
,
a n d a rin g a nd a b ook
, Le t the r e b e a ho rs e a nd a
.
s e r va n t wi th th e e T h o u s h a lt p u t t h e rin g o n th y
.
fi n ge r ; l e t t h e b o ok b e in th in e h a nd th o u w i lt se e
i n t h e c h urc h th r e e s e a t s t w o tw is t e d c h a irs o f g o l d
, ,
a n d a c h a ir o f si lv e r T ho u s h a lt t ake hol d o f the

.
b o o k a nd b e r e a din g i t a nd the fi rs t m a n th a t go e s
,
o u t o f t h e c h u r c h b e th o u o u t W a i t n ot fo r m a n .
a l i ve un le ss the Kin g o r the Q u e e n me e t th e e

” .
,
TH E B A RR A W i Do w s SON
’
. 12 7
He s ai l e d t i ll h e r e a c h e d t h e S p a in ; h e t o o k
a nc h o r a g e a nd h e we n t u p t o t h e c h a n ge ho us e
,
He -
.
a s k e d fo r a din n e r t o b e s et in o rd e r T he di n n e r w a s .
s e t o n th e b o a r d . T h e y w e n t ab o u t t o s e e k h i m A .
t r e nc he r w a s se t o n t h e b o a rd a nd a c o v e r o n i t a n d
, ,
t h e h o u s ew i f e s a id t o h i m T h e r e is me a t a nd drin k
e n o u gh o n t h e b o a rd b e f o r e y o u t ak e e n o u gh bu t d o
”
, ,
n o t l i ft t h e c ov e r th a t is o n t h e t o
p o f t h e t r e nc h e r .
S h e dr ew the d oo r w i th h e r He b e g a n a t h is di n n e r
. .
He th o u ght t o hi m s e lf tho u gh i t w e r e i t s fill o f g o l d

,
th a t w e r e in the t r e nc he r o r a fill o f ,
n o th in g ev e r we n t o n b o a rd th a t he m i ght n o t p ay He .
l i fte d t h e c ove r o f t h e t r e n c h e r a nd wh a t w a s o n t h e
,
t r e nc h e r bu t a c o u pl e o f h e rrin g If th is b e the t h in g
.
s h e w a s h idin g f r om m e Sh e n e e d n o t
” a nd he a t e o n e ,
he rrin g a nd the o n e sid e o f t h e o th e r W h e n the h o us e .
w i f e s a w th a t t h e h e rri n g w a s e a t e n M o c h r e a ch “
” !
,
mh o r l m y g r e a t ruin s aid sh e ; h o w i t h a s f all e n o u t “
W a s I n eve r a da y th a t I c o u l d n o t ke e p t h e pe o pl e
o f t h e r e alm t i ll to — d ay Wh a t h a s b e fall e n thee
“
It i s th a t I n e v e r w a s a d ay th a t I m i ght n o t p u t a
”
,
h e rrin g b e fo r e them t i ll t o d ay -
Wh a t w o u l ds t th o u
.
gi ve f o r a b a rr el o f he rrin g s T w e n ty Sa x o n
po unds .
” Wh a t w o ul ds t tho u g i v e fo r a s h i p l o a d
“
T h a t is a th i n g th a t I c o u l d n o t buy ” W e ll th e n .
, ,
I w i ll g i ve th e e t wo h undr e d h e r rin g f o r t h e t wo h erri n g

”
,
a nd I wis h the s h i p w e r e aw ay a nd the he rri n g s s o l d .
O n t h e fi rs t S und ay he got a h o rs e wi th a bri dle

a n d sa ddl e ”
L
a nd a gi ll i e He we n t t o t h e c h urc h h e
.
s a w the th r e e c h a irs T he q u e e n sa t o n t h e ri ght

.
h a nd o f the k in g a n d he h i m s e lf sa t o n t h e l e ft ; h e
,
took the b o o k o u t o f h is po c k e t a nd he b e ga n r e adi n g

,
.
D i am o nds . A ll rid e rs hav e not th e s e l uxuri e s .

12 8 W E S T HIG H LAND T ALE S .
It wa s notthe s e rmo n th a t the k in g s l o ok s we r e

on
’
,
n o r th e q u ee n s bu t r a inin g t e a rs
’
,
Whe n th e s e r m o n .
s k a il e d he we n t o u t T he r e w e r e th r ee n o b le s a ft e r h i m
.
,
s h o u t in g th a t the k in g h a d a m a tt e r f o r h i m He wo ul d .
n o t r et urn He b etook h i m s e l f t o the c h a n g e ho us e

.
-
th a t ni ght He s t a id a s he w a s t i ll the n e x t S und ay

.
,
a nd h e we n t t o s e r m o n ; h e wo u l d n o t s t ay f o r a ny
o n e a nd he r et urn e d t o th e c h a n ge —
,
h o us e Th e th ird .
S und ay he we n t to t h e c h ur c h I n th e m i ddl e .
of the s e r m o n t h e k in g a nd q u e e n c a me o u t ; the y
s t o o d a t e a c h sid e o f the (brid l e ) r e in Wh e n t h e .
kin g s a w h i m c o m in g o u t h e l e t go t h e r e i n ; h e
took h is h a t o ff t o the gr o und a nd he m a d e m a nn e rs ,
’
at h im .B y y o ur l e av e ; y o u n e e dn t m ak e suc h
“
m a nn e rs a t me It is I th a t s ho u l d m ak e th e m to
.
y o urs e lf ” If i t we r e y o ur w i ll th a t y o u s ho u l d go
“
!!
.
w i th m e to t h e p al a c e t o t ake dinn e r ” U d U d it .
“
is a m a n b elow y o u wi th wh o m I wo u l d go to dinn e r ” .
T he y r e a c he d t h e p a l a c e F o o d w a s s et in t h e pl a c e
.
o f e a t i n g drin k in the pl a c e o f drin k in g m usic in the

, ,
pl a c e o f h e arin g T he y w e r e pl yin g the fe a s t a nd the

.
*
c o mp a ny wi th j o y a nd gl a dn e ss b e c aus e the y h a d ,
hope s th a t the y wo ul d get n ew s o f th e i r d a u ghte r

”
.
“
Oh s k i ppe r o f t h e s h i p s aid the q u e e n h id e n ot
”
, , ,
f r om me a th i n g th a t I a m go in g to a s k thee Any .
th in g th a t I h a ve th a t I c a n tell I w i ll n o t h id e i t f r om
you .
” A nd h id e n o t f r om me th a t a w o m a n s h a nd
“ ’
s e t th a t dr e ss ab o u t y o ur b a ck y o ur c o a t y o ur b r i gi s
, , ,
a n d y o ur w a is t c o a t a nd g a v e
y o u t h e rin g ab o u t y o ur
,
‘
fi n ge r a nd the b o o k th a t w a s in y o u r h a n d a nd the
”
, ,
wh is tle th a t y o u we r e pl ayi n g I wi ll n o t h id e i t
.
“
.
T h is pa ss ag e is o ne c o mm o n to many r e ci t e rs a nd s p o i l e d by
,
t ra ns lat i o n .
TH E BAR 1 A W I D o w s se x 12 9
’
.
W i th a wom a n s ri ght h a nd ev e r y wh i t o f th e m w a s
’
r e a c he d to me ” A nd wh e r e d ids t th o u fi nd h e r ?
“
”
.
’
Tis a d a u ghte r o f m in e th a t is th e r e I kno w n o t .
“
to wh o m sh e is d a u ghte r I f o u n d h er in Turk e y ab o u t
”
.
t o b e burn e d in a gr e a t ga p in g fi r e Saw e s t th o u a “
”
.
wom a n a l o n g w i th he r ? I did n o t se e h er ; sh e “
w a s burn e d b e f o r e I a rri v e d I b o u ght h e r w i th g o l d .
a nd si lve r I took he r w i th m e a nd I h a ve got h e r i n

” ”
.
,
a c h am b e r in E n gl a nd T he k in g h a d a gr e a t g e n e r al
.
“
,
s a id the q u e e n a nd wh a t s ho u l d h e d o bu t f all in love

,
“
w i th h e r He r f a the r w a s a s k in g h e r t o m ar r y h i m a nd
.
,
sh e wo u l d n ot m a rry h i m S h e we n t a w ay he rs elf a nd .
’
t h e d a u ghte r o f h e r f a th e r s br o the r w i th a v e ss e l t o t ry ,
i f he w o u l d fo r g e t he r T h e y w e n t o ve r to Tur k ey ; .
t h e Tur k c a u ght them a nd w e h a d n ot hope to s e e h e r

”
,
al i v e fo r ev e r .
“
If i t b e y o ur pl e a sur e a nd th a t y o u y o urs e l f ,
a r e w i ll in g I w i ll set a s h i p w i th y o u to s e e k he r ;
,
y o u w i ll get h e rs elf to m a rry h a lf t h e r e a lm s o lo n g ,
a s t h e k in g l i v e s a nd th e whole r e a lm wh e n he i s
,
d ead ” . I sc o rn to d o th a t ; bu t s e n d a s h i p a n d a
“
s k i pp e r a w ay a nd I wi ll t ak e h e r h o m e a nd i f th a t b e
”
,
h e r o w n w i ll p e r h ap s I w i ll n o t b e a g a ins t i t
, .
A s h i p wa s m a d e r e a dy ; wh a t s ho ul d t h e g e n e r a l
d o bu t p ay a l a d to h a ve h i m t ake n o n b o a rd un k n o w n
,
t o t h e s k i pp e r ; he go t h i m s e lf h idd e n in a b a r r e l .
T h ey s ai l e d f a r ; s h o r t t i m e th ey w e r e in r e a c h in g
E n gl a nd T h ey t o o k he r o n b o a rd a nd th e y s a i l e d
.
,
b a c k fo r S p a i n I n the m ids t o f t h e se a o n a fi n e
.
,
d ay h e a nd sh e c am e u p o n d e c k a nd wh a t s h o u l d he
, ,
s e e bu t a n is l a nd b e y o n d h i m ; i t w a s p r e tty c a l m a t
t h e t i me L a ds t ake m e t o the is l a nd fo r a wh i l e
.
“
”
.
,
t o h un t t i ll th e r e c o me s o n us t h e l i k e n e ss o f a b r e e ze
,
.
W e w i ll ” T h e y se t h i m o n s ho r e o n t h e is l a n d ; whe n
.
t h ey left h i m o n the is l a nd th e b o a t r e t urn e d Wh e n .
t h e g e n e r a l sa w th a t h e w a s o n the is l a nd h e p r om is e d ,
m o r e wa ge s t o t h e s k i pp e r a n d t o the cr e w fo r th a t ,
th ey s h o u l d l e a v e h i m th e r e a nd the y left I ai n o n th e
is l a nd .
\Vh e n sh e p e rc e i v e d th a t the y h a d l e ft I a in o n th e
i s l a nd sh e w e n t m a d a nd th e y w e r e fo rc e d to bind
, ,
h er . T h e y s a i le d t o S p a in T hey s e n t wo rd t o the
.
k in g th a t h is d a u ght e r h a d g r ow n si ll y a s i t s eem e d , ,
f o r t h e l o ss o f t h e f o r m o f h e r h usb a nd a nd lov e r Th e .
k in g b e t o o k h i m s e lf to s o rr o w to b l a c k m e l a nc h o l y and
, ,
to w o e a nd t o h e a r t—
,
br e ak in g b e ca us e o f wh a t h a d
,
a ris e n ; a nd (b e c aus e ) h e h a d bu t he r o f so n o r
d a u ght e r .
I a in w a s in t h e is l a nd h a ir a nd h e a r d gr ow n ove r
,
h i m ; t h e h a ir o f h is h e a d d o w n b e tw e e n h is two
s h o u l d e rs h is s hoe s wo rn to p u lp w i th o u t a th r e a d o f
, ,
c l o th e s o n th a t w a s n o t go n e t o r a g s wi th o u t a bi t e o f
fle s h o n h i m h is b o n e s bu t s t ic k in g t o g e the r
,
.
O n a ni ght o f ni ght s wh a t s h o u l d h e b e a r bu t the

,
r o w in g o f a b o a t c om in g t o the is l a nd A r t tho u .
“
”
the r e I a in A l b a n i ch ? s a id t h e o n e in the b o a t .
,
T h o u gh he wa s h e a ns we r e d n ot He wo u l d r a th e r
,
.
fi nd d e a th a t the sid e o f a h i ll th a n b e k i ll e d .
“
I k n ow th a t tho u h e a r e s t me a nd a ns w e r ; i t is ,
j us t a s well fo r th e e t o an s w e r me a s th a t I s ho u l d go
”
,
u p a nd t ak e th e e d o w n by fo rc e He w e n t a nd h e
.
,
t o o k h i m s e lf d ow n A r t th o u w i ll in g to go o u t o f
“
”
.
the is l a nd ? W ell the n I a m ; i t is I th a t a m

“
”
, ,
th a t i f I c o ul d get mys e lf t ake n o u t o f i t

,
Wh a t .
“
w o u l ds t tho u g i v e to a m a n th a t wo u l d t ak e th e e o u t
o f th is ?
” T he r e w a s a t i m e wh e n I m i ght g i ve
“
s o m e th in g t o a m a n th a t w o u l d t ake me o u t o f th is ;
bu t t o d ay I h a v e n o t a th in g ” W o u l ds t tho u g i ve
.
“
TH E B A RR A W I D OW S S O N ’
. 1 31
o ne h a lf of th y w i f e t o a m a n t h a t wo u l d t ak e thee o u t
o f th is ?
” I h a ve n o t th a t
“ ” I do n ot sa y i f th o u
.
“
h ads t th a t th o u w o u l ds t g i v e he r aw ay ” I w o ul d .
“
”
,
g i ve he r . \V o u l dst th o u g i v e h a lf th y c h i l dr e n to
“
a m a n th a t wo u l d ta ke thee o u t o f th is ” I wo u l d “
”
.
g i v e th e m . D o w n h i th e r ; si t in t h e s t e rn O f t h e
“
b o at ” . He s a t in the s t e rn o f t h e b o a t Wh e th e r “
.
w o u l ds t th o u r a the r go t o E n gl a nd o r S p a i n ? ” To “
S p a in ” . He w e n t w i th h im a nd b efo r e the d ay c ame

,
he wa s in S p a in .
He w e n t u p t o th e c h an g e ho us e ; t h e h o us ew i f e
!
-
k n ew h i m in a m o m e n t I s th is I a i n
.
“ ” s a id sh e .
“
It is the s h e a th o f a ll th a t t h e r e w a s o f h i m th a t is
he r e ”
!
.
“
P o o r l y h a s i t b e f all e n thee ” s a id sh e S he we n t .
’
a nd S h e s e n t a me ss a g e t o a b a rb e r s b o oth a nd h e w a s ,
’
c l e a ns e d ; a nd w o r d t o a t a i l o r s b ooth a nd c l o the s w e r e ,
’
g o t f o r h i m sh e s e n t w o rd t o a s hoem ake r s b ooth a n d ,
s h o e s we r e go t fo r h i m O n t h e m o rr o w wh e n h e w a s
.
p r op e r l y c l e a ns e d a nd a rr ay e d h e w e n t t o t h e p al a c e o f
,
’
t h e k in g a nd he pl a y e d t h e wh is tl e
,
Wh e n t h e k i n g s
.
d au ght e r he a rd t h e wh is tl e sh e g a v e a s p ri n g a nd sh e ,
br o k e the th ird p a r t O f t h e c o rd th a t b o und he r T h e y .
a s ke d h e r t o k e e p s t i ll a n d th e y t i e d mo r e c o rds o n
,
h er O n t h e m o r r o w h e g a ve a b l a s t o n the wh is tl e
’
.
,
a n d sh e br ok e t w o p a r t s Of a ll th a t we r e o n h e r On .
t h e th ird d a y wh e n sh e h e a rd h is wh is tl e s he br o ke ,
th r e e q u a r t e rs ; o n t h e f o u r th d ay sh e br ok e wh a t w a s
o n h e r a lt o g e the r Sh e r o s e a n d sh e we n t o u t t o m e e t
.
h i m a nd the r e n ev e r w a s a w o m a n m o r e s a n e th a n
,
sh e. W o rd w a s s e n t u p to t h e k in g o f S p a i n th a t ,
th e r e n e ve r w a s a g ir l m o r e s a n e t h a n sh e ; a nd th a t the
b o di l y p r e s e nc e o f he r h usb a nd a nd lov e r h a d c om e to
he r.
1 32 W EST H IGHLAND T ALE S .
A c o a c h wa s s e n t to f e t c h I a in the k in g a n d h i s
“
gr e a t ge n tle s we r e w i th h i m ; he was t ake n u p o n

*
the d e a d l y po in t s M usic w a s r a is e d a nd l a me n t l a id
.
,
d ow n m e a t w a s s et i n the pl a c e o f e a t in g drin k in ,
the pl a c e o f drink in g m usic in the pl a c e fo r h e arin g ;

,
a c hee ry he a r ty j o ll y we ddin g w a s m a d e I a in go t
, ,
.
’
o n e h a lf o f th e r e alm ; a ft e r t h e k in g s d e a th he o t it
g
a lt o gethe r Th e ge n e r a l w a s s e i ze d ; h e w a s to rn
.
a mo n g s t ho rs e s h e w a s burn e d a mo n g s t fi r e s a nd the
a s he s w e r e let (fly ) w i th t h e w ind .
A f te r t h e d e a th o f t h e k in g a nd q u ee n I a in w a s ,
k in g ove r S p a i n T h r e e s o ns we r e b o rn to h i m O n
. .
a n i ght he h e ard a k n o cki n g i n th e d oo r T he a s ke r “
”
is c ome s a i d he Who wa s the r e bu t the v e ry m a n
.
,
th a t took h i m o u t Of the i s l a nd A r t th o u f o r k e e p
“
i n g th y p r om is e s a id the o n e wh o c am e I am ” “
, ,
s a id I a in T h in e o w n b e th y r e alm a nd th y c h i l dr e n
“
,
a nd m y b l e ssi n g l D o s t tho u r e m e m b e r whe n tho u

dids t p a y e i ght me rk s f o r the c o r p s e o f a m a n in
Turke y th a t w a s m y b o dy he a lth b e th in e tho u wi lt
s ee me n o m o r e .
M A C NA B A N TR A I C H B HA R R A CH .
B H A b an t r a ch b h o c h d am B a rr a ag us b h a l e a n a b h m ic a ic c
an n , ,
ag u s s e Ia in a b a in m d ha B h i o dh i d o l d o n t r aigh a
’ ’
.
’
c h r u i nn e a c h a dh m a o r a i c h a i r s o n i fh i n s a n l e a n a b h a b h e a t h a
’
c h a dh . N u r a b h a i s a n t r aigh l a t h a b ha n si n dé c h u n n a i c i
’ ’
a c h so i t h e a ch a ir a n a i rd a n Ia r d e B ha rr a C h u i r t ri u ir d e n a
.
b h a a ir b Or d a ma c h b a ta s c ha b fb a d a b ha e n d a t i gh n a ir
’ ’ ’ ’
.
*
T h is I t a k e t o b e a ph r a s e w r o n gl y us e d ; a n o ld ph r a s e ,
m e a nin g that t h e p e rs o n a g e wa s r a is e d o n s p e a rs . Th e p a ss age

is c o mm o n .
MAC NA B A N TR A I CH B HA R R A C H . 1 33
tir Ch a i d h i se go s a c h l a d a c h s dh ei r t
. i m m a o r a eh l am b
’ ’ ’
r iu t h a C h u i r M a i gh s t i r a n t so i t h i c h c e i s d urr a d e n ru d a b h a ’
-
.
n sind Th u i t i go n r o b b m a o r a e h c l a d a i c h am b i a d h a b h
’ ’ ’
. r
” ”
,
g i l i e b e ag b a n a tha n so Ma c d o mh
’ ’
a ic e De Th e i r
“ ? “ “
. n , .
d h o mh s e ag us b h e i r m i d h u i t Or ag us a i r gio d ag us gh e ib h e
’
”
, ,
s bid h e n a s f h e ar r n a b h i a a d s a n so
’ ’ ’ ’
s go il a s i o n n sa c h a dh g
”
.
,
S f h e arr l e am h as fh u i l e a n n n a m pais d a t h o i r t s ea c h a d
’ ’ ’
.
T ha th u ger r a ch bid h th u f h i n s a n l e a n a b h go math m a l ige a s ’
”
,
t u l e am e L e ga o l a n a i r gi d t h u i r t i go n d t h u ga d h i n l e a n
.
’ ’
ab h d a Th a l l a ib h a n s o gh il l e a n Th e i r i gi b h a ir h er d ; s o
“
. .
f o sgl a ib h p r ess ar ms a c h a b z n s b h e i r sib b

’
d i hh i u c h a i
’
u r ,
t h u ga m s b esd a n a gh e i b h s i b h a nn D h f h a l b h e n d rinn cud

’
a .
’
si u d s t h ain i g e u d Ru g e a ir b o sc a dh fh o sg a il e e dh o i rt e
.
’ ’
’
n a sgu i r t e s c ha d o c h u d e idir e s th u g e l e is a n l e a n a b h
’
nn ,
’
.
D h f h a n i se m ur a b ha i s nur c h u n n a i c i n l e a a b h a d o l a ir
’ ’ ’
,
n
b erd b h e i r e a dh i n a c h u a i c i r i a b h go n r o b h e a icc S h e Ol
,
nn
’
.
e s a n a ir f a l b h ag us gh b h e g o u i g e S a su n n T h u g e sgo i l a s ’
a r .
i o n sa c h a d h d o n b h a l a c h go s a n r o b b e o c h d b l i a d h n a di ag a i r
’
n ,
a n t so i t h e a c h
-
S e Ia in A l b an n a c h a b h a ir a b h a l a c h a n
.
’ ’ ’
t o is e a c h T h u g e s a n Ia in Ma c a M h a i gh s ti r a ir a t h a o b h go m
.
,
b e f h i n m a i gh st i r a n t s o i t h i c h B ha a i g o wn er a n t so i t h i c h
-
.
-
s e a c h d s o i t h i c h e a n a ir m uir ag us se a c h d b ut h a a n air t ir—a ,

nn
’
h i l e t g a b h a i l th un a b u th f h i n l e a l u c h d Th a c h a i r d o n a
’
-
u e .
s e a c h d l o i n g e as a b h i a ig a n t i gh c o m h l a T h u g a n s e a l b h a da i r .
su a s l e is n a se a c h d sgi o b a i e a n th un a n t i gh e T ha m i fa s r .
“ ’
t ro m s e s an T ha sib b a n si n se a c h d ma igh st i r e a n
ur
’
.
c ha r o bb g in agam g u l eir a bu d o c ha l e a rn n a t h u s a— tha m i g e n

duin e e l o i n e ga d a tha m i pOS d a C ha n e il fh i o s a m c o a fg a
n .
’ ’ ’
d h f h aga s m i mo c h u i d ag us c id t r agam C ha r o bb gin a

’
,
u .
bu d o c ha l e am a t h o i t d a n a t h u sa a e h go b h e i l th u go n c h l a n n
r ,
’
ma r m i f h i n ” T ha . u rs a n sgi o b a i r ma c o c h d ’
,
b l i a dh a di ag a d h a o i s a nns a n t s o i t h e a c h ge n a l ig i n n a i s d
’ ’
n -
idir ” .N a c h n e On a c h l e a m sa sin aga d 8 ge n m is e g a c h l u i n n

“ ’ ’
t inn r iab h ” S i o m a d h rud a dh fh a o d a dh a b h i a i g m o

.
’ ’
l i t h i d s a n a c h b i t h in n a i g i n n se a dh d h u i b h s e
e
” Fa l b h 3 t h e i r .
’
t h u ga m s a nu a s e s go m f a i c i n n e
’ ” Dh fh a l b h e s th u g e nu a s
’ ’ ’
”
.
e ,
’
s ch u i e n O d u gh e
r
’
A n e so d o m h a c sa
r S e
. u rs ’
,
’
a n sg i o b a i r Cec a s f h e ar r l e at f i r e a e h d agam s a n a f a l bh l e
.
’
u ,
t a t h a i r a i r a m h u ir m ur a b ha th u r o i mh id s g un di a n m is e
’ ’ ’
”
,
d l l e a b a c h di e t go b r t h a e h Mata s a nn a i r m uir a fh u a i r m i
‘ ’
a .
m o t h o ga il r i b h s c ha d fh u a i r m i d a d o m Oig a ir t i r l e s in
’ ’ ’
a ,
1 34 WE S T HIGH LAND T ALE S .
’
s a nn a ir m uir a b f h e ar r l e arn a b h i a c h o n tha sib b s a cur
’ ’ ’ ’
r o i m h i b h go n cu m sib b m i g o m fa n m i a ga i b h fh i n
’ ” ’
T ha .
s e a c h d b ut h a n n a n agam a ir t i r a g u s f e u m a idh t u l a m h a gh a b h
‘
”
,
a i l a nns n a se a c h d b ut h a n a n T ha c l é i r e a c h a ig a h ni l e
n .
“
-
”
f e a r r i a b h d e n a b ut h a n n a n urs e s a n ; c ha ga b h h a o n a c a ’
-
,
d r o c h b ha r a i l o rr a fh I n a c h e il cud c h o m ath r i u msa ma th a

‘ ’
n,
s i b h a cu r m a r f h i a c h a i b h o r m s a g o gab h m i e n d ga b h a i d h m i
’
n ,
n se a c h d a m h f e a r diu
’
.
Gh a b h e n s e a c h d a m h f e a r d e n a b ut h a n n a n s a c h i a d l a t h a
’ ’
,
d a d o l a nn c h u i r e fio s f e a dh a b ha i l e a n rud a b h a r o i mh i d
’ ’
,
p unud go m bi o d h e a ir c oi g t a sda i n di ag a ir alt 3 ge (1 t h ai n ig ,

’
n
’
h ni l e rud a b h a a b h u t h nu a s 3 g e n r o b b m b u th f a l a m h ma n
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
-
d t h ai n i g n a s o i t h i c h e a n C h a i d h e s t i gh c h u n d a i s e c h u i d
’
.
,
n
go n r o b b m b u th f a l a m h C ha 11 i o gh n a d h
’ ’ ’ ’
a i gi dr s t h u i rt e
, .
ga d a b h i th e a dh s a n rud a b ha r o i m h id a ir pu n n d th u g a l igeil ’
”
,
s i o s go c oi g t a s d a i n di ag A g us o id e b h e il s i b h se ga ghab ’ ’
.
, ,
ha i l sin go h o l e n a c h e i l sib b a fa i c i n n go n c u i r i n n sa ma c h n a
-
’ ’
b h a nns a b h ut h se a c h d u a i r e a n m a n c u i r e a d h e u d s a n a ma c h
’ ’
a o n n a ir e
” L e is a n sin f e u m a i dh t u l am b a gh ab h a il ri e a c h
.
ag us a n l i gei l a ma c h m ur si ” Gh a b h e n s i n l am h ri e ac h n. ,
agu s b ha e n a m h a i gh s t i r a s ci o nn n a n c l éi r e a c h e i l e N ur a
’
.
t h ai n ig n a so i t h i c h e a n b ha n a b ut h a n n a n go l eir f a l a m h .
Th u i r t a m h a igh s t i r ris a n i s Cec a s f h e ar r l e at a b h i d

’ ’ ’
,
m h a i gh s t i r tha r n am b ut h an n a n n a f a l b h l e h a o n d e n a s e a c h d -
”
,
s i th i ch e a n
o
gh e i b h th u d o r o i gh i n n d e n a s e a c h d so i t h i c h e a n
”
.
S a nn a ir m uir a t h o ga d h r i a b h m i s g a b h a id h m i so i t h e a c h
’ ’
.
F h u a i r e so i t h e a c h Th a l l a i b h c u i r i h h t h u g a m s a n a s e a c h d
.
“
” Th ai n i n a s e a c h d s i o b a i r e n a i o n n s u idh
,
s i o b aire an
’
g g g a
”
. .
N is urs e s an ris n a si a sgi o b a i r e a n a b ha d o l l e Ia in

,
’
, T ha .
Ia i n a d o l l e ib h —c u i r idh sibb t ri s o i t h i h e a n a ir t h o i s e a c h s t ri
’
c ,
’
a i r d e i r e a dh s bid h e s a n s a mh i a dh o s m ur a n ( 1 t h e i r sib b
’ ’ ’ ’
n
”
,
h m sa s l a n e c ha n e i l a e h br e i th o i r b h
’
t u r c r o c h a dh
’ ’
’
u a
g 8
”
.
Mata m o id e u r s Iain c ha n e i l si n f e a ga r r a c h T ha n a
’
,
’
,
’ ’
r .
s o it h i ch e a n a f a l b h c o m h l a f a o d i b h st o i r m t igh i n n ag u s a r
’
a
f u a da c h o c h ei l e D i an a dh h u i l e h a o n ma r i s f h e arr a d h fh a o
’
- -
”
.
das e .
Dh f h a l b h n a s o i t h i c h e a n —s h e Ol cud — ag us se l u c h d gu a il a
’ ’
e h u i r Ia in a s t i g h n a t h e f h i n Th ai i g l a t h a m Or s t o i r m o rr a
. n .
’
D h fh u a d i c h e a d h o e h é i l e n d
a C a n d o sh e Ol Ia in a c h d o n
’
.
’ ’ ’
T u i rc G h a b h e a c a i r s a n T u i r e t ra t h l a t h a Sm a o i i c h e d o l
’
. . n
a i r t i r a gh a b h a i l sr a id Bh a e ga b h a i l r o im h e c o i se a ch d
.
’
.
MAO NA B A N TR A I C H B HA R R A C H . 1 35
C h u n n ai c e d it h i sd as an
a ir s ma r ge m bi o d h d a l é in t e a n a
g oh ,
’
s h ui s id i a r u i n n ac a D é
b h a c a c h c o r p duin e . D é tha sib b ’ ’
.
“
a di a a d h r i s a c h r p
n
” S e C r i o s d a i dh a b h a nn
’
o . B ha o h d ’ ’
. c
ma i r g a ga i n a i s o n n a c h d o p h ai gh e sinn nur a b ha e b e o
’ ’
n r,
b h e i sinn a a c h o r p l e is n a s ui s d e a n e
r
” M ata l ig i b h l e am s e .
’
ag us pa i gh i dh m i d h uib h n a h o c h d m a i g
‘ ” Ru g e a ir— th u g e -
r .
u a t h e — h a i h a e u d ag us c h u i r e ui r a s t a l a m h a ir
’
p g .
B ha e l u ath l e is t il l e a dh a ir a i s go s am f i c e a dh e t u il l id h d e a
d h fh e a r a n n n a Tu i r c Gh a b h e a ir a gh a i d h t r e is ag us dé
’
.
,
n S i n a c h g runn a n m or d h a Oi n e c r u i n n
’
c h u n n a ic e Gh a b h e .
nu ll fa r a n r o bb cu d D é c h u n n a i c e a c h cr a o s la c h m Or t e in e
. ,
d e th e in mh o r l e a t h a n n ag us b o i r e a n n a c h ui sg t e a d a r a n t e in e
’
e r
” ”
,
’
s e d fh i nn De urs e s a n a tha sib b a d ia a d h a n s o
.
“ ’ “
n .
”
,
T ha u r s e u ds a
,
d a b ha n a C h i o s d a i dh a f h i r a n T u c a c h
’
n, r u a r
mo R u ga d h o rr a a ir a c h u a n T ha cud o c h e a n n o c h d b l i a dh
’
r. .
n a a i ge B ha n t e s o ge a l l t a i n n d a ge m pOsa dh i e h ui l e b l i a dh
.
’ ’
.
n a N ur t h ai n i g a n t a m c ha ph Os a dh i h a d d e th Dh Or d a i c h
.
-
.
’
3 am b o i e a a c h a b ha c o m h l a ri th e L o is
’ ’
e i fh i n r l o s ga dh
nn .
”
ge a d h a n d a rn a t é dh i u s tha i so go n l o s ga dh f h a t h s d
’
Bh ei a .
“
r
m i fh i n d ih h t i o dh l a c math a i r gid ag us Oir m a l ig e a s sibb l e am

u
i ag us fa o d a i dh sibb a r a d h ris g o n d o l i sg sib b i ” Sh e a l l e n d o .

,
a ir a c h ei l e Th u i r t e n d go m f a i gh e a dh e si u d D h fh a l b h e s
. .
’ ’
th u g e l e is a ir b o rd i ag u s sg e a d a i c h e i n a o d a c h s a n a h a r t ’ ’
.
”
,
N is u r s i s e sh a b h a i l t h u m o b h e a t h a d h o m h Fe u m a i dh
,
’
,
“
.
t u n a ire t h o i r t o r t i b in s a n a i t s
’
Th é i d th u su a s a n i s d o
’
e o .
I i t i gh s h e i s C u i id h f e a r a n t i gh s h i s e c e i s d o r t
’ ’
d sh a s n u u . r e n
dé n l u c h d a t h a ga d A b r i dh t u s a l u c h d g a i l A b r a idh
’ ’
. a u .
e s a n go math a m h i a d h s i u d s a n ai t e a b h e i l th u a i s o n a r e i o
r
’
r .
A b r a id h t us a go r a nn a i r so n a r e i o a t h ai n i g th u dé n t ai r gs e ’
b h e i r e a ir T h e ir e s an . A m ai r e a c h a ir si a u a i re a n bid h ,
w a ggo n Oi r a d o l a si o s s w a gg o n g u a i l a d o l a su a s a ir alt s go n
’ ’ ’ ’
,
cu ma r a n s o i t h e a c h a nns a n a o t u mp g s i a a i r e a a n ath n r o u n
o i dh c h A b a ir t h u a g ga b h th u sind a c h anns a n o id h c h e
.
’
s en
’
m ur am h i t h u s a d e a a l a s th i g e n d S a n o i d h c h e nur a t h a
a
’
-
r
’
,
h ni l e duin e n a n c a d al l e m u sg a n n a n s l e d a g a n n ; c u i i dh
’ ’
-
na r
,
e u d a n s o i t h e a c h a ir a
gh r u n d ; m a r b h a id h e n d a h ni l e duin e s
’
-
,
b h e i r cu d l e o a n t O C h a id h e fa r a n r o b b f e a r a n t i gh sh e i se
’
-
r.
ag us c h O d e r i s m a a s h ol i s e Th b is i c h e n d a n la r n a
r r e
’
.
’
m h ai r e a c h s a m h a d a i n n a ir cur si o s a n Oi 5 a ir t o i t su a s a
’ ’ ’
r r
g h a il u B ha fe a r a ig a n sgi o b i r n a s h e a s m h a g a m h a r c ge m
. a
’
a
bi o d h a n so i t h e a ch ann a n t ru mp N ur a b h a n g u al a m a ch .
’
,
1 36 WE S T HI G H LAND T ALE S .
’
sa bha
’
t r o m l e is a n Or 8 a b h a i l e is a gh u a l s
n so i t h e a c h c h o
’
,
’
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MA O NA B A N T R A I C H B HA R R A C H . 1 37
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M AC NA B A N TR A I CH B HA R R A C H . 1 39
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1 40 WE S T H I G HLAN D T ALE S .
b h r is i na urr a go l eir Dh ei r idh i s c h a idh i ma c h n a

bh
’
.
’ ’ ’
c h o m h d h a il s c ha r o bb b o i r e a n n a c h r i a b h a bu s t el d a c h a n a i
’
, .
C h u i r e a d h br ath su a s th un ri gh n a S p a in n a c h r o b b n i gh e an
r i a b h n a bu s t el d a c h a n a b ha i 3 ge n ( 1 t h ai n i g a o b h a r a fi
’ ’ ’
r sa
,
l e a n n a i n a h i o nn su i d h
’
.
Ch u i r e a d h c o a ch a d h i a r r a i dh I a i n B ha n ri gh s a t r
’ ’ ’
.
u a i s l e a n c o m hl a r i s Th u ga d h su a s a ir b h arr b a s e
. Th o ga dh .
C h i r e a dh b i a dh a n a i t a c h a i t h idh d e o c h
’
c e Ol s l e g a dh b r On
’
a . u ,
a n a i t a h Ol s c e Ol a n a i t é i sd e a e h d R i nn e a d h b an a is sh u n n
’
-
,
’ ’
. ,
d a c h e i b h in n a i gh e a r a c h Fh u a i r Ia in a n d a rn a l e i th d e n
‘ ’
.
, ,
An d é igh b a is a n ri gh b ha n r i o gh a c h d u il e go l eir
’
r i o gh ac h d .
a ig e . R u ga dh a ir a n t S e a n a i l e a r r i a sl a dh c a d a r e a c h a i b h e
-
, ,
l o i ge a d h c a d a r t h i n e a n e s l i ge a d h a n l u ath l e is a g h a o i t h
’ ’
s , .
A n dé igh b ais a n ri gh 3 n a b a n r i gh b h a Ia in n a ri gh a i r a n
’ ’
S p a in R u g a d h t r iu i r ma c d a
. Oi d h c h e b ha n sin c h u al e .
’
b u a l a dh san d o rus
’
.
”
T ha n t i a r r t a i ch a ir t i gh i n n urs e s a n
’
-
’
.
,
D é b h a nn a c h a e h e a r t duin a th u g a s a n e i l e a n e
’ ’
A b h eil .
th u a i r so n d o gh e a l l a dh a c h u m a il ? ” a rs am f e a r a t h ain ig ’
”
.
T ha a rs Iain , Bi o d h d o r i o gh a c h d s d o c h l a n n aga d f h i n
’
.
’
’
5 m o b h e an n a c h d sa A b h e il c u i mh n aga d nur a ph aigh th u n a
.
’
.
h o c h d m a i r g a i so n c u i r p a n duin a nn s a n Tu i r e ? B e sin m o ’ ’
-
r
c h o rp sa S l a n l e at c ha n fh a i e th u m is e t u il li dh
-
.
’ ’ ” .
th is tal e f r o m A l e x a nd e r M a c N e il l t e n a nt and fi s h e r man

Go t , ,
t h n at Ta n g va l B a rr a
e H e a rd h i s fath e r R o d e ric k M a c N e i l l
, .
, ,
o ft n r e ci t e i t
e R o d e ric k M a c N e il l di e d a b o u t tw e n ty y e a rs a go
.
,
ab o u t t h e a ge o f e i ght y y e a rs H e ard i t f r o m ma ny o th e r o l d .
m e n in y o u th a nd s a ys i t wa s p r e tt y c o m mo n th e n
, .
J u l y 1 85 9 , . H MA CL EA N . .
la ndsc ap e a nd t h e ways o f t h e p o o r o f B a rr a a r e pa in t e d
Th e , ,
f ro m n at ure t h e flat s t r a nd t h e s h e ll fish t h e s h i p in t h e ,

-
,
o ffi n g t h e b o at at t h e e d g e o f t h e s e a
, T h e n c o m e s t h e p o p u la r .
r o ma nc e in wh ic h t h e p o o r ma n is t o b e c o m e a p rinc e Th e l i fe
,
.
o f s h o p s a nd s h i p s di ml y s e e n bu t e v id e n t e n o u gh
,
Tur k e y a nd
, .
S pa in fa irl y l o s t in a dis ta n t haz e Th e c o mm e rci al p rinci pl e .
la id d o w n that s mall p ro fit s mak e q uic k r e t urns a nd that m e n

,
s h o u l d buy in t h c h e ap e s t a nd s e ll in t h e d e a r e s t ma r k e t a nd
e , _
all th is w o v e n w i th a l o v e s t o ry a nd m ix e d u p w i th a n o l d tal e ,
wh ic h Gri mm fo und in G e rma ny a nd wh i c h Ha ns A nd e rs e n ha s ,
ma d e t h e fo und at i o n o f o n e o f h is b e s t tal e s A la s wh y d id n o t .
t h e Kin g o f S pa in s e nd f o r t h e B a rra w id o w t o mak e i t c o mpl e t e .

XXX III .
T H E T AL E OF T H E Q U EE N WHO S O U G H T A
D RI N K FROM A C E R T AI N W E LL .
Fro m M r s M a c Ta v i s h
.
, P o r t E ll e n I s la y
, .
H E R E w a s b efo r e n ow a qu e e n w h o wa s s i c k a nd
T ,
s he h a d th r ee d au ght e rs Sa id sh e to t h e o n e who
.
,
w a s el d e s t Go t o t h e well o f t ru e w a t e r a nd brin g t o
“
”
, ,
m e a dri n k t o h e al m e .
Th e d a u ghte r we n t a nd S he r e a c h e d t h e w e ll
,
A .
L OS GA N N (fr og o r to a d ) c a m e u p t o a s k he r i f sh e wo u l d
w e d h i m i f sh e s h o u l d g e t a drin k fo r he r moth e r I “
!
.
,
wi ll n ot we d th e e h id e o us cr e a t ur e o n a ny a cc o un t ”
”
, ,
s aid sh e . W ell the n s a i d he

“
tho u s h alt n ot get th e“
”
, ,
w at e r.
S he w e n t a w ay home a nd h e r m o th e r s e n t a w ay he r
,
sis te r th a t w a s n e a r e s t to he r to s e ek a drin k o f th e
,
wat e r . S h e r e a c he d the w e ll ; a nd t h e to a d c am e u p
a nd a s ke d he r i f sh e wo u l d m arry h i m i f sh e s ho u l d
“
g e t the w a t e r
” I.wo n t“
m a rry th e e h id e o us cr e a t ur e
”
”
, !
s a id sh e . T h o u s h alt n ot ge t t h e wa t e r th e n s a id b e , , .
S h e we n t home a nd h er sis t e r th a t w a s y o un ge s t
,
we n t to s eek th e w a te r \Vhe n S h e r e a c h e d t h e well

.
t h e to a d c a m e u p a s h e us e d a nd a s ke d he r i f sh e “
”
,
w o u l d m a rry h i m i f sh e s ho u l d get the w a te r If I .

“
h a ve n o othe r w a y to ge t h e al i n g fo r m y moth e r I w i ll
”
,
m a rry thee s a id sh e ; a nd sh e go t t h e w a t e r a nd sh e
, ,
he ale d he r mothe r .
T hey h a d b et ake n them s elve s to r e s t i n the ni gh t

whe n th e to a d c a me to the d oo r s ayin g
i
A C H AOM H A G A CH A OM HA G
, ,
G e n t l e o n e g e n tl e o n e
, ,
A N C U I M H N EA CH L E A T R e m e m b e re s t th o u
A N G E A LLA D H BE A G Th e l i ttl e pl e d g e
A TH U G TH U A I G T h o u gav e s t m e
A N T O B A R D H OM H B e sid e t h e w e ll
” ”
, ,
A G H A OI L A G H A OI L
, . M y l o v e m y l o ve
, .
Whe n h e w a s c e a s ele ss l y s ay i n g th i s the g i r l r o s e a nd

,
took h i m in a nd p u t h i m b eh ind the d oo r a nd s he w e nt

, ,
to b e d ; bu t sh e w a s n o t l o n g l ai d d ow n whe n he b eg an,
a ga in s ayi n g eve r l a s t in gl y
,
A h ao v a i g a h ao va ig
, ,
A n e u in e a c h l ea t
A n ge a l l u g b e ag
A h o o g o o a ig
A n t o b a r gaw
”
,
A gé u l e a gé u l e
, .
T h e n s he go t u p a nd s he p u t h i m und e r a n oggin ;
th a t kept h i m q ui e t a wh i le bu t s he w a s n o t lo n g l a id
d own whe n he b ega n a ga in s ayin g ,
A h ao va i g a h ao va i g
, ,
A u e u in e a ch l e at
A n ge a l l u g b e ag
A h o o g o o a ig
A n t o b a r ga w
”
,
A g eu l e a g eu l e
, .
S he r o s e a g ai n a nd s he m a d e h i m a l i ttle b e d a t the
,
fi r e sid e ; bu t h e w a s n o t pl e a s e d a nd h e b ega n a gai n

,
s ayi n g ,
A c h a o i mh e a g a c h a o i m h e a g a n c u i m h n e a c h
, ,
l e a t a n ge a l l a dh b e a g a th u g th u a ig a n to b a r dh o m h a
”
,
g h a o il a
, g h a o
. i l T he n s he g o t u p a nd m a d e h i m a b ed
b e sid e he r o wn b e d ; bu t he w a s w i tho u t c e a sin g s ayin g , ,
S GE U LA OH D BAN -
RIGH . 1 43
“
A a c h a o i mh e a g an c u i m h n e a ch l e a t a n
c h a o i m h e a g, ,
g e a l l a dh b e a g a th u g a th u g th u a i
g a n to b a r dh o m h a
”
,
h a o il a h a o il B u t sh e t o ok n o n ot ic e o f h is c om
g g ,
.
pl ainin g t i ll h e s a id to he r
,
T he r e i s a n Ol d rus t e d ,
“
gl a v e b e h ind th y b e d w i th wh ic h th o u h a ds t b ett e r t ake

”
,
o ff m y he a d th a n b e h o l di n g m e lo n ge r in t o r t ur e
, .
S he took the gl a v e a nd cu t t h e h e a d o ff h i m W h e n .
t h e s teel to uc h e d h i m he g r ew a h a nds o m e y o u th
, and
h e g a ve m a ny th a nk s to t h e y o u n g w i fe w h o h a d b e e n ,
the me a ns o f p u tt in g o ff h i m t h e s p e ll s und e r wh ic h h e ,
h a d e ndur e d fo r a lo n g t i m e T h e n he go t h is k in g d o m .
,
f o r he w a s a k in g ; a nd h e m a r ri e d the p rinc e ss a nd ,
they w e r e lo n g al i ve a nd m e rry to g e th e r .
R I G H A D H I AR E D E OGH A T OB A R
‘
SGE U L A C H D BA N
’
-
AR A ID .
B H A b a n r i gh a nn a b ha t inn ag us b ha t r i uir n i gh e a n
r o im h e so ,
a icc Th u b h a i r t i ris a n t é b u S h in e Fa l b h d o n t o b a r fh i o r
’ ’
”
.
,
u is
g ag us t h a b h a ir d o 111 i o n n s u idh d e o c h gu m l e i gh e a s
’
,
’ ’
.
D h fh a l b h a n i gh e a n ag us r ai i g i n t o b a r
’ ’
n Th ai n i g l o sga n
n . n
a n lo s a d h fh ar r a id di am pOs a dh i e n a m f a i gh e a d h i d e o c h
’ ’
d a m ath a i r
’
C ha ph os m is th u c h r e u t a i r gh r an n da a ir a o n
’ ’
cho r ” .
”
Mata a rs e s a n c ha n f h a igh th u n t u i sge Dh
’ ” ’ ’
-
.
’
, ,
fh al b h i d h a c h a i d h ag us c h u i r a mat h a i r a ir f a l b h a pi u th a r a b
’
,
f h a i sge d h i a dh i a r r a i d h d e o c h d o n u i sge R ai n i g i n t o b a r
’ ’ ’
.
,
ag us t h ain i g a n l o sga n n a n l o s ag us d h f h a r r a i d e d h i am ,
’
p Os a d h i e n a m f a i gh e a dh i n t u i sg e C ha ph os m i s th u
’ ’ ’
-
.
”
,
’
c h r e u t a i r gh r an n d a rs i s e C ha n fh a igh th u n t u i sge
’
.
“ ’ ’
-
”
,
mata u rs e s a n T h i ll i dh a c h a idh ag us c h a i dh a p i u t h a r a b
,
’
.
,
’
Oi ge d h i a rr a id h a n u i s g e A n n a ir a r ai n i g i n t o b a r t h ai n ig
’ ’ ’
.
a n l o ssga n n a n i o s ma r a b ab h a is t ag us d h fh a r ra id e d h i am
’
,
’
p esa d h i 6 n a m f a i gh e a d h i n t u i sge Ma r am b h e il sco l e i l

’ ’ ’
-
.
agam a ir l e i gh e a s f h a o t a i n n d o m mh at h a i r p hsa id h m i ’
,
”
th u a rs i se ag us fh u a i r i n t u isge a g us sh l an a i c h e a dh a
’
,
’
-
,
m at h a i r .
B h a i a d a n déigh ga b h a i l m u t h amh s a n
’
o i dh c h e a n n a ir a
t h ai n i g a n l o sgan n A c h a o mh a g a
d o n d o rus a i g r a d h ,
’
,
c h a o m h a g a n c u i m h n e a c h l e at a n ge a l l a d h b e ag a th u g th u a i g
a n t o b a r d h o m h ? A gh a o i l a g h a o i l A n u a ir a b ha e gu n
t a m b a i g r a d h ma r so dh é i r i dh a n n i gh e an agu s th u g i st igh e
,
’
,
ag us ch u i r i c u l a n d o u i s e a g us c h a i d h i l idh e a c h c ha r o bb
r ,
’
a
i fa d a n a l u idh e a n u a ir a t h o i si c h e r it h i s a ir a r a d h a c h o i dh
’ ‘
, ,
A c h a o mh a g a c h a o mh a g a n c u i m h n e a c h l e a t a n ge a l l a dh b e ag
a th u g th u a ig a n t o b a r dh o mh ? A gh a o i l !
,
a gh a o i l Dh
’
eiric h i n s i n ag u s c h u i r i f o n o i g e a n e C h u m si n s a m b a c h e
’
.
ta c a n a c h c ha ro bb i fa d a n a l u idh e a n n a ir a t h ei si c h e r i t h i s
’
a i r a r ad h A c h a o m h a g a c h a o m h a g a n c u i mh n e a c h l e a t a n
A gh a o il !
, ,
g e a l l a d h b e ag a th u g th u a i g a n t o b a r d h o m h ? a
D h eiric h i r i t h i s ag us rinn i l e a b a b h e ag d ha t a o b h
’
gh a o il
a n t e in e ; a c h c ha r o b b e t o il i c h t e C o l u ath ag us a b ha i n a ’
.
l e a b a t h Oi si ch e r i t h i s a ir a r a d h A c h a o i mh e a g a c h a o i m h e a g
, ,
n a c h c u i mh n e a ch l e at a n ge a l l a dh b e ag a th u g th u ai g a n t o b a r
d h o m h ? A gh a o il a gh a o i l D h eiric h i n s i n a g u s r i n n i
’ ’
l e ab a d ha l a m b ri l e a b a f éin ; a c h b ha e g un t a m b a i g r ad h
’
,
A c h a o i mh e a g a c h a o i mh e a g a n c u i mh n e a c h l e at a n ge a l l a d h
,
b e ag a th u g th u a i g a n t o b a r d h o mh ? A gh a o il a gh a o il Ac h
c ha ro b b i t ab h ai r t f e a i t a ir a gh e a r a n gu s a n du b h a i r t e ri th e
’
r ,
T h a s e a n a ch l a idh e a mh m e i r ge a c h c ul do l e ap a l e is a n fh e ar ra
d h u i t a n c e a nn a t h a b h a i r t dh i o m n a b h i t h gam e h u m a il a m
’ ’ ’
”
,
p é i n n i s fa id e Gh a b h i n c l i d h e a mh ag us gh e ar r i n c e a nn
’ ’ ’
. a
d e th A n u a i r a b h o i n a n st ail i n n d a d h fh a s e n a Ogan a c h
.
’ ’
d r e a c h m h o r ag us th u g e i o m a d h b u i dh e a c h a s d o n Og b h e n a
’
,
a
b ha n a m e a dh o n a n dr u i dh e a ch d f o id h a n r o bb e ré uin f h a d
’
,
’ ’
a f u l a n n a c h ur d h e t h Fh u a i r e n s i n a r i o gh a c h d o i r b u
’
,
.
’
,
r i gh e ag us ph os e b ha n a p h r i o n n sa ag us b ha i a d fa d a b e o gu
,
’
,
su b h a ch c Om h l a .
Th e la dy w h o ha s b e e n so k ind a s t o w ri t e d o w n th is a nd ,
o th e r s t o ri e s i s o n e o f m y o l d e s t f ri e nds
, Sh e h a s br o u ght u p a .
la r g e fam i l y a nd h e r e xc e ll e n t m e m o ry n o w e n a b l e s h e r t o r e
,
m e m b e r tal e s wh ic h sh e ha d gath e r e d durin g a l o n g l i fe p a ss e d

,
in t h e We s t H i ghla nds wh e r e h e r h usb a nd wa s a re s p e c t e d

,
m inis t e r Th e s t o ry is e v id e n tl y a C e lt ic v e rsi o n o f t h e W e a r i e
.
We ll at t h e W a r l di s End o f wh ic h C ham b e rs ha s p ub l is h e d o n e
,
S c o t c h v e rsi o n t o wh ic h Gri mm r e fe rs in n o t e s D e r F r o sc h
”
,
k On i g ,
in h is th ird v o l u m e T h e r e ar e m a ny v e rsi o ns s t i ll
.
TH E S I CK Q U EEN . 1 45
curre n t in S c o tl a n d t o l d in br o a d S c o t s a nd i t c a n b e t r a c e d
,
b a c k t o 1 5 48 A cc o rdin g t o Gri mm i t b e l o n g s t o t h e o l d e s t in
.
,
G e r ma ny T h is v e rsi o n c l e ar l y b e l o n g s t o t h e G a e l ic lan g u age

.
,
f o r t h e s p e e c h o f t h e f r o g i s a n i m i tat i o n o f t h e g urgl in g a nd
q u a r ki n g o f s p rin g f ro g s in a p o nd wh ic h I hav e va in l y e nd e a
,
vo u r e d t o c o n v e y t o a n En gl is h r e a d e r by E gl is h l e tt e rs ; bu t n
wh ic h is a bsurd l y l i k e wh e n r e p e at e d in G a e l i c w i th th is i n t e n
,
t i o n Th e p e rs e v e rin g o bs t in at e re p e t i t i o n o f t h e s am e s o unds
.
,
is a l s o e xc e e din gl y l i k e t h e ha bi t o f f ro g s wh e n dis t urb e d bu t

, ,
n o t m u c h f ri ght e n e d L e t a ny o n e t ry t h e e x p e ri m e n t o f th r o w
.
in g a s t o n e in t o t h e m ids t o f a f r o g c o nc e r t a nd h e w i ll h e a r t h e
,
s o n g s t e rs afte r a m o m e n t o f s t i ll n e ss b e g in aga in F irs t a half

, ,
.
s m o th e r e d G U A R E G U A R E ; th e n a n o th e r b e gins half und e r ,
wat e r w i th a g ur gl e a nd th e n m o re a nd m o re j o in in t i ll t h e
, ,
p o nd is in f u ll c h o ru s o nc e aga in GU A R K G U A R E G OOI LL
. , ,
GOOA R K GOOI LL
H o l y h e al in g w e ll s a r e c o mm o n all o ve r t h e H i ghlands ; a nd
p e o pl e s t i ll l e av e o ff e rin g s o f p ins a nd n ai l s a nd bi t s o f r ag , ,
th o u gh f e w w o u l d c o n fe ss i t T h e re i s a w e ll in I s la y wh e r e I
.
m ys e lf hav e aft e r drin k in g d e p o si t e d c o pp e r c ap s am o n g s t a

, ,
b o ar d o f p ins a nd bu tt o ns a nd si m i la r g e a r pla c e d in c h in k s in
”
, ,
t h e r o c k s a nd t r e e s at t h e e d g e o f t h e W i t c h e s W e ll T h e re ’
.
is a n o th e r w e ll w i th si m i la r O ffe rin g s f re s hl y pla c e d b e sid e i t i n

,
a n is la nd in L o c h M a r e e i n Ro ss s h ire ; a nd si m i la r w e ll s a r e t o
,
-
b e f o und i n m any o th e r pla c e s in S c o t la nd F o r e x ampl e I

. ,
l e a rn f r o m S u th e rland that a w e ll i n t h e b la c k I s l e o f Cro m

,
a r t y n e a r R o s e b a u gh ha s m ira cu l o us h e al i g p o w e rs A c o un t ry
, ,
n .
w o ma n t e ll s m e that a b o u t fo r t y y e a rs a go sh e r e m e m b e rs i t
, ,
b e in g surr o und e d by a cr o w d o f p e o pl e e ve ry fi rs t Tu e sd a y in
J un e wh o b ath e d o r dr a n k o f i t b ef o r e sunris e E a c h pat i e n t
, .
t i e d a s t rin g o r r ag t o o n e o f t h e t re e s that o v e rh un g i t b e fo r e
l e av in g It wa s s o v e r e i gn f o r h e ad a c h e s M r
. . r e m e m b e rs
.
t o hav e s e e n a w e ll h e r e c all e d Ma ry s W e ll h un g r o und w i th

’
”
,
v o t i v e r ag s .
We ll w o rs h i p is m e n t i o n e d by Ma r t in Th e cus t o m in h i s.
d a y in t h e H e brid e s wa s t o walk s o u th a b o u t r o und t h e w e ll

, ,
.
S ir W i ll i am B e tham in h is G a e l a nd Cy m b i r i (D ub l in W : .
Curry j un ,
.
, s ays at pag e 2 35 Th Ce l t ze w e re ,
“
e
m u c h a ddic te d t o t h e w o rs h i p o f fo un tains a nd r i v e rs a s di v ini

t i e s T h e y ha d a d e i t y c all e d Di v o a o r t h e ri v e r g o d
. n
” .
,
Di v o n a C e l t a r u m l in g u a f o ns a ddi t e D i v i i (A zt so n i n s ) .
1 46 W E S T HIG H LAND T ALE S .
He q u o t e s f ro m Th e B o o k o f A r magh 3 M S o f t h e s e v e n th . .
”
,
c e n t ury A nd h e (S t P at ric k ) c am e t o F i n a M a lge wh ic h is

, . ,
c all e d S l a n e b e c a us e i t w a s in t i mat e d t o h i m that t h e M a g i

,
h o n o u r e d th i s f o u n ta i n a nd m a d e d o n at i o ns t o i t a s g i ft s t o a
”
,
go d . Fo r th ey sa c r ific e d g if ts to th e f o u n ta i n a n d wo r s h ip p ed i t ,
l ike a g o d.
Th e l e a rn e d a u th o r e x pla ins h o w w e ll s a r e n o w v e n e r a te d in
I re la nd a nd t r a c e s th e ir w o rs h i p b a c k t o r e m o t e ag e s ; a nd t o
,
t h e E a s t by wa y o f S pa in C a r thag e a nd E g y pt Tyr e a nd
, , , ,
S id o n A r a bi a C hal d e a a nd P e rsi a wh e r e m e n s t i ll ha n g bi t s o f
, , , ,
r ag o n t r e e s n e a r w e ll s B aal a cc o rdin g t o s o m e o f t h e a u t h o r i
.
,
t i e s q u o t e d is m ix e d u p w i th t h e w e l l w o rs h i p o f t h e I ris h
,
S c e l igs D i vo n a t h e ri v e r g o d o r B a a l ma y th e r e f o r e hav e
.
, , ,
d e ge n e r at e d in t o a to a d a nd t h e p rinc e ss wh o ma rri e d h i m m ay
o nc e hav e b e e n a C e lt ic di v ini ty wh o s e s t o ry sur v i v e s a s a
,
p o p u la r tal e in G e r many a nd i n S co tla nd .
Th e fo ll o w in g s t o ry b e a rs o n t h e s a m e sub j e c t and ma y ,
e x pla in wh y g i ft s w e r e l e ft wh e n a dri n k w as tak e n f r o m a w e ll .
Th e s t o ry wa s t o l d t o m e l o n g a go wh i l e s e at e d und e r s h e lt e r o f
,
a bi g s t o n e wa i t in g f o r duc k s o n t h e s h o r e It wa s t o l d in .
G ae l ic a nd t h e pu n u po n t h e n am e o f t h e lak e is l o s t i n any
,
o th e r la n g u ag e Th e m e a nin g o f t h e n am e m i ght b e t h e w e a s e l
.
lak e o r t h e lak e o f t h e fall s o r p e r hap s t h e lak e o f t h e is la nd

,
bu t t h e l e g e nd g i v e s a m e a nin g wh ic h t h e s o und o f t h e n am e
,
w i ll b e a r a nd i t o u ght t o b e ri ght i f i t is n o t
, .
XXX IV
T H E O R I G I N OF L O C H N ESS .
F ro m M r T h o m a s
. M a c D o n al d, now g a me k e e p e r at D u nro bin .
H ER E L o c h N e ss n o w is the r e w a s lo n g a go a fin e
,
gl e n A woma n w e n t o n e da y to t h e w e ll t o f e t c h
.
wa t e r a n d sh e fo und t h e s p rin g flow in g so fa s t th a t sh e

,
o t f ri ght e n e d a n d l e ft h e r p i t c h e r a n d r a n fo r h e r l i f e ;
g ,
sh e n e v e r s t o pp e d t i ll sh e o t t o t h e t o p o f a h i gh h i ll
g
a n d wh e n th e r e sh e t u rn e d a b o u t a n d s a w t h e gl e n fill e d
!
,
wi th wa t e r N o t a ho u s e o r a fi e l d w a s to b e s e e n
!
.
Aha
” ”
s a id sh e Th a L o c h a r m a n i s (Ha L o c h a n .
,
a n e e sh ) . T h e r e is a l a k e in i t n o w 3 a n d so t h e l a k e
w a s c a ll e d L o c h N e ss (n e e sh ) .
XXX V .
CONALL .
Fr o m Al e x a nd er M a c N e il l t e n a n t
, an d fi s h e r ma n ,
B a rr a .
H E RE w a s a n o l d k in g b e fo r e n ow in E rin * a n d a
T sis t e r o f h is who s e n a m e wa s MA OB H h a d th r e e
, ,
,
s o ns Th e e l d e s t o f th e m wa s Fe r gh u s t h e m idd l e mo s t
.
,
L a gh a n L a id h a n d t h e y ou n g e s t o n e C o na ll
, .
He tho u ght h e wo u l d m a k e a n h e ir o f t h e e l d e s t o n e ,
Fe r gh u s He g a v e h i m t h e sc h o ol in g o f t h e so n o f a
”
.
kin g a n d a rid e r e a n d wh e n h e w a s s a t is fi e d w i th
“
,
sc hool a n d l e a rnin g h e br o u ght h i m hom e to t h e p a l a c e .
N o w th e y w e r e in t h e p a l a c e .
S a id t h e k in g I h a v e p a ss e d th is y e a r w e ll t h e en d
,
“
o f t h e y e a r is c om in g n ow a n d t r ou bl e a n d ca r e ar e
”
,
c om in g o n w i th i t .
Wh a t t r o u b l e o r c a r e is c om in g o n th e e s a id t h e
y ou n g ma n Th e v a ss a l s o f t h e c o u n t ry a r e c om in g
”
.
t o r e c ko n w i th m e to da y T ho u h a s t n o n e e d to b e
-
“
.
in t r o u b l e . It is p r o c l a i m e d th a t I a m t h e y o u n g h e ir ,
a n d i t is s e t d ow n in p a p e rs a n d in l e tt e rs in e a c h e n d
o f t h e r ea lm I w i ll bu i l d a fin e c a s tl e in f r o n t o f t h e
.
p a l a c e f o r th e e I wi ll get c a r p e n t e rs a n d s to n e ma s o ns
.
”
, ,
a n d s m i th s to b u i l d th a t c a s tl e .
I n t h is t a l e E rin is s p e l t ins t e a d B irin u Eir e a nn ;

*
of an d
A l b a a n d Sa ssu n , S co tl a n d an d E ngl a nd , e x p re ss th e s o u nd o f
t h e G a e l ic w o rds .
C ONALL . 1 49
“
I s th a t th y tho u ght so n o f ”
m y sis t e r ? s a id
the
,
k in g T ho u h a ds t n e i th e r c l a i m n o r ri ght to t h e r ea lm
.
u n l e ss I m ys e lf h a d c h o s e n t o g i v e i t t o th e e w i th m y
o w n f r e e w i ll T h o u w i lt n o t s e e th ys e lf h a nd l in g E rin
.
t i ll I go fi rs t u nd e r t h e mo u l d ” .
T h e r e w i ll b e a da y o f b a ttl e a n d c om ba t b e f o r e I
”
l e t th is go o n s a id t h e y o u ng m a n .
,
He w e n t a w a y a n d h e s a i l e d t o Al b a
,
A m e ss a ge .
w a s s e n t u p to t h e k in g of Al b a th a t t h e y o u n g k in g o f
E rin wa s c om e to Al b a t o se e h i m H e wa s ta k e n u p
.
o n t h e d e a d l y p o in t s * M e a t wa s se t in t h e pl a c e f o r
.
e a t in g drin k in t h e pl a c e f o r drin k in g ; a n d m u sic i n

t h e pl a c e f o r h ea rin g ; a n d th e y w e r e pl yi n g t h e f e a s t
a n d t h e c omp a ny
! ”
.
“
Oh y o u n g k in g o f E rin s a id t h e k in g o f Al ba
, ,
“
i t wa s n o t w i th o u t t h e b eg innin g o f s o m e m a tt e r th a t
tho u a r t c o m e to Al b a ” .
“
I s h o u l d n o t w is h t o l e t o u t t h e k n o wl e d g e o f m y
m a tt e r t i ll I s ho u l d fi rs t k n ow wh e th e r I ma y ge t i t ” .
“
A ny th in g I h a v e th o u ge t t e st i t fo r i f I w e r e s eek
”
,
in g h e lp p e r h a p s I wo u l d go to th e e to ge t i t
, .
“
T h e r e c a m e a wo rd w i th t r o u b l e b e tw e e n m e a n d
my moth e r s br oth e r It wa s p r o c l a i m e d o u t th a t I w a s
’
.
k in g o f E rin ; a n d h e s a id t o m e th a t I s ho u l d h a v e
n oth in g t o d o w i th a ny th in g t i ll a c lo d s h o u l d fi rs t go
o n him . I Wis h t o s t a nd m y ri gh t a n d to ge t h e lp f r om
”
,
th e e
”
.
I w i ll g i v e th e e th a t s a id t h e k in g ; th r e e h u ndr e d
,
“
s w i ft h e r o e s th r e e h u ndr e d bra v e h e r o e s th r e e h u ndr e d

”
, ,
f u ll h e r o e s a n d th a t is n ot b a d h e lp in g .
“
I a m wi th o u t a c h i e f o v e r th e m a n d I a m a s i ll o ff ,
a s I wa s b e f o r e 3 b u t I h a v e a n o th e r s m a ll r e q u e s t a n d
”
,
i f I m i ght ge t i t I w o u l d w is h to l e t i t o u t
,
.
Pr o b a b l y l i f t e d on s p e a rs .
“
A ny th in g I h a v e th a t I c an p a r t f r om tho u s h a lt ,
e t i t ” s a id t h e k in g 3 b u t t h e th in g I h a v e n ot I c a n
“
g , ,
n o t g i v e i t t o th e e L e t o u t th y s p e e c h a n d th o u s h a lt
.
,
ha ve i t ”
”
.
It is B o i n n e Br ea t th y so n a t th e ir h e a d
, ,
.
“
My to r tu r e t o th e e h a d I n o t p r om is e d h i m to
th e e tho u h a ds t n o t go t h i m B u t th e r e w e r e n o t b o r n
,
.
in Al b a n o r in E rin n o r in S a ssu n n o r in a n y o n e pl a c e
, , ,
(th o s e ) w h o w o u l d ga in v ic t o ry ov e r m y s o n i f th e y k e e p
to f a ir pl a y I f m y s o n d o e s n ot c o m e b a c k a s h e w e n t
.
,
t h e wo rd o f a n E r i a n n a c h is n e v e r a g a in to b e t a k e n
”
,
f o r i t is by t r e a c h e ry h e w i ll b e ov e rc om e .
T h e y w e n t a wa y o n t h e mo rr ow a n d th ey s a i l e d to ,
t h e k in g of S a ssu n A m e ss a g e w e n t u p t o t h e k in g o f
.
S a ssu n th a t t h e y o u n g k in g o f E rin h a d c om e to t h e
pl a c e Th e k in g o f Sa ssu n t o o k o u t t o m e e t h i m He
. .
wa s t a k e n u p o n t h e d ea d l y po in t s 3 m u sic w a s r a is e d ,
a n d l a m e n t l a id d o w n in t h e p a l a c e o f t h e k in g o f S a ssu n 3
m e a t wa s set in t h e pl a c e f o r e a t in g 3 drin k in t h e pl a c e
f o r drin k in g 3 m u si c in t h e pl a c e o f h e a rin g 3 a n d th e y
w e r e pl yin g t h e f ea s t a n d t h e c omp a ny w i th j o y a n d
pl e a su r e o f m ind
”
.
Oh y o u n g k in g of E rin s a id t h e k in g o f Sa ssu n
, ,
“
i t is n o t w i thou t t h e e n d o f a m a tt e r th a t th o u a r t
c om e h e r e ” .
“
I go t t h e sc ho o l in g o f t h e s o n o f a k in g a n d a rid e r e .
’
M y m o th e r s br o th e r t o o k m e hom e H e b e ga n to s p ea k .
a b ou t t h e v a ss a l s o f t h e c o u n t ry a n d t h e p e o pl e o f t h e
r e a lm 3 th a t c a r e a n d t r o u b l e w e r e o n h i m ; a n d th a t h e
h a d r a th e r t h e e n d o f t h e y e a r h a d n o t c om e a t a ll .
S a id I t o h i m I w i ll b u i l d th e e a p a l a c e s o th a t tho u
,
‘
,
s h a lt h a v e b u t t o wa s h th y fa c e a n d s t r e t c h th y f e e t in
,
th y s ho e s S a id h e My sis t e r s so n th o u h a ds t n o
’ ‘ ’
.
, ,
ri ght to t h e r ea lm a n d tho u ge t t est i t n o t t i ll a c lo d

,
C ONALL . 151
me ,
’
go e s on in s p i t e o f e v e ry th in g S a id I T h e r e .
,
w i ll b e a da y o f b a ttl e a n d c o m b a t b e tw e e n th e e a n d
m e b e f o r e t h e m a tt e r is s o I w e n t a wa y 3 I t o o k m y
’
.
,
s h i p 3 I t o o k a s k i pp e r w i th m e 3 a n d I s a i l e d t o Al b a .
I r ea c h e d Al b a a n d I got th r e e h u ndr e d s wi ft h e r o e s
, ,
th r e e h u ndr e d bra v e h e r o e s a n d th r e e h u ndr e d fu ll ,
h e r o e s ; n o w I a m c o m e t o th e e to se e wh a t h e lp tho u
w i lt g i ve m e ” .
I wi ll g i v e th e e a s m a ny m o r e a n d a h e r o a t th e ir
”
,
h ea d s a id t h e k in g o f Sa ssu n
, .
T h e y w e n t a wa y a n d th e y s a i l e d t o E rin
,
Th ey .
w e n t o n s h o r e o n a cr a g in E rin a n d t h e n a m e o f C a rri g ,
F h ea r gh u i s is o n th a t r o c k s t i ll He r e a c h e d t h e k in g . .
“
Br o th e r o f m y m o th e r a r t th o u n o w r e a dy ? ” \V e ll “
, ,
th e n Fh e a r gh u i s th o u gh I s a id th a t I th o u ght tho u
, , ,
w o u l ds t n o t t a k e a n g e r 3 b u t I h a v e n o t ga th e r e d my l o t
o f p e opl e y e t
” T h a t is n o a ns w e r f o r m e T h o u h a s t
.
“
.
E rin u nd e r thy r u l e I a m h e r e w i th m y m e n a n d I
.
,
h a v e n e i th e r pl a c e n o n m e a t n o r drin k fo r th e m ” .
, ,
s a id t h e k in g t h e s to r e h o u s e s o f E rin a r e
,
“
o p e n b e n e a th th e e a n d I w i ll go a w a y a n d g a th e r m y
”
,
p e o pl e .
He w e n t a wa y He w e n t a l l r o u nd E rin
. He c a m e .
’
t o a pl a c e wh ic h th e y c a ll e d A n t I u b h a r (N e w ry ) “
.
T h e r e w a s b u t o n e m a n in I u b h a r w h o w a s c a ll e d G o i b h ,
l ea n G o b b a (Go i vl a n S m i th ) He th o u ght t o go in f o r .
,
th irs t w a s o n h i m ; a n d th a t h e w o u l d qu e nc h h i s th irs t ,
a n d br e a th e a wh i l e He w e n t in T h e r e w a s w i th in b u t
. .
’
t h e s m i th s d a u ght e r S h e br o u ght h i m a c h a ir i n w h ic h
.
’
h e m i ght si t He a s k e d fo r a dri n k Th e s m i th s d a u ght e r
. .
did n o t k n o w wh a t sh e s h o u l d d o fo r t h e s m i th h a d b u t ,
o n e c o w wh ic h w a s c a ll e d t h e G l a s Gh o i b h l e a n (G r e y
,
G o i vl a n ) w i th t h e v e ss e l h e h a d f o r t h e m i lk o f t h e c o w 3
,
th r e e t i m e s in t h e da y i t w o u l d go b e n ea th t h e c o w 3 th r e e
t i m e s in t h e da y th irs t wo u l d b e o n h i m 3 a n d h e w o u l d
drin k t h e v e ss e l e a c h t i m e a n d u n l e ss t h e d a u ght e r h a d
,
'
S h e w a s a f r a id
‘
t h e v e ss e l f u ll s h e w a s n o t to g e t o fi .
,
wh e n t h e k in g a s k e d fo r a drin k th a t u n l e ss sh e h a d t h e
,
v e ss e l f u ll h e r h ea d w o u l d b e t a k e n o ff It w a s s o th a t .
sh e tho u ght t h e v e ss e l s ho u l d b e s e t b e fo r e t h e k in g a t
a l l h a z a rds .Sh e br o u ght d ow n t h e v e ss e l a n d sh e se t ,
i t b e f o r e h i m He dra n k a dra u ght ; h e took o u t t h e

.
f o u r th p a r t a n d h e l e ft th r e e q u a r t e rs in i t
,
I wo u l d “
r a th e r y o u s h o u l d t a k e i t o u t a lt o g e th e r th a n l ea v e i t .
My fa th e r h a s m a d e a n o a th th a t u n l e ss I h a v e t h e
v e ss e l f u ll I h a v e b u t to di e ” .
”
,
W e ll th e n s a id t h e k in g i t is a s p e ll o f m y “
”
, , ,
s p e ll s to l e a v e t h e v e ss e l a s f u ll a s i t w a s b e f o r e .
He se t t h e v e ss e l o n t h e b o a rd h e s t r u c k h is p a lm o n
,
i t a n d h e s t ru c k o ff a s m u c h a s w a s a b ov e t h e mi lk a n d
, ,
t h e v e ss e l w a s f u ll ; a n d b e f o r e h e w e n t a w a y t h e g ir l ,
w a s h is o w n .
“
N o w th o u a r t g o in g o h k i n g o f E rin a n d I a m
, , ,
s h a m e d 3 wh a t w i lt th o u l e a v e w i th m e 3 ‘
“
I w o u l d g i v e th e e a th o u s a nd o f e a c h h u e a thou s a nd
”
,
o f e a c h k ind a th o u s a nd o f e a c h cr e a t u r e
,
.
Wh a t s h o u l d I d o w i th th a t fo r I Wi lt n ot fi nd s a lt
,
i n E rin t o s a lt th e m 2
“
I w o u l d gi v e th ee gl e ns a n d h i gh moo rs t o f e e d
th e m f r o m y e a r to y e a r ” .
“
Wh a t s h o u l d I d o w i th th a t 2 f o r i f Fe a r gh u s ’
s h o u l d k i ll y o u h e w i ll t a k e i t f r om m e u n l e ss I h a v e
”
, ,
i t w i th w ri t in g a n d a dr op o f b loo d t o bind i t
, .
“
I a m in h a s t e th is ni ght b u t go to mo rr ow to t h e -
”
,
c a m p t o Cr o c Ma o l N a m M u c s a id t h e k in g 3 a n d h e
,
l e ft h is b l e ssin g w i th h e r .
He r f a th e r c a m e .
“
Fa r f r o m th e e — fa r f r om th e e b e i t m y d a u ght e r ,
C ONALL . 153
I th in k th a t a s t ra nge r has been to see th ee h e r e th is

da
”
y .
Ho w d o s t th o u k n o w th a t
’
“
T hou h a ds t a m a id e n s s low e y e l a s h wh e n I w e n t
o u t 3 th o u h a s t t h e bris k e y e l a s h of a w i f e n o w
” .
“
\Vh o m w o u l ds t tho u r a th e r h a d b e e n h e r e
“
I n e v e r sa w t h e ma n I w o u l d r a th e r b e h e r e th a n
t h e k in g o f E rin
” .
“
W e ll i t w a s h e 3 h e l e ft m e a thou s a nd o f e a c h
,
h u e a tho u sa nd o f e a c h k ind a tho u s a nd o f e a c h

, ,
cr e a tu r e .
s a id I s h a ll I d o w i th th e m a s I c a nn ot
,
‘
,
g e t i n E rin a s m u c h s a lt a s w i ll s a lt th e m
“
S a id h e I w o u l d g i v e th e e gl e ns a n d h i gh moo rs to
,
‘
’
f e e d th e m f r o m y e a r t o y ea r .
“
VVh a t s h a ll I d o i f Fea r gh u s s ho u l d k i ll y o u ? I
‘
’
w i ll n o t ge t th e m .
“
He s a id I s ho u l d h a v e w ri t in g a n d a dr o p of h is
,
‘
’
o w n b lo o d t o bind i t .
T h e y s l e pt th a t ni ght a s th e y w e r e If i t w a s e a rl y .
th a t t h e da y c a m e i t w a s e a r l i e r th a t t h e s m i th a r o s e .
”
,
“
C o m e da u ght e r a n d l e t u s b e g o in g
, ,
Sh e w e n t .
,
h e rs e lf a n d t h e s m i th a n d th ey r e a c h e d t h e k in g in h is
,
c a mp .
W e r t tho u n o t in t h e I u b h a r y e s t e rd a y s a id t h e
s m i th t o t h e k in g I w a s 3 a n d h a s t tho u m ind o f th y
,
“
w o rds t o t h e g ir l
“
I h a v e ; b u t t h e b a ttl e w i ll n ot b e t i ll t o mo rr ow -
.
I wi ll gi v e th e e a s I s a id t o t h e g ir l 3 b u t l ea v e h e r ” .
, ,
Th e s m i th go t th a t a n d h e w e n t a w a y , .
T h a t ni ght wh e n sh e h a d s l e pt a wh i l e sh e a wok e
, , ,
fo r sh e h a d s e e n a dr ea m A r t th o u w a k in g ? “
I a m ; wh a t w i lt th o u w i th m e ? I sa w a dr e a m
‘
th e r e : a s ho o t o f fi r g r ow in g f r om t h e h ea r t o f t h e k in g ,
2 I I
154 WE S T H IG H LAND TALES .
o ne f r o m m y o wn h e a r t a n d th ey w e r e tw inin g a b o u t
” ”
,
e a c h o th e r T h a t is o u r b a b e so n
.
“
T h e y s l e pt a n d
-
.
,
i t w a s n o t l o n g t i ll sh e sa w t h e n e x t dr e a m .
“
Ar t tho u w a k in g k i n g o f E rin ? ” I a m 3 wh a t “
”
,
w i lt tho u w i th m e ? I sa w a n o th e r dr e a m F e a rgh u s
“
.
c om in g d o w n a n d t a k in g t h e h ea d a n d t h e n e c k o u t o f
”
,
me .
“
T h a t is Fe a r gh u s k i ll in g m e a n d ta k i n g o u t m y
”
, ,
h ea d a n d n e ck .
S h e s l e pt a ga in a n d s h e sa w a n o th e r dr ea m
, .
A r t th o u s l e e p in g k in g o f E rin ,
I a m n o t 3 wh a t w i lt th o u w i th m e n ow ?
“
I sa w E rin f r o m sid e t o sid e a n d f r om e n d to e n d
, , ,
c o v e r e d wi th s h ea v e s o f b a rl ey a n d o a t s T h e r e c a m e .
a b l a s t o f w ind f r o m t h e e a s t f r om t h e w e s t f r om t h e
, ,
n o r th 3 e v e ry t r ee w a s s w e pt a wa y a n d n o mo r e o f
”
,
th e m w e r e s e e n .
“
Fe a r gh u s Wi ll k i ll m e a n d h e w i ll t a k e t h e h e a d
,
a n d n e ck o u t o f m e A s qu ic kl y a s e v e r th o u dids t
.
( a ny th in g ) s e i z e m y se t o f a r m s a n d k e e p th e m
, A , .
b a by b o y is b e g o tt e n b e tw e e n th e e a n d m e Tho u .
s h a lt s u c kl e a n d n u rs e h i m a n d tho u s h a lt s et h i m ,
in o rd e r K e e p t h e a r m s Wh e n th o u s e e s t th a t h e
. .
h a s s p e e c h a n d c a n h e lp h i m s e lf th o u s h a lt s e nd h i m
, ,
a wa y th r o u gh t h e wo r l d a w a n d e rin g t i ll h e fi nd o u t ,
w h o h e is He w i ll ge t to b e k in g o v e r E rin 3 h i s so n
.
w i ll b e k in g ov e r E rin 3 h is g r a nds o n wi ll b e k in g o v e r
E rin H is r a c e w i ll b e k in g s o v e r E rin t i ll i t r e a c h e s
.
t h e nin th k n e e A c h i l d wi ll b e b o rn f r om th a t o n e
. .
A fa r m e r w i ll c om e in w i th a fish ; h e w i ll c o o k t h e
fi s h 3 a b o n e w i ll s t ic k in h is th r o a t a n d h e w i ll b e
”
,
ch o k ed .
M a o b h t h e k in g s sis t e r t h e m o th e r o f Fe a r gh u s
’
, , ,
h a d two o th e r s o ns a n d t h e b a ttl e w a s t o b e o n t h e
,
C ONALL . 155
m o rr ow L a gh a n L a id h a n d Co n n a l 3 a n d L a gh a n
.
L a id h w a s t h e e l d e s t
“ ”
Wh e th e r s a id L a gh a n L a id h s h a ll w e b e w i th “
, ,
o u r m o th e r s br o th e r o r w i th F e a r gh u s
’
’
“
I k n o w n o t If o u r m o th e r s br o th e r w ins a n d w e
.
,
a r e w i th Fe a r gh u s i t is a s t o n e in o u r s h o e f o r e v e r 3
,
b u t i f Fe a r gh u s w ins h e w i ll t u rn h is b a c k t o u s b e
”
, ,
c a u s e w e w e r e o n t h e o th e r sid e .
“
W e ll t h e n i t i s n o t th u s i t s h a ll b e ; b u t b e
, ,
t h o u w i th Fe a r gh u s a n d I w i ll b e w i th o u r moth e r s
’
”
,
b r o th e r
.
“
It s h a ll n ot b e s o 3 w e w i ll l e a v e i t t o o u r
m o th e r ”
”
.
“
W e r e I a m a n s a id M a o b h I wo u l d se t t h e “
”
, ,
fi e l d w i th m y o w n br o th e r
”
.
“
W e ll th e n I wi ll b e w i th Fe a rgh u s s a id L a gh
, , ,
a n L a id h a n d b e th o u w i th Fe ar h u s o h C o n n a l
, g ,
Fea r gh u s w e n t t o F i o n n 3 h e b l e ss e d h i m in c a lm ,
s o ft w o rds F i o nn b l e ss e d h i m in b e tt e r w o rds 3 a n d
.
i f n o b e tt e r th e y w e r e n o w o rs e
,
.
“
I h ea rd th a t th e r e w a s a da y of b a ttl e a n d c o m
” ’
b a t b e tw e e n th ys e lf a n d th y m o th e r s br o th e r s a id ,
he .
“
T h a t is t o b e a n d I c a m e to y o u fo r h e lp ” .
,
’
“
It is b u t b o l d f o r m e t o go a ga ins t th y moth e r s
br oth e r sinc e i t w a s o n h is l a nd th a t I go t m y k e ep
, .
’
If th y m o th e r s br o th e r s h o u l d w i n w e s h a ll ge t n e i th e r
,
f u rr o w n o r c l o d o f t h e l a nd o f E rin a s l o n g a s w e l i v e .
I w i ll d o th u s I w i ll n o t s t ri k e a b l o w w i th th e e a n d
.
,
I w i ll n o t s t ri k e a b l o w a ga ins t th e e ” .
F e a r gh u s w e n t h o m e o n t h e m o rr o w a n d th e y se t ,
i n o rd e r fo r t h e b a ttl e Th e k in g s c o mp a ny w a s o n
.
’
o n e sid e a n d t h e c o m p a ny o f F e a r h u s o n t h e o th e r
, g .
Fe a r gh u s h a d n o GA I S GI C H h e r o e s b u t B o i n n e Br ea t a n d
156 W ES T H IG H LAND TALES .
h is c o mp a ny Th e g r ea t S a x o n h e r o a n d h is c omp a ny
.
,
a n d L a gh a n L a id h B o i n n e Br ea t dr e w o u t to t h e S k ir t
.
o f t h e c o mp a ny 3 h e pu t o n h is h a rn e ss o f b a ttl e a n d h a rd
c om ba t He s e t h is si lk e n n e tt e d c o a t a b ov e h is s u r e ty
.
*
s h ir t 3 a b o o m in g s h i e l d o n h is l e ft sid e 3 how m a ny
d e a th s w e r e in h is ta nn e d s h e a th !
H e s t r o d e o u t o n t h e s t e rn s t e p s l i k e a s u dd e n b l a z e 3
e a c h p a c e h e pu t f r om h i m w a s l e ss th a n a h i ll a n d ,
gr ea t e r th a n a k n o ll o n t h e mou n t a i n sid e He tu rn e d .
o n th e m c lov e n a n d crin gin g

,
T h r e e r a n k s wo u l d h e
.
dri v e o f th e m d a s h in g th e m f r om th e ir S h i e l ds t o th e ir
, ,
b lo o d a n d th e ir fl e s h in t h e s k i e s 1 W o u l d h e n o t l e a v e
.
‘
o n e to t e ll t h e t a l e o r r e p o r t b a d n e w s 3 t o pu t in a
,
l a nd o f h o l e s o r a s h e lf o f r o c k T h e r e wa s o n e l i ttl e
.
o n e e y e d r u ss e t m a n o n e e y e d a n d o n o n e k n e e a n d o n e
- -
”
, ,
h a nd e d . T ho u s h a lt n ot b e to t e ll a t a l e o f m e 3 h e
“
w e n t a n d h e t o o k h is h ea d o ff T h e n B o i n n e Br e a t .
s h u nn e d t h e fight a n d h e took h is a r mo u r o ff
,
.
G o d ow n Fea r gh u s a n d t a k e o ff t h e h e a d o f th y
”
, ,
’
m o th e r s br oth e r o r I w i ll ta k e i t o ff
,
.
’
F e a r gh u s w e n t d o w n h e c a u ght hol d o f h is moth e r s
,
br oth e r a n d h e took h is h ea d o ff Th e s m i th s dau gh

, .
’
t er w e n t t o t h e a r m s a n d sh e took th e m wi th h e r
,
.
L a gh a n L a id h k e pt o n h is a r m o u r W h e n h e sa w .
F ea r gh u s g o in g to t a k e o ff t h e h e a d of h is m o th e r s
’
br o th e r h e t o o k a f r e n z y L a gh a n d L a id h w e n t a b o u t
, .
t h e h i ll to t ry i f h e c o u l d s e e B o i n n e Br e a t who w a s ,
u na rm e d B o i n n e Br e a t tho u ght t h a t m a n wa s dr u n k
.
*
C ORR t h e e p i t h e t a ppl i e d t o a s h ir t is a w o rd wh ic h g i v e s
, ,
t h e m e a nin g o f g r e a t n e ss o r e xc e ss ; a n d in c o r r a n m e a ns a n
”
,
iro n w e a p o n o r a sic k l e
, A s h irt o f a rm o u r
. .
1 T h is p a ss a g e is c o mm o n 3 I a m n o t c e rta in th a t it is c o rre ct l y
’ ‘
r e nd e re d .
C ONALL . 157
w i th b a ttl e He th o u ght th a t h e w o u l d t u rn o n t h e
.
oth e r sid e o f t h e h i ll t o t ry i f h e c o u l d c om e t o h is o w n
pl a c e L a gh a n L a id h tu rn e d o n t h e oth e r Sid e a ga ins t
.
h i m He tho u ght t o tu rn a ga in to t ry i f t h e b a ttl e

.
f r e n z y wo u l d a b a t e Th e th ird t i m e h e s a id h e wo u l d
.
n o t t u rn f o r a l l who w e r e in Al b u in o r E i r i n n o r S a ssu n , , .
“
It is s t ra n g e tho u ma n t h a t w e r t w i th m e th ro u gho u t
”
, ,
t h e ba ttl e t o b e a ga ins t m e ?
,
I w i ll n ot b e l i e v e b u t
th a t tho u h a s t t a k e n t h e dru n k e nn e ss o f ba ttl e s a id”
,
B o in n e Br e a t
”
.
“
I a m q u i t e b e sid e m ys e lf .
“ ”
W e ll th e n s a id b e th o u gh I a m u n a r m e d a n d
“
, , , ,
th o u u nd e r a rm s r e m e mb e r th a t tho u a r t n o m o r e t o
”
,
m e th a n wh a t I ca n h o l d b e tw e e n th e s e t w o fi n g e rs .
“
I w i ll n o t b e a t r a i t e r t o th e e th e r e b e h ind th e e ,
a r e th r e e o f t h e b e s t h e r o e s in Al b u i n o r E i r i n n o r
”
, ,
S a s su n .
He ga v e tu rn to se e t h e th r e e h e r o e s a n d wh e n h e
a ,
tu rn e d L a gh a n L a i gh s t r u c k o ff h is h e a d .
“ ”
My to r tu r e s a id Fe a r gh u s I h a d r a th e r m y o w n “
, ,
h e a d w e r e th e r e A n Eir ea nn a c h is n o t t o b e t a k e n a t
.
h is w o rd a s l o n g a s a m a n s h a ll l i v e It is a s t o n e in .
t h y s ho e e v e ry da y f o r e v e r a n d a p inc h o f t h e l a nd o f
”
,
Ei ri n n tho u s h a lt n o t h a v e .
L a gh a n d L a id h w e n t a wa y a n d h e w e n t t o t h e m o u n
t a in . H e m a d e a c a s tl e f o r h i m s e lf th e r e a n d h e ,
s ta y e d in i t .
Th e s m i th s d a u ght e r c a m e o n w e ll t i ll sh e b o r e a
’
b a b e so n Sh e ga v e h i m t h e n a m e o f C o n a l M a c R i gh
-
.
E i r i n n Sh e n o u r is h e d h i m w e ll a n d ri ght w e ll Wh e n
.
,
.
s p e e c h c a m e a n d h e c o u l d wa lk w e ll sh e t o o k h i m w i th ,
h e r o n a w e t m is t y da y to t h e m o u n t a in a m o n g s t h i gh
moo rs a n d f o r e s t s S h e l e ft h i m th e r e a s tr a y t o m a k e
.
o u t a w a y fo r h i m s e lf a n d sh e w e n t h o m e
,
.
1 58 WE S T H IG H LAND TALES .
H e did n ot k n o w in t h e wo r l d wh a t h e s h o u l d do a s ,
h e did n o t k n ow wh e r e t o go b u t h e f o u nd a fi n g e r o f
,
a ro ad He f o ll o w e d t h e r o a d
. Wh a t s ho u l d h e se e
.
b u t a l i ttl e b u t a t t h e e v e nin g o f t h e da y a t t h e w a y
sid e . He w e n t in t o t h e h u t th e r e w a s n o m a n
w i th in h e l e t h i m s e lf d o w n a t t h e fir e sid e T h e r e h e
-
.
w a s t i ll a w o m a n c a m e a t t h e e n d o f t h e ni ght a n d s h e ,
h a d si x s h e e p S h e sa w a g r e a t s l i p o f a m a n b e sid e
.
t h e fir e w h o s e e m e d t o b e a f ool
,
Sh e took gr ea t
.
w o nd e r wh e n sh e sa w h i m a n d sh e s a id th a t h e h a d
,
b e tt e r go o u t o f th a t a n d go d o w n t o t h e k in g s hou s e
,
’
a n d th a t h e w o u l d e t s om e th in g a m o n g s t t h e s e r va n t s
g
i n t h e k i t c h e n He s a id h e wo u l d n o t g o b u t i f sh e
.
,
wo u l d g i v e h i m s om e th in g th a t h e m i ght e a t th a t h e ,
wo u l d go to h e rd t h e s h e e p fo r h e rs e l f Wh a t s ho ul d .
b e t h e n a m e o f t h e w o m a n b u t OA OM HA G G e n tl e If “
”
.
I tho u gh t th a t I wou l d g i v e th e e m e a t a n d drin k s a id

, ,
sh e . O n t h e mo rr ow h e w e n t a wa y w i th t h e s h e e p I .
”
h a v e n ot a bi t e o f g ra ss f o r th e m s a id sh e b u t a r o a d 3 “
, ,
a n d tho u s h a lt k e e p th e m a t t h e e d g e o f t h e r o a d a n d
”
,
th ou s h a lt n o t l e t th e m o ff i t .
At t h e t i m e o f ni ght h e c a m e h o m e w i th th e m ; o n
t h e mo rr o w h e w e n t a wa y w i th t h e s h e e p T h e re we re
.
n ea r to t h e pl a c e wh e r e h e w a s w i th th e m th r e e fi e l ds
o f wh e a t th a t b e lo n g e d t o th r e e g e n tl e m e n Th e s h e e p
.
w e r e w e a ri n g h i m o u t He w e n t a n d h e l e v e ll e d t h e
.
dy k e a n d h e l e t th e m in f r o m o n e t o t h e oth e r t i ll th e y
,
h a d ea t e n t h e th r e e fi e l ds O n a da y o f d a ys t h e th r e e
.
,
g e n tl e m e n ga th e r e d \V h e n th e y c a m e h e h a d l e t t h e
.
,
fi e l ds b e e a t e n by t h e s h e e p .
\V h o a r t tho u T h o u h a s t ea t e n t h e fi e l ds
“
It wa s n o t I th a t a t e th e m a t a l l 3 i t w a s t h e s h e e p
th a t a t e th e m ” .
“
I V e w i ll n o t b e t a lk in g to h i m a t a l l 3 h e is b u t a
C ONALL . 159
f o ol W e w i ll r e a c h a mh a g to se e i f t h e s h e e p a r e
.
h e rs .
”
T h e y r e a c h e d Ca o m h a g T h e y t o o k h e r w i th th e m t o
.
t h e co u r t T h is w a s t h e fi rs t c o u r t th a t Fe a r gh u s
.
h a d m a d e a ft e r h e g o t t h e cr ow n .
Th e k in g s h a d a h e ri ta g e a t th a t t i m e Wh e n th e y .
did n o t k n o w h o w t o s pl i t j u s t ic e p r o p e r l y t h e ,
j u d gm e n t s ea t w o u l d b e gin t o k ic k a n d t h e k in g s n e c k
-
,
’
w o u l d ta k e a tw is t wh e n h e did n o t d o j u s t ic e a s h e
o u gh t
”
I c a n m a k e n oth i n g o f i t s a id t h e k in g b u t th a t “
”
, ,
th e y s h o u l d h a v e t h e t o o th th a t did t h e d a m a ge .
Th e j u d gm e n t s e a t w o u l d b e g in t o k ic k a n d t h e
-
,
’
k in g s n e c k t o o k a t u rn C om e h e r e o n e o f y o u a n d
.
l o o s e m e ; t ry i f y o u c a n do j u s t ic e b e tt e r th a n th a t ” .
T h o u gh th e r e w e r e th o u s a nds w i th in no n e wo u l d go i n ,
’
t h e k in g s pl a c e T h e y w o u l d n ot g i v e t h e k in g s u c h
.
b a d r e s p e c t a s th a t a n y o n e o f th e m w o u l d go b e fo r e
,
him .
“
I S th e r e a m a n th a t w i ll l o o s e m e
“
T h e r e is n o t u n l e ss t h e h e rd o f Ca o mh a g h i m s elf
”
,
w i ll l o o s e th e e .
’
Ca o mh a g s h e rd w a s s e t d o w n .
“
L o o s e fo r m e m y l i ttl e h e r o a n d do j u s t ic e a s i t
”
, ,
s ho u l d (b e d o n e ) a n d l e t m e o u t o f th is
,
.
( N o r ) ri ght n o r j u s t ic e w i ll I d o b e f o r e I ge t s o m e
th i n g th a t I m a y e a t ” .
T h e n h e go t s o m e th in g wh ic h h e a t e .
W h a t j u s t ic e dids t th o u d o th ys e lf ? s a id h e .
“
I did b u t (d o om ) t h e tooth th a t did t h e d a m a g e t o
b e th e irs .
”
“
Wh a t w a s in t h e w a y th a t th o u dids t n o t g i v e d ea th
t o Ca o m h a g ? T h is is w h a t I w o u l d d o z— Ca o m h a g h a s
si x s h e e p a n d th o u gh t h e si x s h e e p w e r e t a k e n f r o m
,
1 60 W ES T H I GH LA ND T ALES .
h e r, th e y wo u l d n ot pa y t h e g e n tl e m e n Ca o mh a g wi ll
.
h a v e six l a mbs t h e g e n tl e m e n s h a ll h a v e t h e six l a mbs

”
, ,
a n d s h e h e rs el f s h a ll h a v e t h e s h e e p to k e e p .
He w e n t
’
Th e t u rn w e n t o u t o f t h e k in g s n e c k .
a wa y a n d th e y did n ot a sk who h e w a s a n d h e go t n o
, ,
Sk a i th .
T h e r e wa s a n oth e r g e n tl e m a n a n d h e h a d a ho rs e
, ,
a n d h e s e n t h i m t o a s m i th y t o b e s ho d Th e s m i th
.
h a d a y o u n g so n a n d a n u rs e u nd e r t h e c h i l d Wh a t .
s ho u l d i t b e b u t a fin e da y a n d i t w a s w i thou t th a t t h e
,
ho rs e w a s b e in g s ho d a n d sh e n e v e r sa w a ho rs e s ho d
,
b e fo r e ; a n d sh e w e n t o u t to see t h e s ho e in g o f t h e
ho rs e Sh e sa t o pp o si t e to t h e h o rs e a n d h e to o k t h e
.
,
n a i l a n d t h e s ho e a n d h e did n o t h i t t h e hoof wi th t h e
,
n a i l b u t h e pu t i t i n t h e fl e s h a n d t h e ho rs e s t r u c k t h e
,
c h i l d a n d dr ov e t h e cu p o f h is h ea d o ff T h e y h a d b u t
,
.
to go t o j u s t ic e a ga in to t h e k in g a n d t h e j u s t ic e t h e
,
k in g m a d e fo r th e m w a s th a t t h e l e g s h o u l d b e ta k e n
,
o ff t h e ho rs e . Th e j u d gm e n t s e a t b e ga n t o ki c k a ga in
-
,
’
a n d t h e k in g s n e c k took a tw is t . Th e h e rd o f Ca o mh a g
w a s th e r e a n d th e y a s k e d h i m to loo s e t h e k in g
, He .
s a id th a t h e wo u l d n o t d o a th in g ti ll h e s ho u l d fi rs t ge t
s om e th in g t o e a t .
H e got th a t He w e n t wh e r e t h e k in g wa s
. .
“
Wh a t l a w dids t thou m a k e
“
Th e l eg to b e t a k e n o ff t h e h o rs e
“
T h a t w i ll n ot pa y t h e s m i th S e nd h i th e r t o m e
.
t h e gr o o m th a t br ok e t h e ho rs e a n d t h e g e n tl e m a n to
,
whom h e b elo n g s S e nd ov e r h e r e t h e s m i th a n d t h e
.
n u rs e .
”
Th e g e n tl e m a n a n d t h e g r o o m c a m e .
“
W e ll th e n m y g e n tl e m a n dids t tho u m a k e th is
”
, ,
g r oom br ea k th is h o rs e a s h e s ho u l d ?
CO NALL . 161
Th e gr o o m s a id th a t h e h a d d o n e th a t a s W e ll a s h e
k n e w (h o w t o do i t ) .
“
N o mo r e c o u l d b e a s k e d o f th e e W e ll s m i th dids t
.
, ,
th o u g i v e a n o rd e r t o t h e n u rs e t o s t a y w i th in w i th o u t
c o m in g o u t o f h e r c h a m b e r
“ ”
I did n o t g i v e i t s a id t h e s m i th b u t (sh e m i ght
, ,
d o ) a s s h e c h o s e h e rs e lf
” .
”
My g e n tl e ma n s a id h e sinc e tho u a r t b e s t k e pt
, , ,
’
I w i ll pu t a th ird o f t h e E I R I C o f t h e s m i th s so n o n
th ee a n d a n o th e r th ird o n t h e s m i th h i m s e lf b e c a u s e
, ,
h e did n o t m e a s u r e t h e n a i l b e f o r e h e pu t i t t o u se a n d ,
a n oth e r th ird o n t h e n u rs e a n d t h e g r o o m b e c au s e sh e
did n ot s ta y w i th in in h er c h a m b e r a n d in ca s e h e l e ft
”
,
s o m e wo rd o r oth e r u n ta u ght t o t h e ho rs e .
Th e g e n tl e m a n w e n t a wa y a n d t h e s m i th 3 t h e
’
j u d gm e n t s e a t s t o pp e d a n d sh e h a dn t a k ic k 3 t h e
-
,
’
t u rn c a m e o u t o f t h e k in g s n e c k a n d th ey l e t h i m go ,
a s u su a l .
S a id t h e k in g If h e h a s t r a v e ll e d ov e r t h e u ni v e rs e
’
a n d t h e w o r l d th e r e is a dr o p o f k in g s b l o o d in th a t
,
l a d 3 h e c o u l d n ot s pl i t t h e l a w s o w e ll a s th a t i f i t w e r e
n ot in h i m Le t t h e th r e e b e s t h e r o e s I h a v e go a n d
.
”
,
l e t th e m brin g m e h is h e a d .
T h e y w e n t a ft e r h i m H e ga v e a gl a nc e f r om h i m
.
a n d wh a t s ho u l d h e s e e c o m in g b u t th e y Th ey ca m e
”
.
wh e r e h e wa s \V h e r e a r e y o u g o in g ?
“
W e a re “
”
.
go in g t o k i ll th ys e lf Th e k in g s e n t u s t o th e e
. .
“
W e ll th e n th a t wa s b u t a wo rd th a t c a m e in t o h is
”
, ,
m o u th a n d i t is n o t w o r th y o u r wh i l e to k i ll m e .
”
,
“
He is b u t a f o o l s a id th e y , .
“
S inc e h e s e n t y o u to k i ll m e w h y d o n t y o u k i ll ,
’
me
W i lt th o u ”
th ys e l f k i ll th ys e lf m y l i ttl e h e r o ? s a id
,
th e y .
1 62 W ES T HIGHLAND TALES .
How s h a ll I k i ll m ys elf
“
H e r e s fo r th e e a s wo rd a n d s tri k e i t o n th ee a b ou t
’
t h e n e c k a n d c a s t t h e h ea d o ff th ys e lf
” s a id th ey .
, ,
He s e i z e d o n t h e s w o rd a n d ga v e i t a tw ir l in h is
”
,
fis t .
“
F a ll t o k i ll in g th ys elf m y l i ttl e h e r o .
”
,
B e go n e s a id h e a n d r e tu rn h o m e a n d d o n ot
”
, , ,
h id e f r o m t h e ki n g th a t y o u did n o t k i ll m e
”
.
“
W e ll th e n g i v e m e t h e s w o rd s a id o n e o f th e m
, , , .
I w i ll n o t g i v e i t 3 th e r e a r e n ot in E rin a s m a ny a s
”
w i ll t a k e i t f r o m m y fi s t s a id h e .
,
T h ey w e n t a n d th e y r e tu rn e d hom e A s h e wa s .
go in g by h i m s elf h e s a id ,
I wa s n o t b o rn w i tho u t a
,
moth e r a n d I w a s n o t b e go tt e n wi th o u t a fa th e r I
, .
h a v e n o m ind (o f) e v e r c om in g to E rin a n d I k n o w ,
th a t i t w a s in E rin I wa s b o rn I wi ll n o t l e a v e a h o u s e .
in wh ic h th e r e is s mok e o r fir e in E rin t i ll I k n ow who

I
He w e n t t o t h e I u b h a r Wh a t w a s i t b u t a fin e
.
w a r m da y Wh o m did h e se e b u t h is m o th e r wa s h in g
. .
H e w a s c om in g t o a s o r t o f u nd e rs ta ndin g s o th a t h e ,
w a s th in k in g th a t i t w a s h is moth e r w h o w a s th e r e .
He w e n t a n d h e w e n t b e h ind h e r a n d h e pu t h is h a nd
”
,
o n h e r br ea s t I nd e e d s a id h e a fo s t e r so n o f th y
.
“ “
”
, ,
ri ght br e a s t a m I S h e g a v e h e r h e a d a to ss
. T hy .
l i k e o f a ta r l a i d dru d g e I n e v e r h a d a s a so n o r a f o s t e r
”
,
so n . My l e ft h a nd i s b e h ind th y h e a d a n d a s wo rd ,
in m y ri ght h a nd a n d I w i ll s t ri k e o ff th y h e a d u n l e ss
”
,
th o u t e ll m e w h o I a m S t i ll b e th y h a nd C o n a ll
“
”
.
, ,
s o n of t h e k in g of E rin .
“
I k n e w m ys e lf I wa s th a t a n d th a t th e r e w a s a ,
d r o p o f t h e b lo o d o f a k in g s so n in m e 3 b u t w h o k i ll e d
’
m y fa th e r
“
Fea r gh u s k i ll e d h i m 3 a n d a lo ss a s g r e a t a s th y
C ONALL . 1 63
fa th e r wa s s l a in s a m e da y — th a t wa s B o i n n e
on th e
Br ea t so n o f t h e k in g o f Al b a
” .
”
,
“
W h o s l e w B o i n n e Br e a t ? It is a br o th e r of “
F e a r gh u s wh o m th e y c a ll L a gh a n L a id h ” .
,
“
A nd wh e r e is th a t m a n d w e ll in g
“
He c ou l d n ot g e t a bi t o n t h e l a nd o f E rin
wh e n o nc e h e h a d s l a in B o i n n e Br e a t ; h e w e n t
* ’
to t h e h i ll s a n d h e m a d e h i m a c os
,
in t h e ‘
f o r e s t a mo n g s t u i l l e bi a ste mo ns t e rs a n d u n ta m e d
‘ ’
”
, , ,
cr ea tu r e s .
W h o k e pt m y f a th e r s a r m s
’
It is I ” “
.
“
Go f e t c h th e m a n d brin g th e m h i th e r to m e
” Sh e .
,
br o u ght th e m .
He w e n t a n d pu t t h e a r m s o n h i m a n d th ey b e c a m e ,
h i m a s w e ll a s th o u gh th e y h a d b e e n m a d e f o r h i m s e lf .
“
I e a t n o t a bi t a n d I drin k n o t a dra u ght a n d I
, ,
m a k e n o s t o p b u t th is ni ght u n t i l I r ea c h wh e r e th a t
”
,
m a n is wh e r e s o e v e r h e m a y b e
, .
He p a ss e d th a t ni ght wh e r e h e wa s I n t h e m o rn .
in g o n t h e m o rr o w h e w e n t a w a y 3 h e We n t o n t i ll
,
th e r e w a s b l a c k u po n h is s o l e s a n d hol e s in h is s h o e s
'
Th e wh i t e c l o u ds o f da y w e r e go in g a n d t h e b l a c k ,
c l o u ds o f ni ght c o m in g a n d w i th o u t h is fi ndin g a pl a c e
,
o f s t a yin g o r r e s t f o r h i m T h e r e h e sa w a gr e a t w o o d
. .
He m a d e a obs
”
“
i n o n e o f t h e t r e e s a b o v e in wh i c h
,
h e m i ght s ta y th a t ni ght I n t h e mo rnin g o n t h e

.
,
mo rr o w h e c a s t a gl a nc e f r om h i m Wh a t s h o u l d h e .
se e b u t t h e v e ry u i l e bh ci si wh o s e l i k e wa s n e v e r s e e n
,
u nd e r t h e su n s t r e t c h e d w i th o u t c l o th in g w i th o u t
, ,
fo o t c ov e rin g s o r h e a d c ov e rin g h a ir a n d h e a r d g o n e
, ,
o v e r h im He th o u ght th o u gh h e s h o u l d go d o w n
.
, ,
Ob s, h o ll o w o r c a v e
a 3 h e re a k ind of d w e ll in g sc o o p e d ou t
in th e sid e o f a h i ll .
1 64 WE S T H I GH LAND TALES .
th a t he c ou l d not d o fo r h i m He pu t a n a rr ow in a
.
“
cr o i s
” and h e
“ ”
fi r e d a t h i m H e s t ru c k h i m w i th
.
,
i t o n t h e ri ght fo r e a rm a n d t h e o n e who w a s b el o w
-
ga v e a s t a r t .M o v e n o t a sin e w o f th y sin e w s n o r a
“
,
v e i n o f th y v e ins n o r a bi t o f th y fl e s h n o r a h a ir o f
, ,
th y lo ck s t i ll tho u p r o m is e to se e m e a k in g ov e r Eri n
, ,
o r I w i ll s e nd d ow n o f s l e nd e r o a k e n d a r t s e n o u gh
”
.
to se w th ee to t h e e a r th Th e u il e b h ei st did
.
n o t gi v e h i m yi e l din g f o r th a t He w e n t a n d h e fi r e d
.
a ga in a n d h e s t r u c k h i m in t h e l e f t f o r e a r m
,
D id I -
.
n o t t e ll th e e b e fo r e n o t t o s t ir a v e in o f th y v e ins n o r
,
a bi t o f th y fl e s h n o r a h a ir o f th y l o c k s t i ll tho u
”
,
s ho ul ds t p r om is e to se e m e k in g o v e r E rin C om e .
“
d ow n th e n a n d I w i ll se e th ys elf o r m ys e lf th a t b e f o r e
”
,
th is t i m e t o m o rr ow n i ght H e c a m e d ow n
. .
I f I h a d k n o w n t h a t i t w a s th y l i k e o f a dru d ge
“
th a t s ho u l d dic ta t e th u s to m e I wo u l d n ot d o i t fo r
,
th e e f o r a ny th in g 3 b u t sinc e I p r om is e d th e e I w i ll d o
i t a n d w e w i ll b e go in g ” .
,
T h e y w e n t to t h e p a l a c e o f t h e k in g T h e y s ho u t e d .
B a ttl e o r C om b a t to b e s e n t o u t o r e l s e t h e h ea d o f
,
F e a r gh u s o r h i m s e l f a c a pt i v e
, .
B a ttl e a n d c o m b a t th e y s hou l d get a n d n o t h is h e a d ,
a t a l l a n d th e y c ou l d n o t e t h i m s e lf a c a pt i v e
, g .
T h e r e w e r e s e n t o u t f o u r h u ndr e d s wi ft h e r o e s f o u r ,
h u ndr e d fu ll h e r o e s a n d fou r h u ndr e d s t r o n g h e r o e s

, .
T h e y b e ga n a t th e m Th e o n e c o u l d n o t pu t f r om
.
’
t h e o th e r s h a nd a s th e y w e r e k i ll e d .
T h e y s hou t e d b a ttl e o r c o m b a t a ga i n o r e l s e t h e h ea d ,
o f Fe a r h u s t o b e s e n t o u t o r h i m s e l f a c a pt i v e
g , .
It is b a ttl e a n d c omb a t tho u s h a lt h a v e a n d n ot a t

”
,
a l l m y h e a d a n d n o mo r e s h a lt th o u e t m ys e lf a c a pt i v e
, g .
T h e r e w e r e s e n t o u t tw e lv e h u ndr e d s w i ft h e r o e s ,
C ONALL . 1 65
tw e lv e h u ndr e d f u ll h e r o e s a n d tw e lv e h u ndr e d s to u t
,
h e ro e s .
’
Th e o n e c o u l d n ot pu t f r om t h e oth e r s h a nd a s th e y
ki ll e d o f th e m .
T h e y s h o u t e d b a ttl e a n d c om b a t o r e l s e t h e h ea d o f
,
Fe a rgh u s o r h i m s e lf a c a pt i v e
,
.
B a ttl e a n d c o m b a t th e y s ho u l d h a v e a n d n o t t h e ,
h e a d o f Fe a r gh u s a t a l l n o r h i m s e l f a ca pt i v e
, .
T h e r e w e r e s e n t o u t fo u r h u ndr e d sc o r e to th e m .
Th e o n e c o u l d n ot pu t f r om t h e oth e r a s th e y k i ll e d .
T h ey s ho u t e d b a ttl e a n d c o m ba t .
“ ”
T ho s e w h o a r e w i th o u t s a id Fe a r gh u s a re so
“
, ,
h a rd ( t o pl e a s e ) th a t th e y w i ll t a k e b u t my h e a d a n d ,
u n l e ss th ey g e t ( i t ) th e y w i ll k i ll a l l th e r e a r e i n E rin
a n d m ys e lf a ft e r th e m . T a k e o n e o f y o u a h ea d f r o m
o n e o f th o s e w h o w e r e s l a in a n d wh e n L a gh a n L a id h
,
c o m e s a n d a s k s m y h ea d o r m ys e lf a c a pt i v e g i v e i t to
”
, ,
h i m a n d h e w i ll th in k i t is m y h ea d
, .
Th e h ea d w a s g i v e n to L a gh a n L a id h He w e n t .
wh e r e C o n a ll w a s w i th i t .
“
Wh a t h a s t tho u th e r e s a id C o na ll
”
.
“
Th e h e a d o f Fe a r gh u s .
T h a t is n o t t h e h e a d o f Fe a r gh u s y e t I sa w h i m .
a s h o r t e r (t i m e ) th a n th ys e l f b u t t u rn a n d brin g h i th e r
”
,
t o m e t h e h e a d o f Fe a r gh u s .
L a gh a n L a id h r e tu rn e d .
Le t a n o th e r go t o m e e t h i m in t h e k in g s s t ea d a n d
’
,
sa
y th a t i t i s h is h ea d h e S h a ll g e t n ot h i m s e lf a c a pt i v e
,
.
T h is o n e w e n t t o m e e t L a gh a n L a id h He s e i z e d .
h i m a n d t o o k t h e h e a d o u t o f h is n e c k .
He r e a c h e d C o n a ll . \Vh a t h a s t th o u th e r e ?
”
“
Th e h e a d o f Fea r gh u s .
”
“
T h a t is n o t t h e h e a d o f Fe a r gh u s y e t 3 t u rn a n d
brin g t o m e t h e h e a d o f Fe a rgh u s ” .
1 66 WES T H I GHLAND TALES .
L a gh L a id h r e tu rn e d
an .
“
Th e o n e w h o is w i tho u t is so w a t c hf u l a n d t h e ,
oth e r is so b l ind th a t th e r e is n o m a n in E rin b u t th e y

”
,
w i ll k i ll u n l e ss th e y ge t m ys e lf .
“
Wh e r e a r t th o u go in g L a gh a n L a id h ,
s a id
F ea rgh u s
”
.
I am
go in g t o s e e k th y h e a d o r th ys elf a s a ,
c a pt i v e.
“
It s m y h e a d th o u s h a lt ge t a n d n ot m ys e lf a s a
’
c a pt i v e 3 b u t wh a t k indn e ss a r t tho u g i v in g t h y br o th e r
“
Th e k indn e ss th a t th o u ga v e s t th ys e lf t o m e I w i ll
”
,
gi v e i t t o th e e .
He to o k t h e h ea d o u t o f h is n e ck a n d h e to o k i t w i th ,
h i m He c a m e wh e r e C o n a ll w a s
.
” ”
.
“
Wh a t h a s t th o u th e r e ? Th e h ea d o f Fe a r gh u s
“
” ” ”
.
“
It is n o t Tr u l y i t is
.
“
Le t m e s e e i t
.
“
.
He g a v e i t t o h i m H e dr e w i t a n d h e s t r u c k h i m
.
,
w i th i t a n d h e m a d e two h ea ds o f t h e o n e T h e n th ey
, .
b e ga n a t e a c h o th e r .
T h e y wo u l d m a k e a b og o n t h e r o c k a n d a r o c k o n ,
t h e b og I n t h e pl a c e wh e r e t h e l e a s t th e y w o u l d sin k
.
,
th e y w o u l d sin k t o t h e k n e e s in t h e pl a c e Wh e r e t h e
,
m o s t th e y w o u l d sin k th e y w o u l d sin k t o t h e e y e s
,
.
C o n a ll th o u ght i t w o u l d b e i ll fo r h i m t o fa ll a ft e r h e
h a d go t so n e a r t h e m a tt e r .
H e dr e w h is s wo rd a n d h e th r e w t h e h e a d o fl L a gh
’
a n L a id h .
“
N o w I a m k in g ov e r E rin a s I m ys e lf h a d a ri ght
”
,
to b e .
He t o o k h i s m o th e r fa th e r f r om t h e I u b h a r
and h er ,
a n d to o k th e m to t h e p a l a c e 3 a n d h is r a c e w e r e in i t t i ll
t h e nin th k n e e Th e l a s t o n e w a s c h o k e d a s a b a b e
.
, ,
w i th a s pl in t e r o f b o n e th a t w e n t cr o ss w is e in to h is
th r o a t a n d a n oth e r t rib e c a m e in o n EI R I N N
, .
CO NALL . 1 67
CONALL .
BH A s e n ri gh a r o i mh e so an n an E ir in n a gu s b h a t r iuir m a c a ig
p iu th a r dh a B e In f e a r a b u s h in e d h i u Fe a r gh u s a m f a r a b u
.
’
,
e
m h ia dh o n a i c h e a L gh a n L ai gh s a m fe a r a b b i g e C o n a l ] ,
’ ’
.
S m a o i n t i c h e g o n d i a n a dh e o i gh r e d o n fh e a r a b u s h in e F e a r
’
gh a s T h u g e sg o i l m h ic ri g h a g u s ridir e d h a a g u s n u r a b h a e
. ,
b u i dh e a c h g o i l a g u s i o n n s a c h a id h th u g e d h a c h a id h e d o n
’
s
B h a e n d a so a nns a p h a il e a s U r s a n ri gh
’ ’
p h ai l e a s . n Ch u ir .
,
m i s e a c h a d a b h l i a d h a so g o m a th T h a c e a nn n a b l i a dh a n i s
’
n . n
’
a t i h in s t h a t i o b l a i d a g u s c i r m a t i gh n o r m l a th a
n
’
r
” Dé I a
’ ’
e
“
g .
’
n t i o b l id n a
r n c u r a m a t h a t i gh
a
’
n o rt ? ” u rs a m fe a r o
’ ’
g .
“
Th a t a th n a d u t c a t i gh n a c u n n d a s r i u m a n di u gh L
u h h h ” ’
Ch a r i g t h u l e s c ura m a b h i o t t h a e a i r e u b h a c h a m a c h
’
u a r
go r m i s a n t o i gh r cg s a i r a c h u r si o s a n n a m p a i p e i r e a n s a n
’ ’ ’ ’
-
l i t r i c h e a n a n u s g a c h c e ar n d e 1 To ga i d h m is e c a is
’
i o gh a c h d 1 r .
t e a l b oidh e a c h a i r b i a l t h a o b h a ph ail e a s d u i t Gb e i b h m i sa o i r ’
.
ag s c l a c h a i e a n a g s g
u o ib h n e a n o c h a i s t a l si a t h o a il
” ’
u r
g s g a e n .
“
A n e sin sm a o i n t i n n a t h a g a d a m h ic m o ph e a t h a r a r s a n ” ’ ’
,
Ri gh c h a r o b b c e r t a c oir ga d a i r a n r i o gh a c h d f h a o t a i
,
a n a nn
m r a to g ai f h i n a t o i r t d i t l e m t h o i l fh i
’
Ch a n fh i e
’
a n r nn u n . a
t h u s l a i m h s e c h a d h E i r i n a g a d go s a n d t h é i d m is e a t o is e a c h
’
a a n n
f o n ir
’ ”
II
‘
Bid h l a t h a b l air a g u s b a t a il t a n m a n l i g m is e
.
“
n
’
si n ai a g h a id h
r
” u r s a m f e a r og
’
.
,
D h f h a l b h e a g u s s h e ol e go r u i g A l b a C h u i r e d h br a th a
’
. a
s u a s th n ri gh A l b a go n r o b b ri gh 0g B irin u a ir t i gh n go r u i g
u
’
A l ba g a c h o i mh e a d Th u ga d h s a s a i r b h a r r a i b h b a s e C h u i r
’
. u .
d e o c h a n a i t a h b l a g u s c e ol a n
’
e a d h b i a d h a n ai t a c h a i t h idh ,
-
,
B h a e n d a c a i t h e a dh n a c u i m a g s n cnid ’
ai t é i s d e a o h d
’
. r u a
e ach d
”u rs a ri gh A l b a
.
A ri gh
og E i r i n n , ch a n ’
an n go n c h e a n n
”
,
gn o t h a i c h a t h ai n i g t h u s a g o r u i g A lba Ch a b u . b m a th l e a m
fio s m o g n o t h a i c h a l ig e il a m a c h go s a m bi o d h f h i o s a m a m ’
f a ig h i n n an t o is e a c h e.
” Da d 3 a m bi th
’
t h a ga m s a gh e i b h a
’
th u s ’
e, c h io n n na
’
m b i t h in n ai
g i a r r a idh cu i d e a c h a id h cha
l u gh a id e go n rac h a in n a t ’
i o n n su id h -
S
’
ai r so n fh a o t a i n n .
” “
Fa c a l
a t h ai n i g a n n an d o il gh e a s e a da r m is
’
a g u s br a th r m m h fit h a r ’
o .
”
e a i r u b h a c h a m a c h go m b u
B ha e
’
m b i ri gh E i i n 3 s t h u i r t r n
’
e r i u m n c h bi o d h g n o t h a c h a g m ri mi g o s
a a an ra ch ad h pl o ch d
a i sa ra t o is e a c h Th a t o i l a g a in mo c h oir
u n . a sh e a s a m h a u g s
1 68 WES T H IGHLAND TALES .
cu id e a c h a d h f h a o t a i nn u ai t se .
’
B h eir
”
m is e sin d u i t a r s ’
an
,
Ri g h t ri c h i a d l ugh gh a i sge a c h t r i ch i a d t re u n gh a i sge a c h

“ -
”
, , ,
a g u s t ri c h i a d Ian gh a i sg e a c h
’ ’
s c h a d o n a n o u i d e a c h a dh s in
-
,
.
Th a m is e go n c h e a n n a r d s a n ci o nn s t h a m i c h o d o n a s a
’ ’
a , .
b h a m i r o i m h i d ; a c h t h a i a r t a s b e a g e il a ga m a g u s n a n
’ ’
r i
”
,
f a i gh i n n e b h i t h i n d e on a c h a i a l i ge il a m a c h R u d sa m “
n r .
’ ”
bi th a t h a ga m s a a r s a n Ri gh ,
s is u rr a m i d e a l a c h a dh ris
’
,
’
a c h r u d n a c h e i l a g a m c h a n u rr a mi t h o i r t d u i t 3
’ ’ ’
g h e i b h t h u e
”
,
a ch lig a ma ch do ch a i n t
’ ’
S gh e i b h t h u e n S e si n B o i n n e .
Bre a t d o m h a c a i r a n c e a nn ” M o gh o n a d h dh u i t n a m .
“
.
’
,
b i t h i n n g o n a g h e a l l t a i n n d u i t o h a n f h a i gh e a d h t h u e 3 a c h c h a
’
.
d o ru g a dh a n A l b a inn n a n B irin u n a n S a s u n n n a n a o n ai t e
’ ’ ’
, , ,
na gh e ib h e a d h b u a i d h a i r m o m h a c sa , a c h f a n t a i n n a ig c e art a s 3
m ar a n
’
d i
th g m o m h a c s a i r a i s m a r a d h fh a l b h
’ ’
e ch a
’
n
’
e il
f a c a l E i re a n n a i c h ri gh a b h a il t u i l l i dh , c h io n n
’
s an n am f o il l a
t h igt
’
a ir.
”
Dh
’
fh a l b h end an s h e ol e n d i o n n su i dh
la
’
r na m h ai r e a c h
’
s
’
ri gh Sh a su in n Ch a i d h bra th s u a s go ri gh S h a su i n n go n r o b h
.
ri gh og E i r i n a n d é igh t i gh n d o aite Gh a b h ri gh Sh a su i n n
n
’ ’
n .
n a c h o m h d h a il s t h u
ga d h s u a s a i r b h a r r a i b h b a s e
’
’
Th o g a d h .
c e ol s l e a ga d h br o n a n n a m p ai l e a s ri gh S h a su i n n Ch u i r e a dh
’
.
b i a dh a n a i t a c h a i t h e a dh d e o c h a n ai t a h ol a g u s c e ol a n ai t
‘ ’ ’ ’
-
, ,
cu irm
’ ’
é isd e a c h d . Bh a en d a c a i th e a dh na s na c u i de a ch d le
’
ai
gh e a r s 1e t o i l i n n t in n .
“
A ri gh og B irin u
”u rs a ri gh S h a su i n n , “
ch a n ’
ann
go n
”
,
gn o t h a i c h Fh u a i r m is e sgo i l m h i c
’
ch eann a t h ai n i g t h u n so .
ri gh gu s ri dire T h u g bra th r mo
a .
’
m h ath a r d a c h a idh m i .
T h oi s i c h e a i r b r u i d h i n n m o t h u a t h n a d u t h c h a s m o m h u i nn t i r
’
n a r i o gh a c h d g o n r o b h c u r a m a g u s t r i o b l a id a i r s go m b f h e a r r
’ ’
, ,
l e is n a c h d t h ai i g c e a nn n a b l i d h n idir Urs a m is e ris t o ga i dh

’
n a
’
.
m is e p a il e a s d u i t a i r a l t s n a c h bi a g a d a c h t a o d a n a n i gh e a d h
’ ’
, n
S d o c h a s a n a s h i n e a d h a n n a d b h r og a n Urs e s a n A m h i c
’ ’ ’ ’
.
,
m o p h e a t h a r c h a r o bb c o ir a ga d a i r a n r i o gh a c h d s o h a n f h a i gh
‘ ’ ’
,
t h u i g o s a n d t h e id pl o c h d o r m sa a o n a c h u i d a d h e o i n n a d h
’ ’
”
, ,
a in d e i n o Urs a m i ris B id h l a t h a b l air a g u s b a t a i l t e a d ar

.
“
”
,
m i s a g u s t h u s a m a m bi c h uis m u r s i n
’
Dh f h a l b h m i gh a b h
’ ’
.
,
m i go l o n g th u g m i l e a m sgi o b a a g u s s h e ol m i g o r u ig A l b a
, , .
R ai n i g m i A l b a 8 f h u a i r m i t ri c h i a d hi gh gh a i sge a c h t ri c h i a d
’
-
, ,
t re u n gh a i sge a ch a gu s tri c h i a d Ian gh a i sge a c h N is t h ain ig mi t

- -
.
’ ’
i o n n su i d h s a fia c h d e n c u i d e a c h a d h a b h e i r t h u d h o m h ”
,
’
.
C O NALL . 1 69
B h e i r m is e d h u i t ra d e i l e a g u s ”
c e a nn u rs a
u
g a i s ge a c h a ir an ,
Ri gh Sh a s s u i n n .
D h fh a l b h
’
e nd a g u s s h e ol end
go B u irin
C h a id h . e n d air ti r
‘
ai
g C a rra i g a E i r i n n C a rr i n a i m a ir a
’
s th a a g F h e a r gh u i s m ar u
’
c h a rr a i g si n f h a t h a sd R ai n i g e n ri gh A b h r a th r m o
.
’
.
’
m h at h a r a b h e i l t h u n i s cl e a s
’ ” M a ta Fh e argh u i s ga d a t h u i r t .
,
m is e s i u d s h o il m i n a c h g a b h a dh t h u c o rr u i c h ; a c h t h a m is e
a
”
g o n m o c h u i d s l u a i gh a c h r u i n n e a c h a dh fh a t h a s d . Ch a
f h r e a g a i r s i n d o m h sa , t h a E ir i n n a g a d s a f o (1
’
s m a ch d, t h a m is e
’
n so l e m dh a o i n e
’ ’
s ch a
’
n e il a i te na b i a dh , na d e o ch a gam
” U! ”u r s
,
dh aib h .
“ ’
an ri gh Fh e a r gh u i s
,
t h a t a i gh e a n t a i sg
B irin u f o sg a i l t e f o d h a d , a g u s f a l b h a i dh m i s e
’
s c r u i n n i c h id h mi
mo ch u id s l u a i gh .
’
Dh fh al b h an ri gh irin u , c h a idh e ma
’
n c u ai r t B . Th ai n i g e go
ai t e ris a n c a n a dh e u d a n t I u b h a r Ch a r o bb a c h d u in e ’
-
. ao n sa n
I u b h a r ris a n c a a d h e n d G o i b h l e G o bb a
n an . Sm a o i n t i c h e
ga b h a il a s t i gh s a m p a t h a dh
’
a ir,
’
s go n c a i s g e a d h e
ph a t h a d h s
’
g o n l i ge a dh e t r e is a n a l a c h . Gh a b h e s t i gh . r b
C h a o b s t igh
a ch n i gh e a n a
’
gh o b h a . Thu g i a .
’
i o n n su i d h c a th a ir air an
su i dh e a d h e. Dh i a r r
’
e de o ch . Ch a r o bb fio s a ig n igh e a n a
’
gh o b h a dé dh i a n a d h i . Cha r o bb a ig a
’
gh o b h a ch a n a o n mh a r t
r i s a n a b r a dh e n d a
’
Gh l a s Gh o ib h l e a n . L e is a
’
c h orn a bh
’
a i ge
ri b a i n e n a b a s t ri u a i r a s a l a t h a a r c h t e f o n m h a t
u ,
’
e n
’
n a
’
r .
Tri u a i r a n s a l a t h a b h i o dh pa t h a d h a ir s a n s dh b l a d h e n
e
’
n ,
’ ’ ’
c ern a i r a h u il e s i b h a l M m bi o d h a n c orn l a a i g i gh i n
-
u . ar a n a n n
c h a r o b b ri d o l a s a c h i o n a i c e B h a e a ga l u rr a n u r a d h i a r r
’
n . ,
a n ri gh d e o c h m u r a m bi o d h a c orn l a a i c e go m bi o d h a n c e a nn
, n n
ai a t h o i r t di th S e s m a o i n t i c h i g o m b u c h oir a n c orn a c h r
’
r . u
a i r b i a l t h a o b h a n ri gh c o dh i u T h u g i n u a s a c o rn s c h u i i ir ’
. n r a
a b h ia l t h a o b h e D h o1 e d o c h s th u g e n c e a t h a m h c u i d a s
’ ’ ’
. e ,
r ,
s d h fh ag e t ri e a r a n a B f h e a r r l e a m sib b a t h o i t a s
’ ’ ’ ’
ann r n n . r
g o l eir T h u g m a t h a i mi o a m a r a m bi n c o rn ’
a fh aga il
’
n . r nn n
l a n a c h e il a g a m ri d o l g o c h i o
n
” ”
M t a a s a ri gh s nn . a r
’
n
’
”
, ,
g e a s d e m gh a s s a n c orn f h ag i l c h o l an s a b h a e r o i m h i d
’
e an
’
a
’
.
C h u i r e n c o rn a i a b h o d b h u a il e b h a s a i r s c h i e d h e t h
’ ’ ’
r r , ,
u r
n a b h a a s ci o nn a b h a i n e c o rn l an M a n 1 f h a l b h n
’ ’
s bha
’ ’
n n . ( a
,
ri gh fh u a ir e n igh e a n d a fh i ’
n T h a t h u f l b h a ri gh B irin u n a
s m is e a n d e i h m o m h a sl a c h a i d h
’
d e t h a t h u f ag i l a g m
” a
?
g a
Bh e i r e a m a s i n d u i t m i l a s g e h d a th m i l a s g c h sc o rs a m i l ’ ’ ’
s a a
”
, ,
a s ga e h c r e u t a i D é u i m is e d e th s i n 3 n a c h f h i gh m i
r. ,
’
a
’
sh a l a n n a n B h e i r e a m d h u i t gl i n n
’
E ir i n n n a s h a il l e a s s i n a s
2 1 2
1 70 W ES T H I GHLAND TALES .
m o n a idh a b h e o th ai c h e a s end 0 b h l i a d h n a go b l i a d h n a D .
” “
é
i m is e sin m a m h a r b h a s Fe a r gh u s s i b h s e m ai r e a c h b h e i r
’
'
n d h eth
e u a m o n n c h r o bb e a g a m l e sg i o b h a dh a g u s b o i e f a l a
e,
’
a r nn
’ ” Th a o r m s a c h d c a b h a g a c h t h e i ig a m
’
g a c h e a n gh a l
“
. no r
”
,
m ai r e a c h d o n c h a m p g o Cn o c m a o l a m M u c a r s a n ri gh a g u s
’ ’
n , ,
d h f h ag e b e n c h d a i c e Th ai i g a h a t h a i r B h u a is e
’ “
an a . n -
. ,
b h u a i s e n i gh e a n c h a n e il d u i l a m f h I n n a c h r o bb a b h a l a c h
’ ’ ’ ‘
r
”
,
g a d c h o imh e a d
’
Cé m u r a t h a t h u g
’
n so an d i gh a u .
a i t h n e a c h a dh s i n ? ” B h a r a s g m a u ll m a i gh d i n n a g a d n u
“
a r
c h a i d h m i m a c h 3 t h a r a sg b r i sg m n a a g a d a n d r as d
” Co b .
“ ’
fh e a r r l e a t a b h i a n n 2 Ch a n f h a c a m i d u in e r i a b h a b fh e a r r
‘ ’ ’
l e a m a b h i a n n a ri gh B irin u n
” M a t a s e b h a n Dh f h ag .
’ ’
n .
’
e a g a m m i l a s g a c h d a th m i l a s g a c h s o s a m il a s g a c h c e u t a i r
’ ’
,
e r ,
r .
D e u rs a m is e ni m is e d h in s n a c h f h a igh m i d e s h l
’
, ,
n an ,
a an
E i r i n n a s h a i l l e a s c u d ? Urs e s a n B h e i r e a m d u i t gl i n a g u s
’
n n
”
,
m o n a idh e n a b h e a t h a i c h e a s e n d 0 b h l i a dh n a g o b l i a d h n a
a Dé .
i m i m a m h a r b h a s Fe a r gh u s f h a i gh m i
’
s i b h se , c h a si n ?
‘
u n
m g o m f a i gh i n n
’
Th u i r t e r iu h adh b o i n n e d a fh u il f h i n ga
’
sg r i o b s
o h e a n gh a l .
C h a i d il end an o i dh c h e si n m ar a bha e n d. M a b u mb o c h a
t h a i n ig an l a th a b u mh o ic h e na sin a dh
’
é i r i dh an g o bb a .
T h a ll ” i
gh e a n , b i t h e a m a i d a f a l b h
’ ’ ’ ’
a ni . D h fh a l b h fh i n S an
g o bb a s ’
r ai n i
g end an g anu s a ’
ri h cha mp .
“
Na ch ro b h th u
anu s an I u bh a r an dé ”u rs ? ’
an g o b b a ris an ri gh .
“
Bh a .
”
Bh ei l cu imh n
’
a g d a a ir do b h ri a t h r a n r i s a n n i gh i n n so . Th a ,
a ch ch a bhi ’
m b l ar an n
g o s a m m ai r e a c h , b h e i r m i d h u i t m a r a
t h u irt mi r is n i gh i n n
” Fh u a i r a n go b h a
an a ch
g o f a g t h u i se .
sind a g u s d h f h a l b h e ’
.
A n o i d h c h e sin n u r a b h a i se t r e is na ca d l a t
‘
I s i g i ’
s i ’
n
”
, , ,
d é i gh a i sl i g fh a i c i n n .
“
A
’
b h eil t h u
’
d
’
d h u s ga d h ? “
Th a ,
dé d o gh n o t h a c h d o mb ‘
2
Ch u n n a i c m i a i sl i g a n sind ga th a r ,
gi u b h a i s a f as a
’
ri gh f e r a m c h r i d h e f h i n s e n d a
c r id h
’
an ,
a
’
,
’ ’
sn a o m a dh a c h ei l e S in l e a a b h m i c a n d é igh a gh i e a c h
’
n . n n
c a d r th u s a s m i s a n o c h ! C h a i di l e d a n n a ir s i n s c h a b
a
’ ’ ’
n ,
’ ’
fh a d Ch a i dil e n d go s a m f a o i n a t h a i sl i g
a A b h il t h u d ’ “
e
’ ’
”
.
d h u sg d h a ri gh E i i n
a
” Th dé d o gh n o t h a c h d m h
r n ?
“
a, o ?
C h u n a i m i a i s l i g e i l e Fe a r gh u s a t i g h n a n u a s s t o i r t a
’ ’ ’ ’
n c a
”
,
c h inn s a n a m h u i c h a g m f h i n a s a m
’
S in Fe a r gh u s ga m a .
“
m h a b h a d h s a s t i t a c h inn s a n a m h u i c h a s a m
r
’
a o r
” C h a i d il i
’ ’
.
ris a g u s ch a ic i a i l i
g e ile
u nn A b h e il t h u d c h a d l a ri gh
s
“ ’ ’
a
”
.
B i i nn ?
r
” Ch a n e i l dé d o gh n o t h a c h d o m b a n d a s d
“ ’ ’ ? r
,
C ONALL . 1 71
Ch u n n a i c m i E i r i n n , o t h ao b h go t a o b h a gu s o ch e a
go e a ,
nn c nn
a ir a c h o mh da c h 1e sgu a b a n eh
’
a gurn s c o i r c e 3 t h ai n i g o i t e a g
s h o ir b h e i s o ’
n e ar , 0
’
n iar, a
’
n t th
ua ; sgu a b a d h a i r f a l b h a
h -
ni l e crao b h, gin ’
s ch ad h in ’
n fh a c a s r ia b h t u il l i dh
” M ar .
b h a id h F e a gh u s m is e S b h e i r e n c e a nn S a n a m b a c h a s a m 3 c o
’ ’ ’
r
l u a th s a rinn t h u sa r i a b h b e ir a i r m o c h u id a r m a g u s gl é idh
’
,
Th a l e a n a b h m i c
’
air
gh i n e a c h e a d a r m i s
’
e n d. a. a s thu sa .
B h e ir t h u c i o ch a s a l t r am
’
da,
’
s
’
c u i r i dh t h u n or d u h
g e . G l é idh
na h -
a i rm . Nur a ch i t hu go m bi c a in n t as c o m h n a dal a i ge
c u i r idh tn a ir fa l b h e, f e a dh an t -
sa o gh a i l , a i r s e a c h ra n ,
go s a m
mach e sa n ri gh a i bid h
’
f a i gh e co fh i n . Gh e ib h e na r Ei r i n n , a
mh a c
’
na ri g h a ir E i ri n n , bid h o th a ’
na ri gh a i r E i rin n , bid h a
gh r e a n a i r E i r i n n , g o s a n r u i g a n n a o i d h e a m h
’
s h li o c h d n a n ri
gl un . Bid h l e a n a b h a i r a b h r e i t h d o n fh e a s i n th g t u a t h a n
’
r ,
i
a c h a s t i gh l e i a sg , b r u i c h i d h e ’
n t i a sg ,
-
’
s t h éid o n ai m h n a a mb
’
u ich ,
’
s t a c h da r e.
”
B h a di t h i s d m a c e il
’
ai
g Maob h (P i u t h a r an ri gh ,
m at h a i r
F h e a r gh u i s )
’
s b h a m b l ar
’
ri b h i a n n a m ai r e ch a L a gh an l aid h
”
,
ag u s C o n a ll a g s se ,
u
’
L a gh a l aid h a b u s h in e
n .
“
Co d h in ,
u rs a L a gh a n l aid h a b h i o s sinn l e b r a t h r a r m ath a r le

“ ’
,
na
am ; m a b h u i d h n e a s B r at h a i r
’ ’
F e a r gh u s ? “
Ch a e il fh i o s
’
n
m ath a r gu sgo m bi sinn

l e F e a r g h u s , s l a h n a r b r oi g go c c
’ ’
ar a
b r at h
’
ch e 3 a c h m a b h u i dh n e a s Fe a r gh u s c u i r i dh e c ul r u i n n , o
’
n a bha sinn a ir a n n t a o b h e le
” ’
i
M a t a c h a n a n n m a r si n a .
b h it h e a s, a ch bi t h u s a l e Fe a r gh u s ,
’
s bid h m is e 1e b r at h a i r ar
m ath a r
” “
Ch a
’
n ann mu r sin b h i t h e a s , l i gi d h
a sinn g ’
ar
”
.
m at h a ir e.
“
Na
’
rs a M a o b h
m b i th in n sa
’ ”
m fh i r i o n n a c h , u
”
,
“
b h i t h i n n a o u r a b h l ai r l e m b h r at h a i r f h i
’
M a ta bid h n .
“
m i s a i g F e a gh u s
’ ” u rs a L a gh a n l aid h s bi th u s a i
’ ’
r
g Fe a r g h u s
”
, ,
a C h o n a i ll .
a ich e d h a
’
D h fh a l b h Fe a r gh u s i o n n s u id h F h i n s b h e a
’ ’
n ,
nn .
an am b i thra
n c i u in e
r a m in e B h e n n a i h F i o nn d a a n a m
n , . a c n
b i a t h r a n a b f h e a r ; m u r m b e d a b f h e ar r c h a b e n d a b u
’ ’ ’ ’
r r a n
m h i o sa C h l a m i go n r o b h l a t h a b l air a g u s b a t a i l t a d a r t h u
. u a e
f h i n a g u s b at h a i r d o m h at h a r
r
” a s e sa n T h a sinn ri b h i r
’
.
“
,
ann
’
s t h a i n ig m i
’
ur i o n n su i d h sa a i r so n cu id e a c h a i d h .
” Ch a
’
n
’
e il e ac h d an a d o m b sa d o l an gh a id h b h r at h a i r d o m h at h a r ,
a
’
s
g u r a n n a i r fh e a r a n n a f h u a i r m i m o e h u ma i l 3 m a b h u id h n e a s
b r at h a i r d o m h at h a r c h a n fh a i gh
’
S inn s
gr i o b na
p l o c h d d e dh
’
f h eara n n B irin u a n ea s ’
s is b eo sinn .
’
S e so a n i m i , c h a b h u a il
n ii b u i ll e l a t e
’
s ch a b h u ail mi b u i ll e ’
t
’
a g h a i dh .
”
,
1 72 W ES T H I GH LA ND TAL ES .
C h a i dh Fe a r gh u s d a c h a idh m h ai r e a c h
’
an la r na . Ch u ir end
an o r d u gh a i r so n a
’
b h l ai r . Bh a c u ide a c h d an ri gh a ir a n d a rn a
e ile
’
t ao b h s cu id e a c h d Fh e a r g h u i s a ir an t ao b h . Ch a rob h
B o in n e B r e a t
’ ’
gh a i s gi c h a i g Fe a rgh u s a ch sa ch u i d e a c h d, an
g ai sge a c h m or S a su n n a c h
’
s a chu id e a c h d , a g u s L a gh an l aid h .
Th a r r u i n n B o i n n eBr e a t a m a c h a n i o m a l l n a c u id e a c h d .
C h a id h e n a c h u l a i d h c h a t h a g u s c h r u a i dh c h o mh r a g Ch u i r e -
.
c h ot a n srol si o d a a i r u a c h d a r a c h orr l ein e sgi a t h b h u c a id e a c h

’
-
,
go m b u l i a n a r o id e a d h a r s a n t r u a i l l c h a i rt i d h
’
a ir a thaob h cl I ,
‘
.
Th e a n n e mach a i r n a c e u m a n n an m o i t e i l m u r b h o i l l sge a d h .
Ga ch ceu m a c h u i r e a dh e u aidh e , bu l u gh ’
e na b e in n ,
’
s bu
mh o t h e n a ’
m e al l -
ch n o c sl é i b h e . Th i o n n d aidh e r iu t h a go
ri
gi o g a c h , ga ga c h 3 t d i t h e a n go n c u i r e a dh e d h in 3 ga n c a il c e a dh
o n s gi a t h a n g a m f u il a gu
’ ’
s
g a m fe o il , a
’
nns a n n i a r m a i l t 3 n a c h
f h aga d h e f e a r i n si d h sge o i l n a c h a i t h e a dh t u a i r i sg e il a c h u r a n
n ,
t a l a mh t o ll n a n sg e il pid h c h r e a g B h a ao n fh e a r b e a g c am
’
.
, , ,
r u a dh a n n a ir l e i th s h ui l s a i r l e i th gh l im S a i r l e i th ’ ’
”
,
l ai m h C h a b h i th u s a rm a dh i n n s e a dh sge o i l o r m sa
“ ’ ’
. . .
D h f h a l b h e s th u g e n c e a nn d e th D h ob B o i n n e Br e a t
’ ’ ’ ’
.
s e k nir e dh e t h a i r m F a l b h si o s Fh e a r gh u i s s th o ir a n
’ “ ’
.
c e a nn d e b h r at h a i r d o m h ath a r n o b h e ir m is e d e t h e ” C h a id h .
F e a r gh u s s i o s r u g e a i r b r at h a i r a m h at h a r s t h u g e n c e a nn
’ ’
,
d e th T h u g n i gh e a n a gh o b h a thu n n a n a r m s th u g i l e a th
.
’ ’ ’
end . C h u m L a gh a n l aid h a i a c h u i d a r m a i b h n u r a c h u n n a i c r ,
e Fe a rgh u s a d o l a t h o i r t a c hi nn d e b h r at h a i r a mh ath a r
’ ’
.
Gh a b h e f e ir g C h a i dh L a gh a n l aid h m a n c u a i r t a c h n u i c
’
.
fia c h a m f a i c e a d h e B o i n n e Br e a t s e go n a m ai b h Sm a o in t i c h
’
r .
B o i n e B r e a t go r m i s g c h a th a gh a b h a n d u in u d S m a o in t i ch
’
n .
e g o n t il l e a dh e a i r a n t a o b h e i l e d e n c h n o c fia c h a n d t h i g e a d h
’ ’
e go ai t e fh i n Th i o n da i dh L a gh a n l aid h a i r a n t a o b h e i l e n a
.
’
.
a h a i dh
g Sm a o i n t i c h e t il l e a d h a r i s fia c h a n t ra o igh e a dh e
.
’
m b ir e c h a th a
-
’
A n t r e a s u a i r t h u i r t e n a c h t il l e a d h e a i r s o n n a
. .
b h a n A l b a inn n a n E i r i n n n a n Sa su n n
’
S n e on a c h f h i r
’ ’ “ ’
.
”
, , ,
a b h a l e m f a d a n l a th t h u b h i m a gh a idh Ch a c h r e i d m i
’ ’ ’
a , .
n a c h m i sg c h a th a gh a b h t h u t h u ga d Di r e a c h a s a n a o d a n n
a th a mi
” .
”
M a ta u r s e s a n ga d a t h a m is e go n a r m a i b h
’ “
, , ,
a gu s t h u s a f o a r m a i b h c u i mh n i c h n c h m o th o r m t h u a gu s n a
’
a .
”
,
a s m i c a d a r a n d a m h ia r s i n Ch a n e i l m i ri b h i m
’
h m ’ ’
c u .
bra th fo il l e d h u i t 3 s i n a i r d o c h ul a n t ri u i r gh a i sge a ch is f h e a rr
a n A l b inn n a n B irin u
a ,
’
n a n S a su n n
” T h u g e t io n n da d h a i r
,
’
.
gh a i sge a c h a gu s n u r a t h i o n n d a i dh e
’
a dh fh a i ci n n n a n t riu i r ,
C ONALL . 173
th u g L a gh l aid h an c e a nn d e th
an M o gh o n a d h .
”u rs a F e a r
,
b f h e a r r l e a m m o c h e a n n fh i n a b h i a Ch a
’ ’ ’
e il
gh u s
“
nn . n
,
Eire a nn a c h ri gh a b h a i l a ir fh a c a l a n e a s is b e o d u in e t u il l id h .
S c l a c h a d b h oi g e h ni l e l a t h a go b r at h a c h a g u s g r e i m d e d h
’ ’ ’ ’
r -
”
,
f h a i gh t h u
’
f h e a r a n n E i r in n ch a n .
D h fh a l b h
’
l aid h a g u s c h a idh e n b h e i n n Rinn e
L gha an
’
.
c a i s t e a l d a f h i n a n n a g u s dh f h a e a n n B h a n i gh e a n a gh o b h a ’
n .
’
t i gh n a i r a h a gh a i d h go m a th go s a n d r u g i l e ab h m ic
’ ’
-
an .
T h u g i C o n a ll m a c ri gh E i r i n n m a r a in m a i r B h e a t h a i c h i go .
m a th s go r o m b a th e N u r t h ai n i g c ai n n t a s c o i s e a c h d go
’ ’
.
m a th d h a th u g i l e a th e l a t h a b o g c e ot h a r d o n b h e i n f e a dh
’ ’
, , ,
n
m o a i dh a g u s c o i ll e Dh f h ag i n sind e a i r s e a c h r a n go b h i
’ ’
n .
,
d i n a dh a n r a t h a i d dh a fh i n a g u s c h a i dh i s e d a c h a id h
a , .
Ch a r o b b fio s a i g a i r a n t s a o gh a l d e d h i an a d h e g o n f h i o s -
,
a c h f h u a i r e m i a r d e r a t h a d m or S lean e
’
a i ge c a n r a c h a dh e
’ ’
, ,
D e c h u n n a i c e a c h b o th a n b e a g f e a sga r d e l a t h a
’
n r ath ad .
, ,
t a o b h a n r a t h a i d m h oi r G h a b h e s t i gh d o n b h o t h a n
’
. Ch a .
r o b h d u in e s t i gh a n n Li g e e fh i n ri t a o b h a n t e in e si o s go n
.
, ,
B h a e n s i n go s a n d t h ai ig b o i r e a n n a c h
’ ’
b h i a d h go n d e o c h . n
d a c h a idh a n d e i r e a d h n a h o i d h c h e a g u s s i a c a o a i c h a i c e -
r .
C h u n n a i c i s t i a l l m h or d u in e t a o b h a n t e in e c o sa il ri b h i n a
’
a ma da n Gh a b h i i o n g a n t a s m or n u r a c h u n n a i c i e s t h u i r t i
’
.
,
go m b fh e a r a d h a f a l b h e sind a g u s d o l si o s go t i gh a ri gh
’
ri s, r n
,
go m f a i gh e a d h e ru d a m i o sg n a n gil l e a n a r ms a c b i d si n n
’ ’
s .
T h u i r t e n a c h r a c h a d h a c h n a n t u g a dh i d h a r u d a dh
’ ’
,
i t h e a dh e go m bi o d h e f a l b h a b h u a c h a il l e a c h d n a n c a o ra c h a i r
,
a in m a bh a ir a b h o ir ean n a ch Ca o m h a g .
’ ’
a so n fh i n . Dé n t -
a ch
N a n s a o il i n n sin gh e i b h e a d h t h u b ia dh a s d o h
’
i se
’
e c
”a r s ’
.
,
A n l a r n a m h a i r e a c h dh fh a l b h e l e is n a c a o ra i c h
’
Ch a n
’
.
’
’
e i l g re i m f e o i a ga m s a d h a i b h
”
r u r s i se a c h r a t h a d m or s
’ “ ’
, , ,
c u m a i dh t u e n d a i r i o m a l l a n r a t h a id m h oi r s ch a lig t h u dh et h
’
”
,
eud . A n a m n a h o idh c h e t h ain ig e d a ch a idh l e o A n l a r n a

-
.
’
m h ai r e a c h dh fh a l b h e l e is n a c a o r a i c h B h a d l ut h a i r a n ai t e
’
.
,
n r o b b e l e o t ri pai r c e a n c r u i a c h d a b h e a n a d h d o t h r i da o in
’ ’
nne
,
B h a n a c a o r a i c h ga s h ar a c h a dh 3 d h f b a l b h e s l e a g e
’
u a i sl e
’
.
garr a d h s l i g e s t i gh e u d o t h e go t é go s a n d i th e u d n a t ri
’ ’ ’
'
n , ,
L a t h a d e n a l ai t h e a c h r u i i c h n a t ri d a o i n u a i s i e
’
p ai r c e a n . n nn .
N u r a t h ai i g e n d b h a e s a n a n dé i gh n a p ai r c e a n a l ig e il i t h e d h
n a
l e is n a c a o ra i ch C i o d t h u i ge d h i th t h u a pai c e a
” Ch a
’
n r n
”
. .
m h i s a dh i th e u d idir s a n a d h i th a c a o a i c h n d
’ ’ ’ ’
Ch a n n r e .
b h i sinn a b r u i d h i n ris idi c h a e il a a c h a m a d a n r u ige

’
n r,
’
n
’
nn ,
1 74 WE S T H I GH LAND TA LE S .
sinn Ca o m h a g fia c h an l e a t h a i se n a. c a o r a i c h .
” R a in i g eu d
C a o mh a g . T hu g end l e o i o n n s u id h
’
na c ui r t i . R i
’
so a
’
c hi a d
c h u ir t d o Fh e a r gh u s a r ti n fh a o t a i n n
d h ian a dh an d é igh d h a
’
n o
‘
.
B h a fag il a i g n a r i gh r e a n s a n a m u d N u r na c h b aith n e
’ ’
a .
d h a i b h a n c e a r t a s a s g o l t a d h d oi gh e i l t h oi se c h a d h c a th a ir a ,
a
b h r e a t h a n a i s a i r b r e a b a da i c h s r a c h a dh c a r a n a m h u i c h a n ri gh,
’
n u r n a c h d i a n a dh e c e a r t a s m u r b u c h o ir d h a .
Ch a n u rr a m is e d a d a dh i a n a d h
“ ’ ” u rs a n ri gh a ch a n
’ “
”
, ,
fh i a c a il l a rinn a n s ga t h i b h i a c a Th o i s i c h c t h ir a b h r e a
’
. a a
t h a n a i s ri b e a b a da i c h a mh u i ch ri gh
’
rs c h a i dh c a r a n , an .
Th i ge a d h f e a r a ga i b h a n s o a g u s f u asgl a i b h o m fia c h a n di a n r
”
,
sibb a n c e a r t a s a S fh e a r n a si u d n
’
Ga d a b h i o dh m il t e an a .
s t i gh c h a r a c h a d h g in a n ai t a n ri gh 3 c h a r a c h a d h c u d a t h o i r t
’
d o d h r o c h m h i o s a i r a n ri gh go n r a c h a d h gi n di u a i r a b h i l a
th ao b h .A b h e il d u in a dh fh u a sgl a s o rm
“ ? ” ’
Ch a 11 e il
’ “ ’
m a r a m f u sg il b u a c h a il l e Ch a o mh a i g f h i n o r t
a
” Ch u i r e a dh s i o s .
b u a c h a il l e C h a o mh a i g Fu a s ga i l o r m a l a o c h a i n s di a n a n
’
”
.
,
c e a r t a s m u r is c oir s l i g a so m i C e a rt a s n a c oi r c h a di n
’
a
”
.
, ,
m is e go s a m f a i gh m i n t o is e a c h r u d a d h i t h e a s m i Fh u a i r e
’ ’
.
’
n s i n r u d a dh i th e D e n c e a r t a s a rinn t h u f h i n ? a r s
’
.
“ ” ’ ’
es n Ch a (1 rinn m i s a c h a fh i a c a i l l a rinn a n s g t h a b h i
’ ’
a n a
”
.
C i o d t h u ig e n a c h d th u g t h u m b as d o Ch a o m h a i g ?
“ ’ ’
a ca .
Ca o m h a i g, ’
So mu r a d h i an a i n n s a . Th a sia c ao r a i c h a i g s ga d a
’
b h e ir t e u a it h e na sia c a o ra i c h
p h a igh e a dh c u d n a ch a dao in
u a i sl e . Bid h si a u a i n a i g Ca o mh a i g, s gh e i b h n a d a o i n u a i sl e
’ ’
n a si a u a in
’ ’
s bid h n a c a o r a i c h a i c e t u a c u m a il
’ ” ’
D h fh a l b h .
a n c a r a a mh u ich a n ri gh . Dh fh al b h
’
s n
e a ,
’
s ch a d ’
fh o igh n e a c h d
end co e, d fh u a i r e sga t h
’
S ch a
’
.
B h a d u in n a s a l e i l a n s b h a e a c h a i ge s c h u i r e th u n
’ ’ ’ ’
n , ,
c e a d a c h e go s a b h i ir a c h r ui dh e a dh B h a m a c og a ig a ’
r a .
gh o b h a s b a n a l t r u m f o n l e a n a b h D é b h a n a c h l a t h a b ri a gh
,
’ ’
.
’
n ,
s is a r m a m a c h a b h a n t e a c h
’ ’ ’ ’
g a c h r uidh e a dh s c h a n fh a c
’
-
,
is e a c h ga c h r uidh e a dh r i a b h s c h a i dh i m a c h a d h fh a i ci n n
’
,
’ ’
c ui d h e a dh a n e ic h Sh u i dh i m a c h o i n n i m h a n e ic h s t h u g
’
r .
,
e s a n a n t a i g s a c h r u id h s c h a d a ma is e n c r o dh a n l e is a n
’ ’ ’ ’
r ,
t a i r g a c h c h u i r e s a n f h e o il i a g u s b h u a i l a n t e a c h a n l e a n a b h
’
-
, ,
s c h u i r e c o p a n a c h inn d e th
’ ’
.
Ch a r o b b a c a c h d o l g o c e a r t a s a r i t h i sd t h u n a n ri gh
" ’
Se n
’
.
c e a r t a s a rinn a n ri gh dh aib h a c h a s a t h o i r t b h a r a n e ic h ’
.
Th oi s i c h c a th a ir a b h r e a t h a n a i s a i r b r e a b a d a i c h s c h a idh c a r a n ,
’
a mh u i c h a n ri gh B h a b u a c h a il l e Ch a o mh a i g a l at h a i r Dh i a rr ’
. .
C ONALL . 1 75
e n d ai r f u a sgl a dh ri gh Th i r t e n a c h di a a d h e s ga t h
a ir an . u n
g o s a m f a i gh e a d h e r u d ri i t h e a d h a t o is e a c h Fh u i e sind n . a r .
C h a id h e f a r a n r o b b n ri gh D é n l a gh a rinn t h u
’ ’
.
A c h a s a t h o i t b h ar a n e ic h r
” C h a p h ai gh s i an . n
g o bb a ” C u i r i b h t h u ga m s a n g r o o m a d h i o n n s i c h a t e a c h
’ ’
a n -
”
.
,
a g u s a n d in da m be a n e
’ ’
u a sa l
u Ch u i r e a dh a n a l l a n . u
s o a n g o bb a a g u s a b h a a l t u m Th ai i g a n d u in n a s a l s a n
’ ’ ’
n r . n
gro o m S e a dh a d h u in u a s a il a n d th u g th u s a i r a gh r o o m
’ ’ ’ ’
. , ,
a n t e a c h s o i o n s a c h a d h m u r a b u c h oir d h a
- n Th i t a n u r
g r o o m go d rinn e sind c h o m a th 8 a b a i t h n e d h a Ch a b
’ ’ ’ ’
n
”
.
u r a i n e a r t u il l i d h i a rr a i dh o r t S e a dh a gh o b h a a n d th u g ’
r n .
th u s o du gh d o (1 b h a a l t r u m f a n t a i n a s t igh go n t igh n
’
r
’
n n
’
” ”
,
a m a c h a s a s o mb a Ch a ( 1 th u g
’
a ch mu r
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go b h a
? e r u s an r
“
” ”
, ,
a t h o g ra d h i f h i A d h u in u a sa il a r s e s a n o n is t u s a
“ ’ ’ ’
n. , ,
s f h e a r r c u m a il c u i r i d h m is e t ri a n o t d e d h é i r ig m h ic a gh o b h a
’ ’ ’
,
r ,
a gu s t ri a n e il a i r a gh o b h a f h in a c h d o t h o mh a i s e n t a i r
’ ’ ’ ’
o n n
g ,
ma d o c h u i r e g o f e u m i 3 a g u s t ri a n e il a i r a b h a n a l t r u m s a i
’ ’ ’
n r
a gh r o o m o n n a c h d fh a n i s a st igh n a se o m b a r 3 s go f h i o s
’ ’ ’ ’
n
n a c h d f ag esh
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a n f a c a l a i r h
c o r a i i i h
s a c a dh d o e a ch
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g go o n n nn n .
D h fh a l b h a n d u in u a s a l a g s a g o bb a ; a g u s s t a d c th a ir a
’ ’ ’
u n a
b h r e a t h a a i s s c h a r o bb c ar a i c e 3 t h ai i g a n e a r e a m h u i c h a n
’
n ,
n
ri gh 3 s l i g e n d e s a n a i r f a l b h mu r a b ab h a i st
’ ’
.
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’ ’
,
b o i n n e d h fh u il m h ic ri gh a nns a gh i l l u d C h a b u r r a in n e n
’ ’ ’ ’
.
l a gh a sgo l t a dh c h o m a th a n si n d m r a m bi o d h e a r m 3 f a l b h a d h a
n a t ri g a i s gi c h is f h e a r r a t h a g a m a g u s t h u ga dh c u d a m ’ ’ ’
i o n su i d h a c h e a n
n
” D h f h a l b h e n d a s a dh eigh
n .
’
T h u g e s ui l .
s dé c h u n n a i c e a t i gh i n n a c h e u d
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u aidh e Th ai n i g e n d fa r a n .
”
,
r o bb e ’
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? Th a sinn a d o l a d m h a r
’ ’
”
.
b h a d h f h i n c h u i r a n ri gh ga d i o n n su i d h sinn M a ta c h a n ’ “ ’
.
s c h a r u i g sibb a l e a s m o
’ ’
e i l a n s i n a c h r u d a t h ai n i g n a b h i a l
’
” ”
,
mh a b h a dh Ch a n e il a n n a c h a m a d n
’ ’ ’
r . a r s e u d sa O a , n.
n a c h u i r e s a n s i b h s e gu m m h a r b h a d h n a c h m ar b h s ib h m i ?
’ ’
,
A m m a b h t h u fh m t h u fh i n a l a o c h a i n
r
‘
a s i a dsa Dé r
’
n.
m u r a m h a r b h a s m i m i fh i n So d h u i t c l a i d h e a m h a g s “
u
b a il m u n a m h u i c h o r t e s t i l g a n c e a nn di t f l l n
u
’ ” ’
a r s i a ds o i
’
an .
, ,
R u g e a i r a c h l a i d h e a m h 3 c h u i r e c a r d e th a dho n S ind
’ ’
n r .
a l o c h a i n a i r t h u fh i n a m h a r b h a d h
a
” Fal b h i b h
” a rs e san . a
’
, ,
a g u s t i l l ib h d a ch a i d h i r a n ri g h n a c h d o m h a r b h
’
s n a c e il i b h a
” ”
,
sib b m is e M a t a th o ir d h o mh a n c l a i d h e a m h
. u rs a f e a r di u , .
C h a (1
’
t h o ir . Ch a
’
n
’
e il a n rin u n a b h e i r a s m o d h o rn e ”
Bi ,
a rs
’
s n Dh fh a l b h e n d
e a .
’
'
a g u s th i ll e d d a c h a i d h n .
A ir d h a b h i f a l b h l e is fh i n t h u irt e, Ch a d o ru
ga d h m i go n
m h at h a i r , ’
s ch a d o g h i n e a d h m i go n a t h a i r . Ch a c h u i m h n e
l e am t i gh
’
n do dh E i r i nn r i a b h , a g u t h a fio s
’
s a ga m gu r h -
an n
an Ei r i n n a r u ga d h mi 3 ch a
’
n fh ag m i t i gh s a b h e i l
’
s mui d n a
te in ’
a n n an E i r i n n go s a m bi fh i o s a g a m c o m i
” .
dh a n I u b h a r . b l ath
’
De b h a ch l a t h a b r i a gh
’
Ch a idh e an n .
Co c h u n n a ic e a ch a m h at h a i r a n i gh e a d a i r e a c h d . Bh a e t i gh n ’
go s e ers
’
aith n e , air al t
’
s
go n rob h e s m a o i n t e a c h a dh gu r i
m h at h a i r a bh
’
e a gu s ch a idh e a i r a
an n . Dh
’
s fh a l b h o n] ,
’
c h u i r e l amh s i o s n a b r o il l e a c h s t h u g e ch i o c h d h e a s a ma c h
’ ’ ’
.
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,
u rs e s a n s d a lt a c i c h e d e i s e d h u i t m i
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De a rb h , , Th u g i .
’
n t o ga i l sin
c e a nn D o l e i t h i d d e t h ar l a i d c h a r o b h
ai r a .
“
a g a m s a r i ab h n a mba o n a n a dh a l t a Th a m o l amh c h l i “
, ,
a n n a n c ul d o c h inn a g u s t h a c l a idh e a mh a n n a m l a i m h d h e i s
’ ’
”
, ,
a g u s c u i r i dh mi n c e a nn di o t m a r a n innis t h u d o mb c o mi
’
.
“
F o is a i r d o l ai m h a C h o n a i l l m h ic ri gh Eir e a nn ” Dh .
“ ’
go m b e s in m i , s go n r o b h b o i n n e d h
’
mi f h m
’ ’
s in ,
‘
a it h n i ch
fh u il m h ic ri gh a nn a m 3 a c h c o m h a r b h m a t h a i r
’ “
Mh arb h
F e a r gh u s ; a g s diu b h a il c h o m or ri t a t h a i r m h a r b h a d h a e h e a r t
’ ’
u
l a t h a b e sin B o i n n e B r e a t m a c ri gh A l b a
’ ” Co m h a r b h .
“
,
B o i n n e Br e a t ? Th a b r at h a i r d o Fh e ar gh u s ris a n c a n e n d
“
L a gh a n l aid h ” S c ai t a b h e il a n d u in e s i n a f u i r e a e h d
.
’ ’ ’
9 ”
C h a n f h a i gh e a dh e s ga t h a i r f e a r a nn B irin u a o n n a ir s g o d o
’ ’
n
m h a b h e B o i n n e Br e a t Ch a i d h e n b h e i n n s rinn e c o s s a
’ ’ ‘ ’
r . .
”
,
c h o il l e m i o sg h n i l e b i a st a s c r e u t a i r m i gh n at h a i c h t e Co
’
- -
”
.
h l é id h ai m m a th
r a r ? Th a mi s e
’ ” Th e i r i g a g u s f a i gh
“ “
g
”
.
S th o ir t h u ga m s T hu g i a i o n n su idh e n d Dh
’ ’ ’
cu d
’
e nd . ,
f h a l b h e s a n a gu s c h u i r e n a h a i r m a i r a gu s t h i ge a d h e u d dh a -
,
c h o m a th s g a d a d h ea n t a dh a fh i n c u d C h a n i th m i g r e i m
’ ’
. ,
m i d e o c h s c h a di a n m i s t a d a c h a n o c h d g o s a n
’ ’ ’
s ch a n
”
, ,
r u i g m i f a r a b h e il a n d u in e sin ge b e ai t a b h e il e Ch u i r e
’ ’
, .
n o i dh c h e s i n s e a c h a d f a r a n r o b b e
’
.
A nns a m h a d a i n n a n 1a r n a mh ai re a ch dh f al b h e Gh ab h
’ ’ ’
.
e a i r a gh a id h go s a n r o b b d u gh a dh a i r a b h o n n a ib h a gu s t o l l a dh
, ,
’
d h u gh a
’
b h r oga i b h Bh a n e o il gh e a l a n l a t h a f a l b h s n e o il
’
a ir a .
i s d n a t am b dh a go n e f a i gh i n n a t e t a
’
t i gh i n n ,
’
na h -
o idh c h e s .
C h u n n a i c e c o i ll e m h o r a n n a n sin B h i a n e c os a n n a n t é d e n a .
c r a o b h a n go h a r d a nns a m f a n a dh e n o idh c h e s i n A nns a ’ ’

-
.
m h a d a i n n a n l a r n a m h air e a c h th u g e s il i l u a i d h e D e c h u n n a i c
’ ’
.
C ONAL L . 1 77
e a ch a n a o n u il e b h e i s t , nach fh a c as riab h a l e i t h id f o
’
n
gh r é i n ,
h i n e a dh g o n a o d a c h , g o n c h a i s b h e a r t , go n c h e nh u
’
na s a o da c h 3
f h i o n n a g u s fh i a s a g a i r d h o l t h a i r is a i r
’
S m a o in t i c h .
ga d a e
r a c h a dh e sio s na ch d i a n a dh e fe n m a ir . Ch u i r e s a i gh e a d a n n
an cr o is s l o i sg e i
’
e a nns a gh a i r d e a n d e a s i r i s
a r. B h u a il a ,
’
t h u g a m f e a r a b h a sh i o s b r e a b a s N a gl a i s f é i t h e d e t f h é . u
’
i t h e a n n a e nis l e d e t c h i sl e a g d e t fh e o i l n a r oin e a n
’
n a b i de a
’
,
u n, ,
d e (1 gh r u a i g ; g o s a n ge a l l t h u g o m f a i c t h m is e a m ri gh a i r
’ ’
u n
B irin u n o c u i r i d h m is e si o s d h e t h sh l e a gh a n c a o l a d a r a i o b n a
”
, ,
d h f h u a i gh e a s ris a n t l a m h t h u Ch a 1 th u g a n n i l e b h i s t
’ ’
a . ( e
gé il l d h a sind Dh fh a l b h e a g u s l o i sg e r i t h i s d a g u s b h a il
’
.
,
u
e a nns a gh a i r d e a n t h o i sge i l e Na c h d t h u i r t m i r i u t r o i m h i d
.
’
g o n e nis l e d e (1 c h u i sl e a n a gh l u a s a d n a b i d e a g d e t fh e o i l n a
’ ’
, ,
r oi n e a n d e (1 gh u a i g g o s a n g e a l l a dh t h u g o m f a i c e a dh t h u m is e
’
r
”
,
n a m ri gh a i r B i r i n n T h i g a n u a s m a t a s c h i m i t h u fh i n a
“ ’
. n
”
,
m i fh i n a n n f o n a m s o n a t h o idh c h Th ai i g e n u a s N am
’ ’ ’
-
. n .
bi o d h f h i s a m gu r e d o l e i t h i d d e t h a r l a ch a c h u ir e a d h a l e i t h i d
o
’ ‘
m a r f h i a c h a i b h o r m c h a di an a i n n d u i t a i r c h o r s a m bi th e 3 a c h
”
,
o n gh e a l l m i d u i t e n i m i e s bid h sinn a fa l b h
’
,
’ ’
.
Gh a b h e n d i o n n sn idh p ai l e a s a n ri gh
’
Dh e u b h e n d o a th n a
’
.
c om h r a g a c h u r a m a c h a i r n e o c e a nn Fh e a r g h u i s n a e fh i n m a r
, ,
ph r i o s a n a c h C a th a s c om h a g a gh e ib h e a dh e n d s c h a b e
.
’
r ,
’ ’
s idir C h a n f h a i gh e a d h e n d e f h i n m a
’ ’
ch eann ; ph r i o s a a c h r n .
C h u i r e a dh a m a c h c e i t h i r c h i a d Hi gh gh a i sg e a c h c e i t h i r c h i a d -
,
Ian gh a i sg e a c h a g u s c e i t h i r c h i a d t r e un gh a i s ge a c h T h oi s i c h e n d
-
,
-
.
o rr a C h a c h u i r e a d h a n d a rn a f e r 0 l a i m h a n fh i r e i l e m u r a
. a
m h a r b h a dh e n d D h e u b h e n d o a t h a s c o m h r a g a ris a i r n e o
’
-
.
,
c e an n Fh e a r gh u i s a c h u r a m a c h n a e f h i n m a r ph r i o s n a c h , a .
S e o a t h a s c om h r a g a gh e ib h t h u 3 s idir c h a n f h a i gh t h u m o
’ ’ ’
ch e an n ,
’
s ch a m h o t h a gh e ib h t h u m i f h i n m a r p h r i o sa n a c h
’
.
”
C h u i r e a dh a m a c h d a c h i a d di a g hi gh gh a i s ge a c h , d a c h i a d di a g -
l am gh a i sg e a c h , a g u s d a c h i a d di a g t r e i i n gh a i sg e a c h Ch a c h u i r e a d h ‘
- -
.
a n d a rn a f e a r a l a i m h a n f h i r e i l e m u r a m h a r b h a dh e n d d i n s i n .
Dh
’
eu bh en d o ath a s c om h r a g, a i r n eo c e a nn Fh e a r gh u i s , na e
f h i n m a r ph r i o s a n a c h a th a s . C c o mh r a g a gh e ib h e a d h e n d , s
’
ch a
’
e bea c nn ’
Fh e a r gh u i s 3 s idir c h a n ’
fh a i gh e a d h e n d e f h i n
Ch u i r e a dh a m a c h c e i t h i
’ ’
na
ph r i o sa n a c h . r ch i ad fic h e a d a n
i o n n su i d h . Ch a c h u i r e a d h a n d a rn a f e a r 0 fh e r e i l e mu r
’
n a a
m h a r b h a dh c o m h r a g.
’ ’
e n d. Dh eu bh end o a th na Th a n
fh e a d h a i n a th a mach ch o o l e,
”u rs a Fe a r gh u s,
’
s n a c h ga b h end
a ch mo c h e a n n , a gu s mnr a m f a i gh end m a r b h a id h end na b h ei l

1 78 WES T H I GH LAND TALES .
an E ir i n n ,
’
s m i fh i n as an d é igh . T h u ga d h fe a r a ga ib h a n c e a n n
b ha r a o n de na c h a i dh a mh a r b h a d h , a g u s n n r a th i g L a gh a n
l aid h s a ’ ’
dh ia r ra s e mo ch ean n na m i fh i n m p h r i o sa n a c h ,
a
’ ’
t h n ga i b h d h a g u s sa o il idh e g a n e m o
e, a
’
c h e a n n sa b h i o s a n n
” .
Th u ga d h a n c e a nn d o L a gh a n l aid h Ch a i d h e f a r a n r o b b
”
.
C o n a ll l e is De t h a g a d a n sin ? u rs a C o n a ll
’
C e a nn
”
. .
C h a n e si n c e a nn Fh e a r gh u is f h a t h a s d s m is e
’
Fh e a r gh u i ’
s. ,
s g i o r r a c h u n n a i c e n a t h u fh i n 3 a c h t i ll s th o ir t h u ga m sa c e a nn
’ ’
Fh e a r gh u i
” T h i ll L a gh a n l aid h
s. R a c h a dh f e a r e i l e n a .
’
c h o i n n e a mh a n ai t a n ri gh s a b r a d h e g u r e c h e a n n a gh e i b h e
’ ’
, ,
s n a c h e fh i n m a r C h a i d h a m f e a r so a n c o i n n e a m h
’
p h r i o sa n a c h .
L a gh a n l ai gh R u g e a i r s thu g e n c e a nn a s a n a m h u i c h a i ge ’ ’
.
”
.
R ain i g e C o n a ll D é t h a g a d a n sin
.
? ” C e a nn Fh e a r gh u i s
’
.
C h a n e sin c e a nn Fh e a r gh u i s fh a t h a s d Ti ll a g u s th o ir a m
“ ’ ’
.
i o n n s u i dh c e a nn Fh e a r gh u i s
” T h i ll L a gh a n l aid h Th a m fe a r . .
’
a t h a m u i gh c h o b e a c h d a il s a m f e a r e i l e c h o d a u ll s n a c h e il
’ ’ ’
”
, ,
dnin a n B irin u n a c h m ar b h e n d m a r a m f a i gh e n d m i f h i n
’
C .
’
a b h e i l t h u d o l a L a gh n l aid h u rs a F e a r gh u s Th a m i d o l a
’
a .
’
d h i a r r a id h d o c h i n n sa n a t h u f h i n m a r ph r i o s a n a c h .
” ’
Se m o
gh e i b h t h u , s c h a m b i fh i n m a r p h r i o sa n a c h ;
’
c h ea nn a a ch dé
b h ai gh a. t h a t h u t o i r t d o (1 b h r at h a i r ?
’ “
b h ai gh A a t hu g
t h u fh i n d o m h s a b h e i r m eis d i s
u t
’
e
” T
hu g e n e a
’
c nn a s a n .
a m h u i c h a i ge s th u g e l e is e Th ai n i g e fa r a n r o bb C o n a ll
’
”
.
”
.
“
D é t h a ga d a n sin
’ ” C e a nn Fh e a r gh u i s Ch a n e
?
.
’
.
“
Go d e a r b h s e
” Li g fh a i c in n e
’
.
” T h u g e d h a e T h a rr
“
. .
u in n e e a gu s b h u a il e a ir s rinn e d a c h e a n n d e n a o n
’
Th oi s i c h
’
.
,
e n d a n so ai a c h ei l e r Dh i a n a dh e n d b o g a n a i r a c h r e a gan a g u s
.
cre a ga n a i r a b h o ga n s a n t ai t e b u l u g b a r a c h a d h e n d fo dh a
,
’
-
ga n gl ui n e a n s a n t ai t e b u m h o t h a r a c h a d h e n d f o d h a r a c h a d h
’
-
,
Sm a o i t i c h C o n a ll g o m b u d o n a dh a
’ ’
e n d f o dh a g a n s ni l e an . n
t n i t e a m s e n d eis d o l c h o g o i r i d d o n gh n o t h a c h
’ ’
Th a r r u i n n e
’
.
c h l i dh e a m h a g u s t h i l
g e n c e a nn d e L a gh a n l a id h Th a m is e
’ ‘
a .
ni s a m ri gh a i r E i i n n m u b u c h oir d o mb f h i n a b h i
’ ’
r r .
T h u g e m h at h a i r s a h a t h a i r a s a n I u b h a r s t h u g e go r u ig
’ ’
,
’
a m i
pa l ea s e nd .
’
S b h a s h l i o c h d a rm go s a n n a o i d h e a m h gl i i n .
‘
Th a ca dh a n t a o n m a d h e i r e a d h , n a l e a n a b h , l e b i d e a g d e
-
’
ch n ai mh a c h a i dh t a r s u in n
’
na a mh u i c h ,
’
s t h a i n ig t r e u b h e i le
s t i gh a i r E i ri n n .
A L E X A N D E R M N E I L L.
‘
H e a rd i t r e ci t e d by h is f a th e r an d by s e v e ra l o th e rs in h is
you th .
C ONALL . 1 79
T h is st o ry i s o n e o f a n u m b e r a l l o f wh ic h r e l a te t o a c e r ta in
,
C o n a ll w h o w a s a n a t u ra l s o n o f a k in g o f B irin u a n d c a me t o
, ,
b e k in g h i m s e lf .
T h e re a e g e n e ra ll y t w o e l d e r br o th e rs b o rn o f t h e qu e e n
'
(inst e a d o f th r e e nc l e s ) w h o a r e l e ss br a v e th a n t h e i ll e g i t i ma t e
u ,
bro th e r Th e m o th e r i s g e n e r a ll y t h e d a u ght e r o f a o l d man

. n
w h o h a s m a g ic a l a r t s Th e k in g s t a ys in h is h o u s e a t fi rs t f o r a
.
wh o l e y e a r a n d fa nci e s i t o n e d a y ; a l l s o r t s o f a d v e n t u re s a n d
, ,
p o e t ic a l o rn a m e n t s a n d d e scri p t i o ns o f dre ss a n d f e a t s o f s k i ll
, ,
a r e j o i n e d t o th is f r a m e w o r k a n d t h e s t o ri e s a e a lw a ys t o l d
-
,
r
w i th a g re a t d e a l o f th e m e a s u r e d p r o s e wh ic h s e e m s t o b e l o n g t o
t h e p a r t ic u l a r c l a ss o f wh ic h th is is a s p e ci m e n T h e y a r e a lwa ys .
l o n g I th in k t h e y a e t h e r e m a ins o f c o m p o si t i o ns si m i l a r t o
. r
p o r t i o ns o f t h e m a n u scri pt s in t h e A d v o c a t e s Libr a ry a n d e l s e ’
wh e re — wh ic h a r e a c u ri o u s j u m b l e o f c l a ssic a l a n d n a t i v e a ll u
si o ns w o v e n in t o a s t o ry ; wh ic h f o r w a n t o f a b e tt e r i ll u st ra t i o n
, ,
m a y b e c o m p a r e d w i th t h e o l d r o m a nc e s o f o th e r t o n g u e s .
Th e s t o ry t r a ns l a t e d in t o En gl is h l o s e s p a r t o f i t s m e ri t
, , ,
wh ic h c o nsis t s o f t h e r a p id u t t e r a nc e o f a s u cc e ssi o n o f w o rds

wh ic h c o n v e y by th e ir s ou nd a n d r h y th m a l o n e t h e id e a o f t h e
, ,
figh t wh ic h th e y d e scrib e 3 t h e s o u nds

D a c h é e ad dj ee ag L an g as h g ac h
- -
D a c h ee ad d j ee ag L oo g as h g ac h- -
D a c h ee ad d j é e ag Tr ain g as h g ac h - -
’
G an c a l ch g -
ag o n sg e e - a n
G am f fiil ag u s g am f e e i 1 -
A ns an é ear mai lt . -
By t h e c o ns t a n t r e p e t iti o n o f t h e s o u nds clj ee g a sh ga ch s u gg e s t , , ,
t h e sin g in g cr e a k in g c l a s h in g a d h a c k in g o f b l a d e s a n d a r mo u r
, , ,
n ,
a n d t h e r h yt h m wh ic h v a ri e s c o n t in u a ll y a n d m u st b e h e a rd t o
, ,
b e u nd e rs t o o d d o e s t h e s a m e
, .
Th e n a rr a t o r h e a rd i t f r o m h i s f a t h e r a n d o th e r o l d m e n in h is
y o u t h I h a v e h e a rd si m i l a r p a ss a g s f r e qu e n tl y f ro m o th e rs
. e ,
sinc e t h e b e g innin g o f t h is y e a r a n d I r e m e m b e r t o h a ve h e a rd
,
s o m e th in g o f t h e k ind a s a c h i l d .
On e o f t h e n a m e s o r o n e l i k e i t o cc u rs in a M S s a id t o b e
, , .,
o f t h e t w e lfth c e n t ry in a t a l e c a ll e d
u Th e St o ry o f A r t M a c
”
,
C u i n n Kin g o f I r e l a nd a n d t h e B a t t l e o f M a gh M u c r u i n e
, ,
k n ,
wh ic h e x t e nds t o fo r ty th r e e p a g e s A rt M a c Co n w ins a b a ttl e

-
.
a nd b e c o m e s ki n g o f I re l a nd A ll I k n o w o f t h e s t o ry i s f ro m a n
.
a bs t r a c t 3 i t is s a i d t o b e m ix e d w i t h p o e try . Th e t a l e s a b o u t
C o n al l a r e a l l o v e r t h e H i ghl a nd s a d t h o s e wh o r e p e a t th em a r e
,
n
g e n e r a ll y o l d m e n I h a v e s e v e ra l v e rsi o ns w ri t t e n wh ic h di ffe r
.
m a t e ri a ll y f r o m th i s
.
XXX V I .
M A GHA OH C O L G AR .
F r o m A l e x a nd e r M a c N e il l , B a rra .
IO NN , th e so n C u m a l F I O N N M A G CUM HA I L
of .
w a s i n Ei r i n n a n d t h e k in g o f Lo chl a n n in L o c h
,
l a nn Th e k in g o f Lo ch l a n n s e n t M A GHA C H CO LGA R
.
t o F i o n n t o b e t a u ght Th e k in g o f t h e S E A LG s e n t to
.
h i m h is o w n so n wh o m th e y c a ll e d I N N S R I DH M A C
,
R IGH NAN S E A LG T h e y w e r e o f a ge six y e a rs (a n d )

.
,
t en. T h e n th e y w e r e i n E rin w i th F i o n n a n d F i o n n ,
t au ght Ma gh a eb s o n o f t h e k in g o f Lo c h l a n n e v e ry
, ,
l ea rnin g h e h a d .
T h e r e c a m e a m e ss a g e f r om t h e k in g o f Lo chl a n n ,
th a t h e wa s in t h e sic k n e ss o f d e a th f o r l e a vin g t h e
wo r l d 3 a n d th a t t h e M a gh a ch m u s t go h o m e to b e
r ea dy fo r h is cr o w nin g Ma gh a eb w e n t a wa y a n d t h e
.
,
c h a s e fa i l e d wi th t h e FE I N N a n d th e y did n ot k n ow
,
wh a t th e y s h o u l d d o .
Ma gh a eb w r o t e a l e tt e r to F i o nn f r o m Lo ch l a n n
to Ei r i n n I h e a rd th a t t h e c h a s e fa i l e d w i th y o u i n
“
Ei r i n n . I h a v e b u r gh s o n s e a a n d I h a v e b u r gh s o n
,
s h o r e I h a v e f o o d fo r a da y a n d a y e a r in e v e ry bu rgh
o f th e s e — t h e m e a t tho u th in k e s t n ot o f a n d t h e drin k ,
t h o u th in k e s t n ot o f 3 c o m e th o u h i th e r th ys e l f a n d
th y s e t o f FI A N TA CHA N Th e k e e p o f a da y a n d a
.
y e a r is o n th y h e a d ” .
F i o nn go t t h e l e tt e r a n d h e o p e n e d i t : He is
,
“
1 82 WE S T H I GHLAN D TALES .
p i t i a b l e w h o w o u l d n o t d o a g o o d th in g i n t h e b e gin
nin g o f y o u th ; h e m i ght ge t a g o o d s h a r e o f i t a ga i n
in t h e b e gin nin g o f h is a ge H e r e is a l e tt e r c a m e f r o m
.
m y f o s t e r so n f r o m Lo ch l a n n th a t h e h a s b u r gh s o n s ea
-
a n d b u r gh s o n s h o r e f o o d f o r a d a
, y a n d a y e a r i n e v e ry
o n e o f t h e m — t h e drin k th a t w e ca n th in k o f a n d t h e ,
drin k th a t w e d o n o t th in k o f 3 t h e m e a t w e ca n th in k
o f a n d t h e m ea t th a t w e d o n o t th in k o f— a n d i t is b e s t
,
f o r u s t o b e g o in g
” .
“ ”
Wh om s h a ll w e l e a v e s a id FI A CHE R E M A CFHI N N
,
( h e t ri e r s o n o f F i o nn ) h is so n to k e e p t h e d a r l in g s
t
”
,
a n d l i ttl e s o ns o f E ir e a nn
”
.
“
I wi l l s ta y s a id FI A GH E R E MA GFHI N N .
”
,
’ ’
“
I w i ll s ta y s a id D IA R M I D O D U I B H N E h is sis t e r s
, ,
s on
”
.
“
I wi ll s t a y s a id I N N S R I D H MA CR I GH NAN SE A LG
, ,
h is f o s t e r so n
-
”
.
“
I wi ll s ta y s a id OATH C O NAN M A C M HI G CON .
”
,
W e w i ll s ta y n o w s a id th e y — t h e f o u r .
”
,
T h o u a r t go in g m y f a th e r s a id Fi a ch e r e an d it
“ “
, , ,
is a s w e ll f o r th e e t o s ta y 3 h o w th e n s h a ll w e ge t w o rd
how i t b e fa ll s th e e in Lo ch l a i n n
“
I w i ll s t ri k e t h e OR D FI A N N T (h a mm e r o f F i an t ) i n
L o ch l a i n n a n d i t w i ll b e k n o w n by t h e b low I s t ri k e in
”
,
Lo c hl a i n n o r in E i r i n n h o w w e s h a ll b e
, ,
.
F i o nn a n d h is c o mp a ny w e n t th e y r ea c h e d L o c h ,
l ain n . M a gh a c h C o lg a r s o n o f t h e k in g o f Lo ch l a i n n
, ,
w e n t b e fo r e t o m e e t th e m .
”
H a i l to th e e m y f o s t e r fa th e r s a id M a gh a ch .
”
, ,
“
H a i l t o th ys e lf m y f o s t e r so n s a id F i o nn
,
-
,
.
T h e r e is t h e b u sin e ss I h a d w i th th e e 3 I h ea rd
’
th a t t h e c h a s e h a d fa i l e d in E i r i n n a n d i t w a s n o t w e ll ,
w i th m e t o l e t y o u di e w i th o u t m e a t I h a v e b u r gh s .
o n s ea a n d b u r gh s o n s ho r e a n d f o o d fo r a da y a n d ,
M A GHA C H C OLGAR . 183
y e a r in e v e ry o n e o f th e m a n d wh ic h k ind w o u l ds t tho u
,
r a th e r c h o o s e
“
It is o n s h o r e I u s e d t o a lwa ys b e a n d i t i s n o t o n ,
”
s ea ; a n d I w i ll t a k e s o m e o n s h o r e s a id F i o nn
, .
T h e y w e n t in t o o n e o f th e m T h e r e w a s a d o o r
.
opp o si t e t o e v e ry da y in t h e y ea r o n t h e h o u s e 3 e v e ry
s o r t o f drin k a n d m e a t w i th in i t T h e y sa t o n c h a irs 3
.
th e y c a u ght e v e ry m a n h o l d of a f o r k a n d o f a k n i f e ,
T h e y ga v e a gl a nc e f r o m th e m a n d Wh a t s h o u l d th e y
”
,
se e in t h e a r a ic h
(g r a t h a lf r u in e d b u i l din g
) but
“
e -
n o t a h o l e Op e n b u t f r o z e n ri m e T h e y ga v e th e m
.
s e lv e s th a t l i ft t o ris e Th e c h a irs s tu c k t o t h e e a r th
. .
T h e y th e m s e lv e s s tu c k t o t h e c h a irs T h e ir h a nds .
s tu c k to t h e k ni v e s a n d th e r e wa s n o w a y o f risin g o u t
,
o f th a t .
It w a s da y a b o u t th a t Fi a ch a i r e M a t i n n a n d
I n n sr idh M a c R i gh n a n S e a l g w e r e g o in g t o k e e p t h e
’
c h a s e a n d D i a r m id O D u ib h n e a n d C o n a n w e r e g o in g
,
on t h e oth e r da y O n th e ir r e tu rnin g ba c k wh a t
.
,
s h o u l d th e y h e a r b u t a b low o f t h e h a mm e r o f Fi o n n
.
b e in g s t r u c k in Lo ch l a i n n .
“
If h e h a s wa nd e r e d t h e u ni v e rs e a n d t h e w o r l d
”
,
m y fo s t e r fa th e r is in pl e d ge o f h is b o dy a n d s o u l
-
.
Fi a ch a i r e Ma t in n an d I n n sr i d h M a cR igh n an
Seal g w e n t f r o m Ei r i n n a n d th e y r ea c h e d Lo c hl a i n n
, .
“
W h o is th a t w i th o u t o n t h e b u r gh
“ ”
I a m s a id Fi a ch a i r e M a t i n n a n d I n n sr i dh M a c
,
R i gh n a n S ea l g .
“
W h o is th e r e o n t h e pl a c e of c o m b a t
“
T h e r e a r e t w o h u ndr e d sc o r e o f t h e G R E U GA CHA I B H
(G r e eks
) c o m e o u t a n d g r e a t I A LL a t th e ir h e a d c o m in g
”
t e s e e k m y h e a d t o b e h is a t h i s g r e a t m e a l t o m o r r o w .
Fia c h a i r e Ma t inn and I n n sr idh M a c R i gh nan
Se a l g wen t an d th e y r e a c h e d th e pl a c e of c o m ba t .
1 84 WES T H I GH LA ND TALES .
”
\Vh e r e a r e y e g o in g ? s a id Fi a ch a i r e M a t inn .
IV e a r e g o in g t o s e e k t h e h ea d o f Mh ic Cu mh a il to
b e o u rs a t o u r g r ea t m e a l t o —m o rr ow ” .
“
It is o ft e n th a t m a n s h e a d m i ght b e s o u ght a n d b e
’
o n m y o w n br e a s t a t e a r l y m o rnin g
”
”
.
“
C l o s e u p s a id I a l l a n d l e a v e w a y fo r t h e p eo pl e
“ ” .
”
, ,
“
T h e r e is a s m a ll d e l a y o n th a t s a id Fi a ch a i r e ,
.
Fi a c h a i r e so n o f Fh i n n p r e ss e d o u t o n t h e o n e e n d o f
, ,
th e m I n n sr idh s o n o f t h e k in g o f t h e S ea l g b e ga n in
.
, ,
t h e o th e r e n d t i ll t h e t w o gl a v e s c l a s h ed a ga ins t e a c h
,
o th e r . T h ey r e t u rn e d a n d th ey r ea c h e d t h e b u r gh
,
.
Co a ig a bha
’
n o at h gr a n n da W i th wh o m w a s t h e h id e o u s
fight
A bha air a n at h ch o mh r a g T h a t w a s o n t h e b a tt l e pl a c e -
A n din gh ? t o day
-
s a id F i o nn
”
.
\Vi th m e s a id Fi a ch a i r e a n d w i th t h e s o n o f t h e
“
”
, ,
k in g o f t h e S e a l g .
Ho w w a s m y fo s t e r so n o ff th e r e -
“ ”
M a n u p o n m a n s a id Fi a c h a i r e And i f h e h a d “
”
.
,
n o t a n o th e r m a n h e h a d l a c k e d n o n e
”
.
,
“
Ov e r t h e fi e l d t o m y f o s t e r so n s a id F i o nn 3 a n d
,
-
,
“
h is b o n e s b u t s o ft y e t b u t m ind t h e pl a c e o f c omb a t .
Yo nd e r a r e th r e e h u ndr e d sc o r e o f t h e G r e e k s c o m in g
o u t s ee k in g m y h ea d to b e th e irs a t th e ir g r e a t m e a l t o
m o rr o w ” .
Fi a c h a i re Ma t in n , and I n n sr idh M a cR igh n an
S ea l g went ,
and
th ey r e a c h e d t h e pl a c e o f c om b a t .
”
\V h e r e a r e y o u g o in g ? s a id Fi a c h a i r e M a t in n .
G o in g t o s e e k t h e h ea d of Mh ic Cu mh a il to b e o u rs
a t o u r g r e a t m e a l to mo rr ow
” -
.
’
I t s o ft e n th a t v e ry m a n s h ea d m i ght b e s ou ght
“ ’
”
,
a n d b e o n m y o w n br e a s t a t e a r l y mo rnin g
”
.
“
C l o s e u p a n d l ea v e wa y fo r t h e p e o pl e .
M A GH AC H GOLGA R . 1 85
“
T h e r e is s t i ll a s m a ll d e l a y o n th a t ” .
Fi a c h a i r e b e ga n in t h e o n e e n d o f t h e c o mp a ny , and
I n n sr i dh M a c R igh n a n S e a l g in t h e o th e r t i ll t h e ,
two
gl a v e s c l a s h e d o n e a c h o th e r T h e y r e tu rn e d to . the
b u rgh .
\V h o is th a t s a id F i o nn .
“
I a m Fia ch a i r e th y so n a n d I n n sr i dh s o n o f
, , ,
th e
k in g o f t h e S e a l g th y f o s t e r so n, ,
I V i thwh o m w a s t h e h id e o u s fight
T h a t w a s o n t h e b a ttl e pl a c e ( b a t tl e fo rd )
To d a y .
-
It wa s w i th m e a n d w i th th r e e h u ndr e d sc o r e o f
‘
G r e ek s ” .
M ind t h e pl a c e o f b a ttl e 3 th e r e a r e f o u r h u ndr e d

“
sc o r e o f t h e G r e e k s a n d a g r e a t wa rri o r a t th e ir h ea d
,
c o m in g t o s e e k m y h e a d to b e th e irs a t th e ir g r e a t m e a l
to m o rr o w
-
” .
T h e y w e n t a n d th e y r e a c h e d t h e pl a c e o f b a ttl e .
”
\Vh e r e a r e y o u g o in g ? s a id Fi a c h a i r e M a t i n n to
t h e G r e ek s .
G o in g t o s e e k t h e h e a d o f Mh ic Cu mh a i l to b e o u rs
”
,
a t o u r g r e a t m e a l t o m o rr o w -
.
’
It s o ft e n th a t m a n s h e a d m i ght b e s o u ght a n d b e
’
”
,
o n m y o w n br e a s t a t e a r l y m o rnin g .
C l o s e u p f r o m t h e wa y a n d l ea v e w a y fo r t h e
“
”
,
p e opl e .
T h e r e is a s m a ll d e l a y o n th a t y e t
“ ” .
He h i m s e lf a n d I n n sr i d h M a cR igh n a n S ea l g b ega n a t
th e m t i ll th e y h a d k i ll e d e v e ry m a n o f th e m a n d t i ll ,
t h e t w o gl a v e s c l a s h e d o n e a c h o th e r T h ey r e t u rn e d .
hom e a n d th e y r ea c h e d t h e b u r gh
, .
’ ”
VV h o s th a t w i t ho u t ? s a id F i o nn .
I a m Fi a c h a i r e th y so n a n d I n n sr idh so n o f t h e
“
, , ,
k in g o f t h e S e a l g th y f o s t e r so n
,
-
2 1 3
W i th W h o m w a s t h e h id e o u s fight
'
T h a t w a s a t t h e b a tt l e pl a c e (fo rd )
To d a y
-
.
”
“
It wa s w i th me a n d so ma ny o f t h e G r e ek s ” .
“
Ho w w a s m y f o s t e r so n o ff th e r e ?
” -
“
M a n u p o n ma n a n d i f th e r e h a d b e e n n o o n e b e sid e s
”
, ,
h e h a d la ck e d n o n e .
“
M ind t h e pl a c e o f b a ttl e T h e r e a r e tw i c e a s m a ny
.
a s c a m e o u t a g o o d a n d h e e d l e ss w a rri o r a t th e ir h e a d
, ,
c o m in g t o s e e k m y h ea d to b e th e irs a t th e ir gr e a t m e a l
”
,
t o m o rr o w
-
.
T h e y r ea c h e d t h e pl a c e o f b a ttl e 3 a n d wh e n th e y
r e a c h e d i t th e r e c a m e n o t a m a n o f t h e p e o pl e
, .
“ ”
I w o n t b e l i e v e s a id Fi a ch a i r e Ma t i n n
’
th a t “
, ,
th e r e a r e n o t r e m n a n t s o f m ea t in a pl a c e wh e nc e su ch
b a nds a r e c o m in g H u n g e r is o n m ys e lf a n d th a t w e
.
,
a t e b u t a mo rs e l sinc e w e a t e i t in B irin u An d c o m e .
th o u I n n sri dh a n d r ea c h t h e pl a c e wh e r e th e y w e r e
, , .
T h e y w i ll n o t k n ow m a n f r om a n o th e r m a n a n d t ry i f ,
thou c a ns t ge t scr a p s o f br e a d a n d o f c h e e s e a n d o f , ,
fl e s h th a t th o u w i lt brin g to u s 3 a n d I m ys e lf wi ll s ta y
,
to k e e p t h e p e o pl e in c a s e th a t th e y s ho u l d c om e
,
u na wa r e s
”
.
W e ll th e n I k n ow n o t t h e pl a c e I k n o w n ot t h e .
”
, ,
wa y s a id I n n sr idh so n o f t h e k in g o f S e a l g b u t go “
”
, , ,
th ys e lf a n d I w i ll s ta y .
F i a ch a i r e w e n t a n d I n n sr i dh s t a id a n d Wh a t s h o u l d
, ,
th e y d o b u t c om e u n a wa r e s .
“ ”
Wh e r e a r e y e go in g s a id I n n sr idh ? ,
“
G o in g t o s e e k t h e h e a d o f Mh ic Cu mh a i l t o b e o u rs
”
,
a t o u r g r e a t m e a l t o m o rr o w -
.
“
It is o f t e n th a t m a n s h ea d m i ght b e s o u ght a n d b e
’
”
,
o n m y o w n br ea s t a t e a r l y m o rnin g
”
.
“
C lo s e u p a n d l e a v e w a y fo r t h e p e opl e
,
.
M A GHA C H C OLGAR . 1 87
T h e r e is a s m a ll d e l a y o n th a t y e t .
” I n n sr i dh b ega n
a t th e m a n d h e l e ft n o t o n e a l o n e
,
.
“
Wh a t go o d did i t d o th e e t o s l a y t h e p e o pl e a n d
”
,
th a t I w i ll k i ll th e e s a id t h e g r ea t w a rri o r a t th e ir
,
h ea d .
“
If I h a d c o m e o u t f r o m m y m e a t a n d f r om m y
,
w a r mth f r o m m y w a r mth a n d f r o m m y fir e th o u
”
, ,
s h o u l ds t n o t k i ll m e He a n d t h e wa rri o r b e ga n a t
.
e a c h o th e r. T h e y w o u l d m a k e a b o g of t h e cra g a n d a ,
cr a g o f t h e b o g in t h e pl a ce wh e r e t h e l ea s t th e y wou l d
,
sin k th e y w o u l d sin k t o t h e k n e e s in t h e pl a c e th a t t h e ,
m o s t th e y wo u l d sin k th e y w o u l d sin k t o t h e e y e s Th e .
gr e a t wa rri o r ga v e a s w e e p w i th h is gl a v e a n d h e c u t ,
t h e h ea d o ff I n n sr i dh M a c R i gh n a n S e al g .
Fi a c h a i r e c a m e Th e w a rri o r m e t h i m a n d w i th h i m
.
,
w a s t h e h e a d o f I n n sr idh .
S a id Fi a ch a i r e t o t h e gr ea t w a rri o r W h a t th in g h a s t ,
“
thou th e r e
I h a v e h e r e t h e h ea d o f Mh ic Cu m h a il
”
”
.
“
H a nd i t t o m e .
He r e a c h e d h i m t h e h ea d Fi a c h a i r e ga v e a k iss t o
.
t h e m o u th a n d a k iss to t h e b a c k o f t h e h e a d .
”
,
D o s t th o u k n o w t o wh o m th o u ga v e s t i t ? s a id
Fi a ch a i r e t o t h e w a rri o r .
“ ”
I d o n o t s a id h e I t w e ll b e c a m e t h e b o dy o n
“
”
.
,
w h ic h i t w a s b e fo r e .
H e w e n t a n d h e dr e w b a c k t h e h e a d a n d s t ri k e s i t o n ,
’
t h e w a rri o r s h e a d wh i l e h e w a s s p ea k in g a n d m a k es ,
o n e h ea d o f t h e two H e w e n t a n d h e r ea c h e d (th e
.
pl a c e ) wh e r e F i o nn w a s a ga in .
”
W h o is th a t w i thou t ? s a id F i o nn .
“
I a m Fia ch a i r e th y so n
, ,
W i th wh o m w a s t h e h id e o u s fight
T h a t w a s a t t h e b a ttl e pl a c e
To d a y .
-
”
1 88 WES T H I GHLAND T ALES .
“
It w a s wi th I n n sr i dh th y fo s t e r so n a n d wi th
,
-
th e G reeks
” .
Ho w is m y fo s t e r s o n f r om th a t
-
“
He is d ea d w i th o u t a s o u l T h y f o s t e r so n k i ll e d
.
-
t h e G r e e k s fi rs t a n d t h e g r e a t G r e e k k i ll e d h i m a f t e r
”
,
wa rds a n d th e n I k i ll e d t h e g r e a t G r e e k
, .
“
M ind t h e pl a c e o f c o mb a t T h e r e is Ma gh a e b so n
.
,
o f t h e k in g o f Lo c h l a n n a n d e v e ry o n e th a t w a s in t h e
”
,
G r e e k b u r gh w i th h i m
'
He w e n t a n d h e r e a c h e d t h e pl a c e o f c om b a t .
“
T ho u a r t th e r e Fi a c h a i r e s a id M a gh a c h C olga r .
”
,
“
I am .
’
Le t h i th e r th y f a th e r s h e a d a n d I w i ll g i v e th e e a
”
,
f r e e brid g e in Lo ch l a i n n .
My fa th e r ga v e th e e sc h o o l a n d t e a c h in g a n d e v e ry ,
k ind o f D R A OCHD (Ma g ic ) h e h a d a n d th o u gh h e t au ght ,
th a t th o u w o u l ds t t a k e t h e h ea d o ff h i m n o w a n d w i th
, ,
’
th a t t h o u s h a lt n o t ge t m y f a th e r s h e a d u n t i l tho u
”
,
g e t t e s t m y o w n h ea d fi rs t .
Fi a c h a i r e b e ga n a t t h e p e o pl e a n d h e k i ll e d e v e ry
,
m a n o f t h e p e o pl e .
“ ”
Th o u h a s k i ll e d t h e p e o pl e s a id M a gh a ch a nd
“
”
, ,
I wi ll k i ll th e e .
T h e y b e ga n a t e a c h o th e r .
T h e y w o u l d m a k e a b o g o f t h e cr a g a n d a cr a g o f ,
t h e b o g in t h e pl a c e wh e r e t h e l e a s t th e y w o u l d sin k
, ,
th e y w o u l d sin k to t h e k n e e s ; in t h e pl a c e wh e r e
t h e m o s t th e y w o u l d sin k th e y w o u l d sin k t o t h e e y e s
,
.
O n a t i m e of t h e t i m e s t h e s p e a r o f M h a gh a ch s t ru c k
Fi a c h a i r e a n d h e g a v e a r o a r
,
Wh a t t i m e s h o u l d h e
.
g i v e t h e r o a r b u t wh e n D i a r m id w a s t u rnin g s t e p f r o m
t h e c h a s e i n Eiri n n
”
.
“
I f h e h a s t r a v e ll e d t h e u ni v e rs e a n d t h e wo r l d ,
M A GHA CH C OLGAR . 1 89
s a id D i a r m id “
th e s p ea r of th e M a gh a ch is e nd u r e d by
”
,
Fi a ch a i r e .
Wa i l in g b e o n th e e ”s a id C o n a n . C a s t th y s p e a r
”
,
a n d h i t th y f o e .
If I c a s t m y Sp e a r I kno w not b u t I may k i ll m y

”
,
o wn m a n .
“
If i t w e r e a y e ll o w h a ir e d wom a n w e ll w o u l ds t
-
”
,
th o u a i m a t h e r .
“
Wa i l in g b e o n th e e n o w 3 u rge m e n o l o n g e r ” .
He s h o o k t h e s p e a r a n d s t r u c k u nd e r t h e S h i e l d
,
ro m a s t a i c h )
( c h .
“
ViT o w o u l d c om e o n m e f r o m b e h ind in t h e
/
e v e nin g th a t W o u l d n o t c o m e o n m e f r o m t h e f r o n t in
”
,
t h e mo rnin g ? s a id M a gh a e b
”
.
’
“
Tis I w o u l d c o m e o n th e e s a id D i a r m id ea r l y
“
”
, ,
a n d l a te a n d a t n o o n .
”
,
“
W ha t go o d is th a t to th e e s a id M a gh a c h a n d , ,
“
th a t I w i ll t a k e t h e h ea d o ff Fi a c h a i r e b e f o r e t h e n
co me st ”
”
.
“
If tho u t a k e s t t h e h e a d o ff h i m s a id D i a r m id I “
”
, ,
w i ll t a k e o ff th y h e a d wh e n I r ea c h th e e .
D i a r m id r e a c h e d Lo c hl a n n M a gh a ch t o ok t h e
.
h ea d o ff Fi a c h a i r e D i a r m id t o o k t h e h ea d o ff t h e
.
Ma gh a e b D i a r m id r e a c h e d F i o nn
. .
“
Wh o s th a t w i th o u t
’
s a id F i o nn .
“
It is I D i a r m id , ,
W i t h wh o m w a s t h e h id e o u s figh t
T h a t w a s o n t h e b a ttl e pl a c e
To d a y
-
.
”
“
It w a s w i th so m a ny o f t h e G r e e k s a n d w i th t h e ,
t h e M a gh a e b so n o f t h e k in g o f L o c h l a n n a n d w i th
, ,
Fi a ch a i r e th y s o n 3 Fi a c h a i r e k i ll e d a l l t h e G r e e k s
, ,
M a gh a c h k i ll e d Fi a ch a i r e a n d th e n I k i ll e d M a gh a e b ” .
,
“
T h o u gh M a gh a eb k i ll e d Fi a c h a i r e Wh y dids t th o n ,
1 90 WE S T H I GHLAND T ALES .
k i ll Ma gh a ch a n d n o t l e t h i m h a v e h is l i f e
,
B u t m in d
t h e pl a c e o f c o m b a t a n d a l l th a t a r e in t h e b u r gh s o f
”
,
t h e G r e e k s c o m in g o u t t o g e th e r .
\V h e t h er w o u l ds t t h o u r a th e r C a th C o n a n go w i th
, ,
m e o r s ta y h e r e
“
I w o u l d r a th e r go wi th th ee ” .
T h e y w e n t a n d wh e n th e y r e a c h e d t h e pl a c e o f c om
,
b a t n o m a n m e t th e m T h e y r ea c h e d wh e r e th e y w e r e 3
,
.
th e y sa t th e r e a n d wh a t s h o u l d C a th C o n a n d o b u t fa ll
,
a s l e e p th e y w e r e s o lo n g c om in g o u t
,
It w a s n o t l o n g
.
a ft e r th a t t i ll th e y b e ga n to c om e a n d t h e d o o rs to ,
op e n T h e r e w a s a d o o r b e f o r e e v e ry d a y in t h e y e a r
.
o n e v e ry b ur gh s o th a t th e y b u rs t f o r th a l l t o ge th e r
,
a b o u t t h e h e a d o f D i a r m id D i a r m id b e ga n a t th e m
.
,
a n d w i th t h e s o u nd o f t h e gl a v e s a n d r e t u rn o f t h e m e n ,
C a th C o na n a w o k e a n d h e b e ga n th ru s t in g h is s wo rd i n
,
t h e m id dl e o f t h e l e g o f D i a r m id T h e n D i a r m id f e lt a
.
t ic kl in g in t h e m idd l e o f h is l eg H e c a s t a gl a nc e f r o m
.
h i m a n d wh a t s hou l d h e se e b u t C a th C o n a n wo rk in g
,
w i th h i s o w n s w o rd .
“ ”
W a i l in g b e o n th e e C a th C o n a n s a id D i a r m id 3
, ,
“
p a ss by th y o w n ma n a n d h i t th y fo e f o r i t is a s w e ll ,
*
f o r th e e t o th r u s t i t in t o y o nd e r b u nd l e a s to b e
cra mm in g i t in t o m y l eg D o n o t tho u pl a gu e m e n o w
.
t i ll I h i t m y fo e l ”
T h ey ki ll e d e v e ry m a n o f t h e p e opl e .
T h e y th o u ght o f tho s e who w e r e in t h e bu r gh a n d ,
th e y wi th o u t f o o d 3 e a c h o n e o f th e m t o o k w i th h i m t h e
f u ll o f h is n a pk in a n d h is br ea s t a n d h is p o u c h e s
, ,
.
Wh o s th a t w i th o u t s a id F i o nn .
“
I a m D ia r m id th y sis t e r s s o n ” ’
.
,
* T h e re i s a pu n h e r e wh ic h c a nn o t
, be r e nd e r e d ; a bo o t or a
b u n dl e , as o f h ay , o r a cr o w d o f m e n .
M A GHA C H C OLGAR . 191
“
How a r e t h e G r e e k s
“
E v e ry ma n o f th e m is d e a d w i th o u t a s o u l ” .
,
“
Oh c om e a n d brin g h i th e r to m e a d e l i v e ra nc e
, of
’
f o o df
“
T hou gh I s ho u l d g i v e th e e f o o d how s ho u l ds t t h e n,
e a t i t a n d th o u th e r e a n d th e e b o u nd
,
He h a d n o w a y o f g i v in g th e m fo o d b u t t o m a k e a ,
h o l e in t h e bu r gh a b o v e th e m a n d l e t t h e f o o d d o w n to
,
th e m
”
.
“
Wh a t is th e r e to loo s e th e e f r om th a t ? s a id
D i a rm id
”
.
“
\V e ll th a t is h a rd to ge t s a id F i o nn 3 a n d i t is n o t
, ,
“
e v e ry m a n th a t w i ll ge t i t 3 a n d i t is n ot t o b e g o t a t
all
”
”
.
“
T e ll tho u m e s a id D i a r m id a n d I w i ll e t i t “ ”
, , g .
“
I k n ow th a t th o u w i lt s u bd u e t h e w o r l d t i ll tho u
e t t e s t i t ; a n d m y h e a l in g is n o t t o b e got n o r m y
g
”
,
loo sin g f r o m th is b u t wi th t h e o n e th in g
, .
“
Wh a t th in g is i t th a t th o u s h o u l ds t n ot t ell i t t o
m e a n d th a t I m i ght ge t i t
,
“
Th e th r e e d a u ght e rs o f a k in g wh o m th e y c a ll ,
Kin g G i l 3 t h e d a u ght e rs a r e i n a c a s tl e in t h e m ids t o f

a n a nc ho r a g e w i th o u t m a id
,
w i tho u t sga l a g (s e r v a n t )
, ,
wi th o u t a l i v in g m a n b u t th e m s e lv e s To g e t th e m .
,
a n d t o w rin g e v e ry dr o p o f b l o o d th a t is in th e m o u t o n
pl a t e s a n d in c u p s 3 t o t a k e e v e ry dr o p o f b lo o d o u t o f
th e m a n d t o l e a v e th e m a s wh i t e a s l in e n ” .
,
D ia r m id w e n t a n d h e w a s go in g t i ll th e r e w e r e hol e s
,
in h is s h o e s a n d b l a c k o n h is s o l e s t h e wh i t e c l o u ds o f
,
day g o in g a n d t h e b l a ck c lo u ds of ni ght c o m in g w i th
, ,
o u t fi ndin g a pl a c e t o s t a y o r r e s t in He r e a c h e d t h e.
a nc h o r a g e a n d h e u t t h e s m a ll e n d o f h is s p e a r u nd e r
,p
h is c h e s t a n d h e c u t a l ea p a n d h e w a s in t h e c a s tl e
, ,
th a t ni ght O n t h e m o rr o w h e r e tu rn e d a n d h e to o k
.
,
1 92 WE S T H I GH LAND TALES .
w i th h i m two o n t h e o n e s ho u l d e r a n d o n e o n t h e o th e r
s h o u l d e r ; h e pu t t h e s m a ll e n d o f h is s p e a r u nd e r h is
c h e s t a n d a t t h e fi rs t s p rin g h e w a s o n s ho r e
,
He .
r e a c h e d F i o nn ; h e to o k t h e gir l s t o h i m 3 h e w r u n g
e v e ry dr o p o f b lo o d th a t w a s in e v e ry o n e o f th e m
o u t a t t h e fi n g e r e nds o f h er f e e t a n d h a nds 3 h e pu t
a b l a c k c l o th a b o v e th e m a n d h e b e ga n t o s p i ll t h e
,
b loo d o n th o s e w h o w e r e w i th in a n d e v e ry o n e a s h e
,
s p il t t h e b l o o d o n h i m h e w o u l d ris e a n d go
, Th e .
b loo d f a i l e d a n d e v ery o n e w a s l o o s e d b u t o n e whom

, ,
th e y c a ll e d C o n a n .
”
“
Ar t t h e n a b o u t to l ea v e m e h e r e o h D i a r m id , .
\ Va i l in g b e o n th e e 3 t h e b l o o d h a s f a i l e d .
“
If I w e r e a fin e y e llow h a ir e d wom a n i t s w e ll thou
-
w o u l ds t a i m a t m e
“
If th y s k in s t ic k to th ys e lf o r th y b o n e s to th y
,
fl e s h I w i ll t a k e th e e o u t ” .
,
H e c a u ght h i m by t h e h a nd a n d h e go t h i m l o o s e ,
b u t th a t h is s k in s tu c k t o t h e s e a t a n d t h e s k in o f h is
”
,
s o l e s t o t h e e a r th . It w e r e w e ll n o w s a id th ey i f
“
, ,
“
t h e c h i l dr e n o f t h e g o o d k in g w e r e a l i v e b u t th e y
”
,
s h o u l d b e bu ri e d u nd e r t h e e a r th T h e y w e n t wh e r e
th ey w e r e a n d th e y fou nd th e m l a u gh in g a n d fo nd l in g
,
e a c h o th e r a n d a l i v e
,
D i a r m id w e n t a n d took th e m
.
,
w i th h i m o n t h e s h o w e r t o p o f h is s h o u l d e r a n d h e l e f t ,
th e m in t h e c a s tl e a s th e y w e r e b e fo r e a n d th ey a l l ,
ca m e h o m e t o E I R I N N .
M A G HA C H C OLG A R .
B HA F i o nn M a c Cu m h a il a n n a n Ei r i n n a g u s ri gh Lo ch l an n a n n
,
a n Lo c h l a n n .C h u i r ri gh Lo c h l a n n M a gh a e b C o lg a r t h u n Fh i n n
a i o nn sa c h a dh C h u ir ri gh n a n Se al g a i o n n sn id h a m h a c fh l n
’ ’
.
M A GHA C H C OLGAR . 1 93
ris an c a n a dh en d I n n sr i d h M a c ri gh n an Se a l g . Bh a ia d ai
g
a o is sia b l ia dh n a di a g . Bh a e n d a n sin a n n a n B irin u ai
g F i o nn .
Dh
’
i o n n sn ich F i nn o d o M h a gh a ch m a c ri gh Lo c h l a n n h ni l e
-
h i o n n sa c h a d h
-
a bh
’
a i ge . go n Th a i n i g br a th o ri gh Lo c h l a n n
r bb
o
’
r b is
e n g a l a a h a a i r s o n a n s a o gh a l fh aga i l , s g o m f e u m a dh
’
a m M a gh a e b ’
d o l d a c h a i dh g o b h i n l at h a i r a i r so n a c h r nn a d h .
Dh f h a l b h M a gh a e b d a c h a i d h ,
’
a gu s c h e il e a d h an t -
se il g air a n
Fh e i n n ,
’
s ch a r o bb fio s dé dh i a a d h e n d
a ca .
n .
Sgr i o b h M a gh a c h l i t ir go F i o nn a Lo c h l a i nn d o dh E i r i n n
’
.
“
C h u a l a m i go n d o c h e il e a d h an t -
s eil g o ir b h ann an E ir in n .
m u ir
ga m s t h a b r u igh e a n a i r t i r a ga m t h a
a ir
’
T h a b r u i gh e a n a ,
l on l a a s b l i a d h n a g a m a nns a h ni l e br u gh d h in s i n a m b i a d h
’ ’
-
,
n a ch s m a o i n t i c h t h u s a n d e c h n a c h sm a o i n ti c h t h u Thi g
’
o .
t h s a n s o t h u f h i n a g u s d o c h u i d Fh i a n t a c h a n T h a l on l a
’
u .
a g u s b l i a dh n i do c h i o n n
’ ”
a r .
F h u a i r F i o nn a n l i t ir s dh fh o s ga i l e i S m a i rg n a c h di a n a d h
’ ’ "
,
ru d m a th a t u s oig e gh e i b h e a dh e r u d m a th a n t ns a s h in e d e th
n ,
T h a l i t ir a n s o a i r t i gh n o m dh a l t a L o c h l a i n n go
’ ’ ’
r it h i s d .
b h e il b r u i gh e a a i r m u ir a g u s b r u i h e a a i r t ir a i e 161 l a a s
’ ’
n
g g n ,
1
b l i a d h n a s a h ni l e t é d h in a n d e o c h a sm a o i t i c h e a s sinn s a n
’ ’
-
,
n
d e o c h n c h s m a o i n t i c h si n n a m b i a d h a s m a o i n t i c h e a s sinn s
’
a ,
a m b i a d h n a c h s m a o i n t i c h sinn a g u s s a m is f h e a rr a d h u i n n a
’
r
”
,
b h i fal b h .
C o d h fh aga s sibb
’ ” u rs a Fi a c h a i r e M a t in n a m h a c a
“
”
, ,
h l e id h e a d h m ui a g s m ac a n n a h Eir e a nn
rn u Fa a idh n
g
-
.
u rs a F i a c h a i e M a t in n Fa a i dh u rs a D i a r m a i d O
“
r . n
I n n sridh M a c
’
D u ib h n e m a c ph e a t h a r Fa n a id h
“
a . u rs
ri gh n an Se al g a d h a l t a . Fa n a i dh u rs a C a th C o n a n M ac
m h ic Co n Fa n a i d h
”
sinn a ni s u r s ad sa n a n ’
c e i t h r e a r so .
”
. ,
Th a t h u f a l b h , m u rs a Fi a c h a i r e gu s th a
’
a th a ir a e cho
”
, ,
m a th d h u i t fa n t a i l .
“
Dé n is mu r a dh
’
é ir eas du it a nn an
Lo c h l a in n 9 B u a il idh m i s
’
an t -
o rd Fi a n tu
’
a n n an Lo c h l a i n n ,
b h u ail e a s m i
’
’
s a i t h n e a c h ar a ir a b h n il l a ann an Lo c h l a in n n a.
’
n d em u r a b h i t h e a s
E iri n n sinn ” .
Dh f h a l b h F i o nn s a c h u id e a c h d
’
R ain i g e n d L o c h l a i n
’
. n .
C h a id h M a gh a e b C o lg a r m a c ri gh Lo c h l a i n n a n c o i n e a m h a g u s
’
n n
’
n a n c o mh d h a i l Fa il t o r t m o id e
.
” u rs a M a gh a e b
’
Fa i l t
’
.
’
”
,
o r t fhi n a d h a l t a u rs a F i o n n S ind a n g o t h a c h a b h a g a m ’
, . n
r i u t c h u l a m i g o n d o c h e il e a d h a n t s e il g a
’
,
a Ei i s ch a b u -
n r nn,
m b a th l e a m n r l i g e a d h b as g o
’
b h i dh Th a b u i gh a n a i n a . r e r
m u ir a g a m s t h a b ru i gh e a n a i r t i r a g a m a g u s l on l a a s b l i a d h
’ ’ ’
,
n
1 94 WES T HIGHLAND TALES .
a nns ’
a ni l e gi n
h -
di n 3 a g u s c o d h in f e a dh a i n is
-
r o igh n i c h e leat ” ‘
3
a r m a i r tir a c h l ea ch d mi bh i riab h , s ch a m u ir,

’ ’
8
’ ’
n a n n a ir s
”u rs a F i o nn
g a b h a i d h m i f e a dh a i n a i r t i r , . Gh a b h e n d a st i
gh
a n n a h a o n d in v
Bh a o ma . d rns c h o in n e a m h h -
ni l e l at ha sa
’
b l i a dh n
’
a ir a n tigh 3 h
b i d h a s dibb e s t igh n n Sh u i dh
-
u i1e s e o r sa
’
a .
e n d a ir c a t h r a i c h e a n R u g e n d a h ni l e fe a r a i r f o r c a g u s a i r
. ,
-
,
s gi t h i n Th u g e n d s ui l u a t h a s dé c h u n n a i c e n d a i r a n ara ic h a c h
’
.
, ,
go n t o ll f o s g a il t e a c h s i dh e r e ot a ,
T h u g e n d a n t o ga il sinn
n .
o rr a L e a n n a c a t h r a i c h e an ris a n t a l a m h l e a n e n d
go ei r id h .
,
fk i h ris n a c a t h r a i c h e a l e n n a l amh a n ris n a sge a n a n s c h a

n, a ,
’
.
r o b b c o m a s a i r ei r idh a s a n sind S e l a t h a m a se a c h a b h i o dh .
’
Fia c h a i re M a t i n n ag u s I n sr i dh M a c Ri gh n a n S ea l g a f a l b h
’
n
a gh l e i d h e a d h n a s e il g a g u s b h a D i a r m a i d O D u ib h n e a
,
gu s
C o n a n a f a l b h a n l a t h e i l e A ir t il l e a dh d h a i b h a i r a n a i s dé
’
.
,
c h u a l e n d a c h b u i ll a n u ird a ig F i o nn g a b h n a l a dh a n n a n L o c h
’ ’
M a s h i u b h a il e n d o mh a a g u s a n s a o gh a l t h a m o i d
’ ’ ’
l a i nn . n
a n n a n ge a l l a c h u i r p a g u s a n a m a
” D h f h a l b h Fi ac h a i e M a c .
’
r
F h in n a g u s I n n sr i d h M a c Ri gh n a n S e a l g a B irin g u s r ain i g u a
e n d Lo c h l a i n n Co sind a m a c h a i r a b h r u i gh i n
.
“ ? ” Th a “
u rs a F i a e h a i r e M a t in n a g u s I n sr i d h M a c Ri gh n a n n
” ”
,
Seal g Co t h a n sind a i r a n at h c h o m h r a g ? S ind d a

“ ’ “
.
c h i a d f h i c h e a d d e n a Gr e n a c h a i b h a i r t ig h n a m a c h a g u s I a l l
’
g ,
m Or a i r a n c e a nn a t igh n a d h i a r r a i d h m o c h i n n sa go s a b h i’ ’
”
,
a c a i r a n di a t m h o r a m ai r e a c h D h f h a l b h Fi a c h a i r e M a c
’ ’
.
Fh i n n a g u s I s r i dh M a c Ri gh n a n S e a l g a g u s r ai n i g e n d a n
nn
t at h c h o m h r a g
-
.
? ”
C a b h e il sib b a d o l u rs a Fi a c h a i re M a c
’ ’
Fh i n n Th sinn a d o l a dh i a r r a i dh c e a nn Mh ic C u m h a il
“ ’ ’
. a
”
g o s a b h i a ga i n n a i r a r di a t m h or a m ai r e a e h S m i n ig a “ ’
.
r a c h a d h g o i a r a i dh s go r m o c h a ir m h a d a i n n a i r m o m h i n i d
’ ’
r
fh i n e ” .
”
T e a n u u r s I a l l a gu s l i g r a t h a d d h a n t sl u a gh
’ ” ’
-
.
”
, ,
Th a f u i r e a e h d b e a g a i r a n si n u rs a Fi a c h a i r e Th e a n F i a c ,
. n
h a ire M a c Fh i n n a m a c h a nns a n d a rn a c e a nn di n t h o isi ch I nns

-
,
‘
r i dh M a c Ri gh n a n S e a l
g a r ms a c h e a n n e i l e g o s a n d o b h u a i l
’
,
a n d a c h l a i d h e a mh ri c h ei l e T h i ll e n d a g u s r ai i g e n d a m br u gh
. n .
C o a i g a b h a n C ath g ra n n d a b h a i r a n at h c h o m h r a g a n
“ ’ ’ ’
din gh u rs a F i o nn u rs a Fi a c h a i r e
. s a i g I nns
’
”
,
r idh M a c Ri gh n a n S e a l
g
”
.
D emu r a b h a m o d h a l t a d h e t h sinn F e a r a i r a n fh e a r ,
u rs a Fi a c h a i r e s m a r a n r o bb f e a r a b h a r r a c h d a i g e c h a ro bb
’
”
, ,
gi n
’
n a n i r e a sb h n i dh T h a r a n ar d o m . u rs a F i o nn
’
,
’
ge n a c h n a i mh a c h m a o t h fh a t h a s d im h n ic h t at h
‘
3 3 a ch c u an -
M A GHA GH C OL GAR . 1 95
c h o m h ra g . S ind t ri c h ia d fio h e a d d e na G r o u ga c h a i b h t i gh a
’
m a ch d h i a r r a id h m o bh i di a t m h or
’
c h in n sa ai r a n
’ ’
n a a go ac
a m ai r e a c h .
” Dh
’
fh a l b h Fi a c h a i re M a t in n a g s
u I n n sri d h
Mao Ri gh n an Se a l g a g s u r ai n ig en d an t at h
-
ch o mh r ag. C ’
a it
’
a b h eil s ib h a do l u rs a Fi a c h a i r e M a t in n . Do l a dh
’
i a r ra id h c e a nn Mh ic C u m h a i l g o s a b h i a ga i n n a i r a r di a t m h or
a m ai re a c h .
” ’
S m i n i g a r a c h a dh a d h i a r r a i d h c e a nn a n d u in e
’
sinn f h i n s go r m o c h a i r m h a d a i n a i r m o m h i n id f h i e
’
n n
”
”
.
T e a n a g u s l i g r a t h a d d o t s l u a gh
u Th a f i e a e h d b e a g
’
n -
. u r
a ir a sin fh a t h sd
n
” Th oi s i c h Fi a c h a i r a nns a n d a rn c e n n d e
a .
’
a a
s I n n s r i d h M a c Ri gh n a S e a l g a r ms a c h e a n n
’
n c h u id e a c h d
’
,
n
e i l e go s a n d o b h u a il a n d a c h l a i dh e a m h a i r a c h e i l e .
”
,
T h i ll e n d i o n n s n idh n a b r u i
’
gh n e a ris C o sind u rs a .
“ ?
F i o nn Th a m is e Fi a c h a i e d o m h a c a g u s I n n s r id h M a c r
”
.
,
n an Se a l g d o d h a l t a .
Co a ig a bha
’
n oa th gr a n n d
’
a bh
’
air an at h
’
n din gh ?
ga m s a ’
ai
”
Bh a g t r i c h i a d fie h e a d d e n a G r e u g a o h a i b h
“
a S .
“
C u i mh n i c h an t at h c h o m h r a g ; sind
c e i t h i r c h i a d fic h e a d d e
na G re u ga o h a ib h
’
s
ga i s ge a c h m or ai r an c e a nn a t i gh n a d h ’ ’ ’
”
,
i a r r a id h m o c h i n n sa go b i
h ao air’
an d i a t m h or a m ai r e a c h .
r ai n c h o mh r a g .
’ ’ ’
D h fh a l b h e nd ig en d at h C ai t
’ ’
s an t “
a
b h e il sibb a do l u rs a Fi a c h a i r e M a o F h i n n -
ris na G r e u ga o h
a ib h . Do l a
’
d h i a rr a i dh c e a nn Mh ic C u m h a i l g o s a h a ga i n n b i
air ar di a t m h or a mai r a c h S m in i g a e .
” ’ ’
r a c h a d h a d h i a r r a idh
c e a nn a n d u in e i s go r m o c h a i m a d a i n a i m o m h i o n a id
s n,
’
r n r
fh i n e
” T e n a s a n r a t h a d a g u s l e i g r a t h a d d h a n t sl u a g h
. a u
” ’
-
.
Th a f u i r e a o h b e a g a i a sin fh t h a s d
” T h oi si c h e fh é i n a g s
r n a . u
I n s r i d h M a c Ri gh n a n S e a l g o rr a g o s a
n do m h a r b h e n d a ,
n
h ni l e d u in e d h i ub h
’
-
s a n d o b h a i l a n d a c h l a i dh e a m h a i
, a u r
c h e i l e T h i ll e n d d a c h a idh r ai n i g e n d a m br gh
. C o sind
’
s u .
a m u i gh ? ” rs a F i o nn Th a m is e F i a c h a i r e d o m h a c a g u s
u .
“
”
, ,
I n s r idh M a c Ri gh n a n S e a l g d o d h a l t a C o a ig a b h a n “ ’
n .
o ath g an n d rb h a i r a n at h a n di n gh
’
a ? ” ’
B h a a ga m s a s a ig n a “ ’
h u i r e a d d h e t h a G e u ga o h a ib h
’ ” D e mu r a b h a m o d h a l t a
n r .
dh e t h a n sin ? ” F e a r a i r a n fh e a r S m u r r o b h fe r a b h a r a c h d
“ ’
a r
”
, ,
o h a r o bb g in n a n i e a sb h n idh C u i m h n i c h a n t at h c h o m h r a g
’
r .
-
.
S ind d h u i r e a d s a t h a i ig a m a c h a n dé t igh i n m a c h a
a a
’
n n a n
din gh ga i sg a c h go e h i a l l a i a n c e a nn a t igh i n dh i a rra i d h

e n r
’
n a
’
”
, ,
m o c h i n s a go b h i a c a i r a n di o t m h or a m ai e a o h
’
n r .
ai n i g e n d c h a d
’
t at h c h o m h a g
’
R ai n ig e n d a s nu r a
n -
r r
”
,
t h ai n i g d u in e d o n t sl n a gh Ch a c h r e i d m i u rs a Fi a c h i e
’
-
. ,
a r
1 96 WE S T HIGHLAND TALES .
Mat in n , “
a it ’
as a b h e il a l e i th id sind d e b h u i dh e a n n a
’
t i gh
i nn , n a e h bi f u igh l e a c h bid h a n n Th a n t a cr a s o r m f h i n s .
’
-
,
’
n a c h d i th sinn m i o u a d h i t h sinn a n n a n E i r in e a gu s
’
r
’ ’
n ,
t h a ll a th u s I n s r i dh s r i g a n t ai t a r o b h e n d s o h a n a i th
’ ’ ’ ’
-
n ,
u n ,
n ic h e n d dnin e s e a c h dnin e i l e a g u s fia c h a m f a i gh t h u o r i o m a
’
-
g a n d e d h a r a n a g u s d e c h ais a g u s d e d h f h e oil a b h e i r t h u
’ ’ ’
, ,
g a r n i o n su i d h s f
’
a i dh m i fh i n a gl e i d h e a dh a n t s l u a i gh
’ ’ ’
n an -
”
, ,
g o n f h i o s n a c h d t h i g e a dh e n d go f h i o s d o m h Ma ta ch a n
’ ’
n
”u r s
.
’
m is dh o mh r at h ad,
’
a it h n e I n n sr i dh
’ ’
e il e ol a c h , o h a n an
Mac Ri gh n an Se a l g, ach f a l b h fh é i n , a gu s fa n a idh m is e

” .
Dh
’
f h a l b h Fi a c h a i r e , a gu s dh
’
fh a n I n n sr i dh , a gu s dé rinn
ad s a n , a ch t i gh i n n g o n fh i o s d a . C
’
a
’
b h e il sib b a do l ? ”u r s ’
I n n sr i d h . Do l a
’
d h i a r ra i d h c e a nn Mh ic Cu m h a il g o s a b h i
a ga i n n a i r a rdi o t m h or a m ai r e a o h .
” “ ’
S min ig a d h i a rr a dh
’
c e a nn a n dnin e s i s g r m o o h a i r m h a d a i n a i r m o mh i o n a i d
n,
’
u n
f h in e
” T e a n u a g u s l i g r a t h a d d o n t sl n a g
. Th a
’
-
f u i re a c h b a g a i r a n s i n f h a t h a s d
e
” T h oi s i c h I n n s r i dh o rr a .
c h a d fh a
g e g in d i b h n a on r a c h d D e m m a i t h a rinn e
’ ’ ’
s u .
d u i t a n sl u a gh a m h a r b h a dh s go m a b h m i s th u s u r s a n ? ” ’
r
’ ’
g a i sge a c h m o a b h a i r a n c e a nn N a n d t h i gi n a m c h o
’ ’ ’
r . n s a
m b h i a dh a g u s o m b h l at h a s o m b h l at h a s a g u s o m th e in e
’ ’ ’ ’
”
, , , ,
cha m h a r b h a d h t h u sa m i . T h oi s i c h e fh é i n
’
s an g a i s ge a c h air
a c h ei l e . Dh i a n a d h en d b o g a n de c h r e a ga n a g u s cr e g a n d e
’
n ,
a
’
n b h o ga n . A n t ai te -
bu l u g b a r a c h a dh e n d fe d h a r a c h a dh e n d
’
a n t ai t e b u m h o
’ ’
f o dh a go n gl ui n e a n , s r a o h a d h e d f o dh a
’
-
n ,
r a c h a d h e n d f e d h a g o n s ii il e a n T h u g a n ga i s ge a c h m or t a r ru i n n
’
.
a ir a
’
c h l a i dh e a m h ,
’
s t h il g e ’
n c nn b r
ea h a I n n sr i dh M a c gh Ri
n an Se a l g .
T h ai n i g Fi a c h a i r e . C h o in n i o h e ’
g a i sg e a c h , s e a
n c nn I n sr idh ’
n
a i ge . Urs a Fi a ch a i r e ris a gh a i s e a c h m h o ,
’
g
“
D n ’
r é ru d a th ’
a ga d an s in ?ga m a n ” Th a a so c e a nn Mh ic C u m h a il ” .
“
Fi a c h dh o m h e
” Sh in e dh a n .
’
c e a nn Th u g Fi c h a i r e pog
. a
d a b h i a l s p og d o c h nl a c h inn A m b h eil fh io s a ga d c o d h a
’
.
thu g thu e ? ” u rs a F i a c h a i r e r i s a gh a i s e a c h C h a 11 e i l
” ’ “ ’
g , .
,
u rs e s n
’
I s m a i t h a t h i ge a dh e a i r a c h o l a i n n a i r a n r o b b e
a
”
.
r o i mh e D h fh o l b h e a g u s t h a n i n g e n c e a nn i s b u a i l e a r a i r
’ ’
. , rr
c e nn a gh a i gi e h e n e a s a b h a e b r u id h i n n is d i a n a a o n c h e a n n
a s , ,
r
D h fh a l b h e is r ai n i g e f a r a n r o b b F i o nn a r i s
’
d e n dh a
’
”
. .
,
C o sind a m u i gh ? u rs a F i o nn Th a m is e Fi a c h a i r e d o .
”
,
mh ac C o a i g a b h a a n o a th g r a n d a b h a i r a n at h c h o m h r ag
’
. n
a n din gh B h a a i g I n n s r i d h d o d h a i t a i s a i g n a G r e u ga o h a i b h
‘
.
,
M A GHA GH C OLGAR . 1 97
D e mu r a t h a m o d h al t a d e th sin ?
Th a e
m a r b h go n a n a m .
M h arb h do dh al t a na Gr e u g a i o h an t o is e a c h , i s m h a r b h a n
G r e u g a c h m or e a s n a r i t h isd , is m h a r b h m is
’
a n si n an Gr e u g a c h
m or .
”
“
C u i mh n i c h an t at h
-
ch o m h r a
g . S ind
M a gh a e M a o b Ri gh
Lo ch l a n n , is
ni l e g in a b h a s a h
’
a b h r u h Gh r e u a o h l e
”
is D h ’
g g
-
.
f h a l b h e i s r ai n i g e n t at h c h o mh a g
’
Th
’
thu an in -
r . a s
Fh i a ch a i r e
” rs a M a gh a e b C o lga r u Th a
” L e i g t h u ga m . .
,
c e nn d a th a r i s b h e i r m i dh u i t d r o c h a id sh a o r a n n a n L o c h
a
’
”
,
l ai nn T h g m a t h a i r d u i t sg o il a s i o s a c h a d h s a h u il e
. u
’
nn ,
’
-
s a i c h e sinn d n i t s
’ ’
s e o r sa d a o c h d a b h a i g e
r s
ga d a d b i o ,
nn e,
b h e i e a dh t n a n c e a nn d e th r i t h i s d 3 a g u s l e is a s i n c h
’
r fh a i gh a n
t h s c e a nn m a t h a r s a go s a m f a i g h t h u m o c h e a
’
u a fh i n a nn n
”
,
t o is e a c h .
Th oi s i c h Fi a c h a i r e a i r a n t sl n a gh is mh a r b h e h ni l e dnin e d e ~ -
”
,
’
n t sl u gh -
M h a r b h th u s a n s l a gh
a . u rs M a gh a c h s
’
u a
’
”
, ,
m a r b h a idh m i s t h u sa Th oi s i c h e n d a i r a c h e i l e
’
. D h i a n a dh .
e d b g a n d e n c h r e a a n a g u s cr e a g a n d e n b h o a
n o
g
’
g A n t ai t e ’
n. -
b u l n gh a r a ch dh en d f o dh a , r a c h a dh
’
en d f o dh a g a n gl ui n e a n , s
’
a
an t -
‘
a i te bu mh o a r a c h a dh en d fo d h a r a c h a d e n d fo d h a
g an
’
s ui i e a n . U a ir d e na h -
u airea n ,
b h u a il s l e a gh M h a g h a i c h Fi a c h a i r e
i s th u g e r a n a s. Dé ’
n t -
am
’
s an d th g e r an a s a c h
’
u ma r a bha
Di a r ma id a t i o n n da d h ce u m o ’
u t -
se il g
’
an E iri n n . M a sh i u b h a i l
e n d o m h a n a g u s a n sa o h a l
’ ” u rs a Di a r m a id t h a s l e a gh a
“
g
” ”
, ,
M h a gh a i c h a i r g i ul a n F h i a c h a i r e A m h radh o r t u rs a C o n a n .
”
, ,
c a i t h d e sh l e a h a g u s a m a is d o n a m h a id Ma o h a ith e a s
“
g ,
.
m is e m o m nach a b hai nn mo
’ ’ ’
n n a In h a r
’
sh l e a gh , e h a n e il fhio s a
d h u in e f h i n
” N a m b u b h e a n b h a d a n a c h b h u i dh e b h i o d h ann
”
.
’
s m a it h a dh
’
a m a i s e a dh thu i “
A m h r a dh o rt a n is , na
” Ch r a t h
.
gh , S b h u a il e
’
a t h n u a dh a ich mi fh a id e sl e a
’
h -
na s . e n t -
o rm t h a o b h m o o h i i il
’ ‘
t h i g e a dh
’
e fo n ch r o m a st a i c h . Co a
a nns an an m o eh , na ch d ’
t h i ge a d h or m a th ao b h m
’
a gh a i d h a nns
’
m h a da in n 2
‘ ”u rs a Ma h a c h M i s e t h i ge a dh o rt,
”u rs a D i
a g
m a id , “
mo ch a s
’
an mo c h
’
s a ir a mh i a d h o n l a t h a .
” Dé m “ ’
ma i th a ni sin d n it se u rs a M a gh a c h ,
’
S g e n (1 t h e i r m i s a n
’ ’
c e a nn d e d h Fh i a c h a i e m u n d th i g t h u
’
r
’ ’
.
” M a b h e i r th u ’ s
a n
”
c e a nn d e th u rs Dia r m a i d b h e i r m is e c e a nn d i o t sa n r
a an n
”
, ,
a r u i e a s mi
g R ai n i g Di a r m a i d L o c h l a i n
. T h u g M gh a e b a n n. a
c e nn b h ar r F h i a c h a i r e Th u g D ia r m a id a c e a nn b h ar M h a gh
a . n t
a ic h R ai i g D i a r m a i d F i o nn
. n C o sind a m u i gh u rs a F i o nn ,
.
Th a a n n m is e D i a r m a i d
” Co a i g a b h a o a th g r n n d a b h .
’
n a
’
1 98 WE S T H IGHLAND TA LES .
a ir a n at h c h o mh r a g a n din g h ? Bh a e ai
g no h -
u ir e a d de n a.
G r e n ga o h a i b h , s a i g a M h a gh a c h M a c Ri gh Lo c h l a n n , s a i g
’ ’
Fi a c h a i r e d o m h a c M h a r b h F i a c h a i r e h ni l e g in d e n a Gr e n g
.
-
a o h aib h , m h a rb h M a gh a e b Fi a c h a i r e ,
’
s m h arb h m i s
’
an sin
M a gh a e b . Ga d a. m h a r b h M a g h a c h Fi a c h a i r e c a rs n a m h a r b h
o
t h u sa M a gh a e b n a c h ,
do l e ig t h u l e is b eo ? A c h c u i m h n i ch a n
t at h
-
c h o m h r a g,
’
s a h -
ni l e h -
ao n am b r u i gh e a n n an Gr e u ga ch a
t i gh i n n a ma ch co m bla
” .
“
Co d h i u b h
’
s fh earr l e a t s a C h a th ’
,
Co nan f a l b h l e a m sa , n a f a n t a i n n a n so ? I s fh e a r r l e a m f a l b h
”
,
’ ’
mh l a e n d, r ai n i g e n d t at h
’
co r i u t sa . Dh fh a l b h s nu r a an -
c h o mh r a g c h a d u in e e n d R ai n i g e n d f a r a n r o b h
do c h o in n ic h .
Sh u i d h e n d a n si n is ol é rinn C a th C o n a n a c h t u i t e a m n
’
end . a
c h a dal l e is c h o f d a s b h a e n d go n t i gh i n n a m c h Ch a b
,
a
’
a .
’
a d h e i gh s i n go s a n d o t h oi s i c h e n d ri t i gh i n a gu s
’
fh a d a n n ,
n a d o r s a n ri f o s gl a dh B h a d o rns m a c h o i n n e a m h a h ni l e l a t h a
.
-
a i r g a c h b r n gh a i r a l t mh ao m e n d a
’ ’
s a b h l i adh n
’
s go n d o
m a c h ni l e m a c h e a n n D h i a r m a i d Th ois i c h D i a r m a i d o rr a .
,
a g u s l e f n a i m n a n c l a idh e a n a g u s l e t i l l e a d h n a n d a o in e dh ui s
g
C th C o n a n s t h oi si c h e a ir d i n n e a dh a c h l a i d h e m h a n n a m
a ,
’ ’
a
m ia dh o a c h a l p a i g D i a m a id Fh u a i r Di a r m a id a n so
n
’ ’
r .
t a c h a s a n a m m i a dh o n a c h a l p a i ge Th u g e s u i l u a i t h e
n
’
.
,
is d e c h a ic e a c h C a th C o n n a g o b i r l e is a c h l a idh
u nn a a
c a mb a i e fh é i n A m h r a dh o r t a C h a th C o n a i n
? ” u rs a
g , , .
D i a ma id r s e a h a i n d o dh u i n e f h e i
, c g u s m a is d o n a mh i d
n
’
n, a a a ,
s go r o o m a i t h d h u i t a b h i
g a d h i n n e a dh a ms a b h o ta d s h a s
’ ’
r u u ,
’
b h i g a d h i n n e a dh a m o h a l p a s a
’ ’
d h a i c h t h u sa
’
s a Na h -
a th n u a
” M h arb h
.
m i s a nis , a c h a n a m a i s m i s a i r m o
’
n a m h a id . en d a
’
h -
ni l e dnin e dhe
’
n t -
s l u a gh .
S m a o i n t ic h en d a ir an f h e a dh a i n a bha
’
s an a ra ic h ’
s end go n
b h iadh . Th u g ga c h aon diu b h l e is l an n e a a i gi n ,
p
’
sa b h r o l l a ieh ,
’
s a p h oc a i d e a n Co a m u i gh
. u sind rs a F i o nn . Th a m is e
D i a r m a i d m a c d o ph e a t h a r ” “
D em u . r a th a na Gr e u ga i o h
Th a a h le ni dnin
e dh i u b h m a r b h nam ” O th a ll a , gu s
go n a a
-
.
th o ir t h n ga m t e a n a o h d a s d e b h i a dh .
” Ga d a b h e i r i n n sa d h u i t
bi d h d e m u r a d h i t h e a d h t h u e s
n
’
,
’
th u a n n a n si n ,
’
s th u c e an g
a il t e
Ch a r o bb sa o d ai
g a ir b i a dh a t h o irt da ib h , ac h a bh i ’
t o l l a dh
a
’
b h r u gh as a n ci o nn ,
’
s a
’
l e i ge i l a b h i dh si o s a
’
n i o n n su i d h .
De
‘
t h a go (1
’
f h u a s gl a dh sin u rs a D ia r ma i d
as a M a t a is .
“
dea cai r sinn fh a o ta i n

” u rs a F i o nn
n s ch a n e h ni l e f a r a
’ ’
-
e
”
, ,
n e il e ri fh a o t a i n idir I nnis t h u sa d h o m h s
’
g h e ib h
’ ’
s oha
’
e, n .
M A GHA C I I C OL GAR . 1 99
”u rs a D i a r m a id , gu s ”
gh e i b h m i e Th a f h i o s am
“ ’
e, a .
go n
o i o sn a i c h th u
’
n s a o gh a l g o s a m f a i g h t h u e, a gu s oha
’
n
’
e il mo
l e i gh e a s -
sa ri fh a o t a i n n , na f u a s gl a dh as an so , a o h ao n ru d .
”
“
Dé ’
n ao n ru d a th
’
n a c h innis t h u
ann , dh o m h s
’
e,
’
s
go m
f a ig h in n e 2
‘ ” Tr iui r n i gh e a a n ri gh ris a n n c a n e nd Ri gh Gi l ” .
Th a na t ri ni
gh e a n a n ann a n o a ist e a l an n am m ia d h o n a o a r s a id ,
g o n s e a r b h a n t , g o n s g a l a g, g o n e b e o a c h e n d fh i n End dnin . sin

’
fh a o t a i n n , s a h -
’
ni
l e b o i n n e fa l a t h a u t fh asga d h a s d a , s a
’ ’
n c u ir
a ir t ri n s e a r a n ,
’
s ann an c o p a in —
a ni l e di a r
h -
fa l
’
a th
’
ann t a
”
,
m f aga il cho g al r i s a n a ma r t
’
t h o irt a sd a , s a e .
’
D h f h a l b h Di a r m a i d , bha f a l b h go s a n r o b h d u b h a d h a i r
’ ’
s e
a b h o n n a ib h , a gu s t o l l a d h a ir a b h r o g a n , i s n e o il gh e a l a n l a t h a
il dh u b h a
’
’
fa l b h , s n eo na h -
o idh c h e t i gh i n n , i s g e n e f a i gh i n n
a tei s ta d na t am h dh a . R ai n i g e ’
n
’
a o a r sa i d , s o h u i r e ea c nn
c ao l a s h l e a gh fo
’
u ch d,
’
s gh e a r r e l e u m , s bh a e
’
sa c h a i s t e a l a n
o idh c h e sin . An la
’
r na m h ai r e a c h th i ll e . Th u g e l e is di t h i s d
a ir an d a rn a g a l l a i n n s a h a o n a i r a gh n a l a i n e i l e C h u ir e
n
’
-
’
n .
c e a nn c a o l a sh l e a gh fo n o h d s a i r a c h i a d l e u m b h a e a i r t ir
’
,
’
.
R ai i g e F i o nn T h u g e d a i o n n s id h n a n igh e a n a ’ ’
n . Dh u n .
fh ai sg e h ni l e di a r f a l a b h a nns n a h ni l e t é r i a b h a m a c h a i r
’
- -
m i a r i b h a o a s a g u s a l amb
a C h i r e bra t d u b h a i r a n u a c hd a r . n .
’
T h oi s i c h e a ir d o r t a dh na fa l ai r an fh e a d h a i n a bha st i
gh , s a
’
h -
ni l e fe a r a d h o i r t e a dh e n
’
fh u il a ir , dh
’
e i r e a dh e , is dh f h a l b h
’
a dh e . Th e i r ig an fh u i l , is b h a h -
ni l e f e a r a ir f h u a sgl a dh aoh
h -
ao nris a n ca n a dh e n d Co n an .
An a n n a br a th m i s f h ag a il
’
an so a t h a t h u D h i a r m a id
A m h r a dh o rt , t h e i r ig an fh u il .
” N am b u bea n b h r i a gh ,
b h a d a n a c h , b h u idh e m is e ,
’
s m a it h a dh
’
a m a i s e a dh tu mi .
”
M a l e an a s do ch r a i ci o n n r i u t fh é in , n a d o c h n a mh a n ri d ’
f h e o il ,
b h e ir m i s
’
as thu .
” Dh
’
fh a l b h , e, a gu s rug e a ir l ai m h air.
Fh u a i r e ma s
g a o il , a c h g o n d o l e a n c r a i c i o n n a m h ai s r i s a n ai t e
sh u i dh e , a gu s c ra i c i o n n n a m b o nn ris a n t a l a m h B u m h a it h .
a
”
nis u r s ’
eu d sa n , na
’
m bi o d h o l a n u a n ri gh m h a i t h b e o a c h s ’
”
, ,
c oir a n t io d h l a c a d h fo
’
n t a l a mh . Dh f h a l b h
’
en d fa r a n ro b h
e nd,
’
s fh u a i r end en d a g ai re a c h d a i o h s a b e a d r a dh r a
’ ’ ’
c h ei l i s e,
end b eo . Dh
’
f h a l b h Di a r m a id , th u g e le end is is a ir f ra s
mh u l l a c h gh u a i l l e a n , s d h f h ag e e n d s a c h a i s t e a l m u r
’ ’
b ha
’
a a
e n d r o i mh e . T h ai n ig e n d l e d h a c h a i dh d o d h E i r in n
ni ’
.
th is t a l e f ro m A l e x a nd e r M a c N e il l fi s h e r m a n th e n
Go t , ,
Ta n g va l B a rr a ; s a ys h e l e a rn t i t f r o m h is f a th e r a d t h a t h e
, ,
n
2 00 W ES T HIGHLAND T ALES .
h e a rd i t r e ci t e d by h i m a n d o t h e rs e v e r sinc e h e r m e mb e rs ; e
s a ys i t h a s b e e n h a nd e d d o w n o r ll y f ro m o n e p e rs o n t o a n o t h e ra
f ro m t i m e i m m e m o ri a l M a c N e il l is a b o u t six t y y e a rs o f a ge
.
,
and ca n e i th e r r e a d w ri t e o s p e a k En gl is h H is f a th e r di e d
n , ,
n r .
t w e n t y y e a rs a go a g e d e i ght y y e a rs
, .
B a rra J u l y 1 85 9
, .
I k n o w n o th in g l i k e th is a ny wh e r e o u t o f t h e H i ghl a nds b u t ,
I h a v e h e a rd si m i l a r w i l d r a m b l in g s t o ri e s th e r e a l l m y l i f e .
Th e h e r o e s a r e t h e h e ro e s o f Ossi a n w i th t h e c h a r a c t e rs ,
a lw a ys a ssi g n e d t o th e m i n G a e l ic s t ry F i o nn t h e h e a d o f o . ,
t h e b a n d b u t n o t t h e m o s t s u cc e ss f u l ; D i a r ma i d t h e bro w n
, ,
h ir e d a d m ire r o f t h e fa ir s e x 3 C o n a n t h e w ic k e d m isc h i e v o u s
a , ,
c h a r a c t e r w h o w o u l d b e t h e c l o w n in a p a n t o m i me o r L o k i i n
, ,
N o rs e my th o l o g y T h e y a e e nc h a n t e d in a B R U G H wh ic h I
. r ,
h a v e t ra ns l a t e d b u r g h o n t h e a u th o ri t y o f A r m s t ro n g 3 a n d th e y
,
fight cr o w ds o f Gr e e k s o n a pl a c e i f i t b e A f o r A I TE ; o r a t a ,
fo rd i f i t b e A TH wh ic h is p r o n o u nc e d i n t h e s a m e w a y
, , .
Gr e e k s GR E U GA CH I B H m a y p o ssib l y b e G R U A G A CH i b h t h e
, ,
-
,
l o n g h a ir e d p e o pl e m e nti o n e d in t h e fi rs t s t o ry c h a n g e d in t o
-
,
Gr e e k s in m o d e rn t i m e s 3 o r GR U A GA C H m a y b e a c o rr u pt i o n
f ro m “
G e n ga o h r
” and th is s t o ry c o m p o u nd e d by s o m e
,
o l d b a rd f r o m a l l t h e k n o wl e d g e h e h a d g a th e r e d inc l u din g ,
Gr e e k s j u s t s t h e f o r e w o rd t o t h e Edd a i s c o m p o nd e d o f
,
a -
u
T y r kl a d a d Tr o j a a n d Odin a n d T h o r t h e A si a m e n a n d
n ,
n , , ,
t h e A s a a d a l l th a t t h e w ri t e r k n e w
,
n Th e s t o ry a s t o l d .
i s e x t ra v a ga n t M e n in B irin u a n d in L o c h l a i n n I re l a nd
.
, ,
a n d S c a ndin a v i a c o n v e rs e a n d th ro w s p e a rs a t e a c h o th e r Th e
, .
h a m m e r o f F i o nn is h e a rd in I r e l a nd wh e n s tr u c k in L o c h l a n .
B u t o n e o f t h e m n u scri pt s in t h e A d v o c a t e s Libr a ry t h r o w s
’
a
s o m e l i ght o n th is p a r t o f t h e t a l e If t h e sc e n e w e r e a n is l a n d .
in t h e S h a nn o n m e n m i ght c o n v e rs e a n d fight in t h e fo rd w e ll
,
e n o u gh . Th e M S i s a q u a r t o o n p a p e r wi th n o d a t e c o n t a inin g
.
, ,
fiv e t a l e s i n p r o s e a v o c a b u l a ry a d p o e m s a n d is a tt rib u t e d t o
, ,
n ,
t h e tw e lfth c e n t u ry K e a t in g c o nsid e rs t h e s u b j e c t o f T a l e 2
.
”
,
wh ic h c o n t a ins f o r t y t w o p a g e s a s a u t h e n t ic h is to ry
-
, On e o f .
t h e p e o pl e m e n t i o n e d is A o l o ZE l a s o n o f D o n a l d k in g o f
r n
”
, ,
S c o tl a nd w h o i s p r o b a b l y Gr a t I a l l u n l e ss I a l l is I a r l a n
,
“
e , ,
E r l T a l e 3 s e nds C h l l i n fi rs t t o S c o tl a nd t o l e a rn fe a t s o f
a . u c n
a g i l i t y f r o m D o i re a m d a u ght e r o f K in g D o n a l d t h e nc e t o
, ,
S cy th i a wh e re a s e min a ry is cr o w d e d w i th p u p i l s f r o m A si a
, ,
M A GH A CH C OL GAR . 2 01
A f ric a a n d E r o p e H e b e a t s th e m a l l g o e s th ro u g h w o nd e r f l
,
u .
, u
a d v n tu re s
e g o e s t o Gr e e c e r e t u rns w i th c e r t a in I ris h c h i e fs
, , ,
a rri v e s in I r e l a nd d i s f ll o w e d by h is s o n a h a lf S cy th i a n
,
an o , ,
wh o m h e k i l l s t a fo rd N o 4 t h e s t o ry o f t h e c h i l dr e n o f Li r
a . .
, ,
c h n g e d in t o s w a ns i s v e ry c u ri u s
a ,
o .
N o 5 is c a ll e d t h e r e b ll i o n o f M I O D A C H s o n o f C O L G A R
. e ,
a g a ins t F in g a l a n d s e e m s t o r e s e m b l e M a gh a e b C o l g a r
,
.
C o lg a r k in g o f L o c hl in p r o p o s e s t o a ss u m e t h e t i tl e o f S o v e
, ,
r e i g n o f t h e I s l s a d t o s b j g a t e I r e l a nd H e i s b e a t e n by
e ,
n u u .
F in g a l w h o g i v e s h i m a r e sid e nc e i n a n i l a n d i n t h e S h a n n n
,
s o .
A ft e r e i ght e e n y e a rs h e c o m e s t o p r o p o s e ridd l e s t o F in g a l a d ,
n
in v i t e s h i m t o a e n t e r t a in m e n t T h e y t h e Fi ga l i a s go a d
n . ,
n n , ,
n
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are s t i ll u n p u b l is h e d T h e y c o u l d n o t fa i l t o t h r o w l i gh t o n t h e
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9 U l yss e s g o e s in t o t h e c a v e o f t h e Cyc l o p w i th s o m e o f h is
.
c o mp a ni o ns Th e Cyc l o p w a o n e e y e d s h e ph e rd a d h i s c a v e
. as -
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n
is d e scrib e d a s a d a iry 3 h is fl o c k s w e r e go a t s a n d s h e e p wh ic h h e ,
m i lk d wh e n h e c a m e h o m e
e
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e -
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” .
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,
e,
t w o o f t h e s t ra n g e rs r a w H e s p o k e Gr e e k b u t c l a i m e d t o b e
.
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o f a r a c e s u p e ri o r t o t h e Gr e k g o ds H e a t e t w o m o r e Gre e k s
e .
f o r br e a kfa s t a n d t w o f o r s u pp e r
,
T h e n go t dr u n k o n w in e .
g i v e n h i m by U lyss e s wh ic h w s b e tt e r th a n h i s o w n U l yss e s
,
a .
s a id N o m n i s m y n a m e 3 a n d t h e g i a n t p ro m is e d t o e a t h i m
,
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l a s t a s a re tu rn f o r h is g i ft o f r o sy w in e a n d w e n t t o s l e e p
, , .
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w a s t h e m a tt e r a n d w e r e t o l d
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, ,
n u
Of s l e e p o pp r ss e s m e w i th fra u d f u l p o w e r
e .
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n ,
I fli o t s dis e a s e i t fit s th e e t o r e si g n
n , .
To J o v e o r t o th y f a th e r N e pt u n e p r a y
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,
T h e br e th r e n cri e d a n d ins t a n t s t r o d e a w a y
, .
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, ,
r-
t h e En a th a n d w a t e r h o rs e o f G a e l ic s t o ry
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n d t h e k e lp i e T h e re ,
a .
is o w o rd in G a e l ic th a t c o l d b e c o rr pt e d into K e lp i b t h e
n u u e, u
is t h e s a m e a s E a c h i sge Th e G l ic t r a di t i o n m y h v e b e e n
u . ae a a
t k e n f r o m H o m e r 3 b u t i f s o t h pl a g i a ris t m u s t h a v e l i v e d
a ,
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s o m e t i m e a go fo t h e s t o ry i s o w w id e l y s p r a d a n d h i s e di t i o n
,
r n e ,
m st h a v e h a d s o m e o th e r r a din g f o r
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w o rd i s m ys e lf in a l l v e rsi o ns I k n o w
,
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1 0 TH E CA ILL E A C H M E OR E o r CL I B R I C K w a s a v e ry r i c h a d
. n
w ic k e d o l d w o m a n ( I h a v e a l r e a dy s h o w n th a t th e r is s o m e e
r e a s n t o s u pp o s e s h e w a s a L a pp a n d n o L pp e ve r o ffe re d m e
o a
a ny th in g o ft e n a s I h a v e b e e n a m o n g s t th e m )
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w h o th o u gh s h e , ,
\V E S T H IG H LAND T ALES .
h ad pl e n t y o f t h e g o o d t h in g s o f t h is w o r l d n e v e r g a v e a ny t h in g
,
a w a y a n d n e v e r a s k e d a t r a v e ll e r t o s i t d o w n in h e r h o u s e
,
A .
b o l d m a n o nc e l a id a w a g e r th a t h e w o u l d circ u m v e n t h er H e .
a cc o r d in gl y w a lk e d in t o h e r k i t c h e n wh e n s h e cr a v e d t o k n o w
,
wh e nc e h e c a m e a n d wh a t w a s h i s d e s t in a t i o n I c o m e f ro m .
t h e s o u t h a n d a m g o in g n o r t h
” s a id h e A nd wh a t i s y o u r
.
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n a me ? s a id t h e h a g o f Gr e y si d e M y n a m e is W I LLI A M D E A N
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.
S UI DH E .
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W I LLI A M d e a n S u i dh e I (s i t d o w n ) s h e r e p e a t e d 3
wh e n h e fl u n g h i m s e lf in t o a c h a ir a n d m a k i n g h e r a b o w s a id
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.
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a n d t a k in g o u t a n e n o r m o u s b a nn o c k a s r o u nd a s t h e m o o n
, ,
b e ga n t o e a t w i th o u t t k in g a n y n o t ic e o f h i m
a Y o u r p ie ce .
“
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s e e m s a dry o n e m is t r e ss s a id W i ll i a m Th e f a t sid e is t o
.
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me ,
s a id t h e w i t c h A nd ind e e d sh e h a d o n e sid s p r e a d w i th
. e
b u tt e r a b o u t a n inc h th ic k Th e sid e th a t is t o y o u s h a ll b e t o
.
me
” h e r e t o r t e d 3 a n d c a u gh t a t t h e c a k e H e c a ll e d h e r a .
,
s a t a nic o l d C a i ll e a c h a n d l e ft t h e h u t c a rryin g h is p i e c e a w a y a s
,
a t r o ph y
. Th e o l d w o m a n w a s l e ft c u rsin g a n d p ra yi n g th a t
. ,
t h e c a k e m i ght k i l l h i m 3 b u t h e h a d t o o m u c h s e ns e t o t o c h i t u ,
a n d h is i ll w is h e r (t h e b a g ) f o o l is hl y fi nis h in g t h e r e m a ind e r di e d
-
o f i t s u n h a ll o w e d e ff e c t s t o t h e g r e a t r e l i e f o f h e r n e i gh b o u rs
, .
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t e ll th e m w i ll p r o b a b l y c o nsid e r t h e B r o l l a c h a n a n d t h e W a t r
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h o rs e a n d t h e Gr e e k s t o ry a s so m a ny v e rsi o ns o f a n o l d e r
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e qu a l c l a i m t o s e v e r a l o th e r s t o ri e s in th is c o ll e c t i o n wh ic h ,
Gri mm a n d t h e A r a bi a n N i ght s c l a i m a s p o p u l a r l o r e S indb d . a ,
a n d C o n a l Cr o b h i a n d Gri mm s R o bb e r i f pl a g i a ris t s a r e f ar
’
, , ,
m o re gu i lt y th a n t h e B r o l l a c h a n ; a n d M n r a c h a d h M a c B ri a n ,
w h o fo ll o w s is qu i te a s b a d
, .
XXX V III .
M UR A CHAD H MA C B R IA N .
F ro m D o n a l d Sh a w ,
ol d s o l di e r B ll yg r a n t I sl a y
,
a , .
H E R E w e r e th r e e m e n in t h e l a nd o f C e a nn C o ir e ,
in E rin — th a t wa s M o o r c h u g M a cB r e e a n a n d ,
D o n a c h u g M a cB r e e a n a n d B r e e a n B o rr th e ir f a th e r
, ,
.
T h e y go t a c a ll t o go t o din e in a pl a c e wh ic h th e y
c a ll e d M AGH 0 D ORNA T h e y t o o k w i th th e m th r e e
.
sc o r e k ni v e s th r e e sc o r e brid l e s a n d th r e e sc o r e r e d e a r e d
, ,
-
wh i t e h o rs e s T h e y sa t a t t h e f e a s t a n d n o s o o n e r sa t
.
,
th e y a t t h e f e a s t th a n th e y sa w t h e ma id of Kn o c k
S e a n a n in E rin
, ,
p a ssin g by T h e n o u t w o u l d go
.
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, ,
wo u l d go Bri a n B o rr th e ir fa th e r a ft e r th e m
, , .
T h ey w e r e n o t l o n g go n e wh e n th ey sa w a g r e a t
l a d c o m in g t o m ee t th e m .
Bri a n B o rr b l e ss e d h i m i n t h e FI SN I C HE FA I S N I CHE
s o ft fl o w in g p ea c e fu l w o rds o f w is d o m
, ,
.
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,
b e t t e r th e y w e r e n o w o rs e .
“ ”
Wh a t m a n a r t th o u ? s a id Bri a n B o rr A .
“
go o d l a d a m I s e e k in g a m a s t e r ” Alm i ghty o f“
!
.
,
t h e w o r l d a ga ins t th ee b e a s t D o s t th o u w is h t o b e
!
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’
h a n ge d w i th a sea o f b l o o d a b o u t th in e e y e s Tis
l o n g I w o u l d b e e r e I w o u l d h ir e th e e a t th y si z e ” I
”
.
c a r e n o t m a y b e M n r a c h a dh w o u l d h i r e m e
,
He .
r e a c h e d M n ra c h a dh . M n ra ch a d h b l e ss e d h i m in t h e
FI S N I CHE FA I S N I C H E s oft fl ow in g p ea c e f u l w o rds o f

, ,
w isd o m Th e l a d a ns w e r e d h i m in b e tt e r w o rds a n d
.
,
i f n o b e tt e r th e y w e r e n o w o rs e .
“ ”
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“
”
g o o d l a d a m I s e ek in g a m a s t e r s a id h e Wh a t .
“
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, ,
wa g e s w i ll th o u b e a sk in g ? Tw o th irds of th y “ -
*
c o u ns e l t o b e m in e a n d th ys e lf to h a v e b u t o n e t i ll
”
, ,
w e c o m e f r o m c h a sin g t h e m a id e n .
’ ”
If tho u ge t t st th a t s a id M n ra ch a dh m a n go t i t “
, ,
n o t b efo r e a n d n o man
,
w i ll g e t i t a ft e r th e e b u t ,
s u r e i f tho u w o u l ds t n o t h o n o u r i t tho u wo u l ds t n o t
”
,
a sk i t .
Wh e n th e y h a d a g r e e d h e to o k a r a c e a fte r t h e
m a id e n a n d h e w a s n o t l o n g go n e wh e n h e c a m e b a c k .
”
,
“
Alm i ghty o f t h e w o r l d a ga ins t th e e s a id Bri a n B o rr ,
.
“
D o s t th o u w is h t o b e h a n g e d w i th a s ea o f b l o o d
a b o u t th in e e y e s ? I k n e w h e w a s w i th o u t a g i ll i e in
t h e fi rs t o f t h e da y t h e m a n th a t h ir e d th e e a n d h a d b e
”
,
t a k e n m y c o u ns e l h e h a d n o t h ir e d th e e .
“
I w i ll n ot d o a g o o d t u rn t o d a y t i ll t h e b u tt o ns -
c o m e o ff m y b i gc o a t ” T h e n th ey go t a t a i lo r a n d
.
,
t h e t a i l o r h a d n o t a s m u c h s k i ll a s w o u l d t a k e t h e
b u tt o ns o ff t h e gr e a t c o a t T h e n h e t o o k s h e a rs o u t o f
.
t h e ri m o f h is l i ttl e h a t a n d h e took t h e b u tt o ns o ff h is
,
g r e a t c o a t in a t ric e .
T h e n h e t o o k a n o th e r ra c e a ft e r t h e m a id e n a n d h e ,
w a s n o t l o n g a w a y wh e n h e c a m e b a c k Alm i ghty o f .
“
t h e g r e a t w o r l d a ga ins t th e e
” s a id Bri a n B o rr Do st .
,
th o u wis h to b e h a n g e d w i th a s e a o f b l o o d a b o u t th in e
ey e s I k n e w th a t h e w a s w i th o u t a g i ll i e in t h e fi rs t
o f t h e d a y t h e m a n th a t h ir e d th e e a n d h a d h e t a k e n
”
,
m y c o u n s e l h e h a d n o t h ir e d th e e .
D a dh r i a n d e (1
’
c o m h a ir l e .
” I am not su re o f th is t ra ns
la ti o n .
M U R A CH A D H M A C B R I AN . 2 11
“
I wo nt go o d t u rn t o da y t i ll t h e b u tt o ns go o n
do a -
t h e b i gc o a t a ga in fo r t h e w o m e n wi ll c h a s e m e
” Th ey .
,
o t a t a i l o r a n d t h e S h e a rs w o u l d n o t o u t a g r a in a n d
g , ,
t h e n e e d l e w o u l d n o t se w a s t i t c h T h e n h e g o t s h e a rs
.
a n d a n e e d l e h i m s e lf o u t o f t h e r i m o f h i s l i ttl e h a t a n d ,
h e s e w e d t h e b u tt o ns o n t h e b i g c o a t a g a in He t o o k .
a n o th e r l i ttl e r a c e a ft e r t h e m a id e n a n d h e w a s n o t l o n g
,
go n e wh e n h e c a m e b a c k Al m i ghty & c
.
“
,
s a id Bri a n B o rr .
I w i ll n o t do a g o o d t u rn t o da y t i ll t h e th o rn in
-
m y fo o t c o m e s o u t ” T h e n th e y go t a l e e c h b u t t h e ,
l e e c h h a d n o t s k i ll e n o u gh t o ta k e t h e th o rn o u t o f t h e
fo o t T h e n h e h i m s elf t o o k o u t a l i ttl e ir o n th a t h e h a d
.
i n t h e ri m o f h i s l i ttl e h a t a n d h e t o o k t h e th o rn o u t
,
o f h is f o o t a n d t h e th o rn w a s a f o o t l o n g e r th a n t h e
”
,
Sh a n k
!
.
Oo v o o v s a id Bri a n B o rr th a t i s a w o ndr o u s“
”
,
m a tt e r t h e th o rn t o b e l o n g e r th a n t h e s h a n k Ma ny “
”
.
,
a th in g s a id h e is m o r e w o ndr o u s th a n th a t 3 th e r e
“
”
, ,
is go o d s tr e t c h i n g a t t h e e n d o f t h e j o in t s a n d b o n e s .
T h e n h e t o o k a l i ttl e r a c e a w a y a n d h e w a s n o t l o n g
,
go n e wh e n h e c a m e b a c k a n d h e h a d a w i l d d u c k r o a s t e d
,
o n t h e fir e n o t a bi t b u rn e d o r r a w in h e r a n d sh e w a s
, ,
e n o u gh f o r e v e r y o n e w i th in T h is is t h e b e s t t u rn
“
.
”
th o u h a s t d o n e y e t s a id Bri a n B o rr .
,
“
I w i ll n o t d o a g o o d t u rn t o — da y t i ll I ge t a l i ttl e
”
win k o f s l e e p T h e y w e n t t o t h e b a c k o f Kn o c k S ea n a n
.
,
in E rin b e h ind t h e Wind a n d b e f o r e t h e su n wh e r e th e y

, ,
c o u l d s e e e a c h m a n a n d m a n c o u l d n o t se e th e m He
,
.
s l ept th e r e 3 a n d wh e n h e a w o k e w h a t b u t t h e m a id o f
,
Kn o c k S ea n a n w a s o n t h e t o p o f t h e h i ll He r o s e h e ,
s t r u c k h e r a b l o w o f h is p a l m o n t h e e a r a n d h e s e t h e r ,
h e a d b a c k fo r e m o s t Al m i ghty & c
.
“
,
s a id .
Bri a n B o rr .
“
S e t t h e h e a d ri ght o n t h e m a id e n
” If m y m a s t e r .
“
a s k s m e th a t I w i ll d o i t a n d i f h e d o e s n o t a sk I w i ll
”
, , ,
n o t d o i t t o d a y f o r th e e .
”
T h e r e sh e is s a id M n ra ch a dh a n d d o t o h er a s
“
”
, ,
th o u w i lt T h e n s t r u c k h e a fist o n h e r a n d h e k n o ck e d
.
,
h e r br a ins o u t . T h e y w e r e n o t l o n g th e r e wh e n th e y
sa w a d e e r a n d a d o g c h a sin g i t Ou t a ft e r i t w e n t th e y
.
,
a n d t h e s p a r k s th a t t h e h o u nd s e n t f r o m h is t o e s w e r e
h i tti n g M u ra c h a dh s g i ll i e ri ght in t h e fa c e Th e s p a r k s
’
.
th a t M u r a c h a dh s g i ll i e s e n t f r om h is t o e s w e re s t ri k in g
’
M n r a c h a dh ri ght in t h e f a c e a n d t h e s p a r k s th a t
,
M n r a ch a dh s e n t f r o m h is to e s w e r e h i tt in g D o n a c h a dh
ri ght in t h e fa c e a n d t h e Sp a r k s th a t D o n a ch a dh s e n t
,
f r o m h is t o e s w e r e h i tt in g Bri a n B o rr ri ght in t h e f a c e .
I n t h e t i m e o f l a t e n e ss M n r a c h a dh l o s t h is se t o f m e n 3
n o r f a th e r ,
n o r br o th e r n o r g i ll i e n o r d e e r n o r d o g
, , , ,
w a s t o b e s e e n a n d h e did n o t k n o w t o wh a t sid e h e
,
s h o u l d go t o s e e k th e m M is t c a m e o n th e m
. .
He th o u ght h e w o u l d go i n t o t h e w o o d t o ga th e r n u t s
t i ll t h e m is t s h o u l d go H e h e a rd t h e s t r o k e o f a n a x e
.
in t h e wo o d a n d h e th o u ght th a t i t w a s t h e m a n o f t h e
,
l i ttl e ca p a n d t h e bi g b o nn e t He w e n t d o w n a n d i t
.
w a s t h e m a n o f t h e l i ttl e ca p w h o w a s th e r e M n ra ch a dh .
b l e ss e d h i m 3 in t h e fisn i c h e fo i sn i ch e s o ft fl o w in g p e a c e
,
f u l w o rds o f w isd o m 3 a n d t h e y o u th b l e ss e d h i m i n
b e tt e r wo rds 3 a n d i f n o b e tt e r th e y w e r e n o wo rs e I .
“
a m th in k in g th e n
” s a id t h e l a d th a t i t is o f t h e c o m
“
”
,
”
, ,
p a n y o f M n ra ch a dh M a c Bri a n thou a r t It i s s a id “
!
.
,
’
he .
“
W e ll I w o u l d g i v e th e e a ni ght s s h a r e f o r t h e
s a k e o f th a t m a n th o u gh th e r e s h o u l d b e a m a n s h ea d ’
”
,
a t th y b e lt . M n r a ch a dh f e a r e d th a t h e w o u l d a sk h i m
t o pu t t h e fa ggo t o n h is b a c k a n d h e w a s ri ght f ea r e d
,
th a t h e wo u l d a sk h i m t o c a rry t h e a x e h o m e fo r i t s si z e
”
.
“
G o o d l a d s a id h e
,
I a m s u r e tho u a r t t ir e d e n o u gh
,
“
M U R A C HA D H M A G B RIAN . 2 13
thys e lf ft e r th y t r o u b l e a n d wa nd e rin g It is m u c h
a .
f o r m e t o a sk th e e t o l i ft t h e f a gg o t o n m y b a c k 3 a n d i t
i s t o o m u c h t o a sk th e e t o t a k e t h e a x e h o m e
” .
He w e n t a n d h e l i ft e d t h e fa ggot o f f u e l o n h i s o w n
b a c k h e t o o k t h e a x e w i th h i m in h is h a nd 3 th ey w e n t
,
t h e t w o t o t h e h o u s e o f th a t m a n 3 a n d th a t w a s t h e
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c h a ir o f g o l d a n d sh e ga v e i t t o h e r o w n m a n 3 a n d sh e
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g e th e r a n d M n ra c h a dh w a s a lwa ys l o o k in g a t t h e h o u s e
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in th a t I dra n k a dra u gh t f r o m a h a lf e m pty v e ss e l -
.
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m y w i f e th e r e sinc e th o u c a m e s t in t o t h e ho u s e a n d i f ,
th o u dids t b u t k n o w t h e t r o u b l e I h a d a b o u t h e r th o u ,
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m ys el f . Th e se a n a
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s o f a r a s t h e wh i t e
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I we nt .
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th e r e o n e fin e s u mm e r s da y a n d who w a s th e r e b u t t h e
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a n d a m a rri a g e w a s m a d e b e tw e e n m ys e lf a n d h er
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, ,
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s t i ll th a t m y fa th e r i n l a w a r o s e s h o u t in g t o m e t o go t o
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t h e h u n t in g h i ll t o h u n t b a d g e rs a n d v e r m in a n d f o x e s
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th o u ght th a t I h a d l e ft m y o w n w i fe w i th o u t a w a t c h
m a n t o l o o k o n h er I we nt ho m e a h e ro s to u t a n d
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s e e ml y a n d I f o u nd m y m o th e r i n l a w w e e p in g 3 a n d I
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s a id t o h e r Wh a t a i l s th e e ?
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th r e e mo n k s h a v e j u s t t ak e n a wa y t h e w o m a n tho u dids t
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m a rry th ys e lf .
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I t o o k t h e t r a c k o f t h e d u c k o n t h e nin th m o rn I f e ll .
in w i th m y s h i p a n d sh e w a s dr a w n h e r o w n s e v e n
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l e n gth s o n dri e d dry l a nd wh e r e n o w ind c o u l d s ta in

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.
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t o o h e a vy 3 b u t I tho u ght i t w a s d e a th b e f o r e o r b e h ind

m e i f I did n o t ge t m y w i f e a n d I se t m y p i th t o h e r
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p . ,
s t e rn t o t h e l a nd 3 h e lm in h e r s t e rn s a i l s in h e r p r o w , ,
M U R A C HAD H M A C B RIAN . 2 1
t a c kl e t o h e r r o p e s e a c h r o p e fa s t a n d l o o s e th a t c o u l d
, ,
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, ,
b u t t h e th r e e m o n k s c a s t in g l o t s f o r m y Wi f e I s we p t .
th e ir th r e e h e a ds o ff I t o o k m y w i f e m e a n d I se t h e r
,
in t h e s t e rn o f t h e s h i p 3 I h o is t e d t h e th r e e s p e c kl e d
fl a pp in g s a i l s a ga ins t t h e t a ll t o u gh s pl in t e ry m a s t s M y .
m u sic w a s t h e pl u n gin g o f e e l s a n d t h e scr e a m in g o f

gu ll s 3 t h e bi gg e s t b ea s t e a t in g t h e b e a s t th a t w a s l ea s t ,
a n d t h e b e a s t th a t w a s l e a s t d o in g a s s h e m i ght Th e .
b e n t br o w n b u c k i e th a t w a s in t h e b o tt o m o f o c e a n w o u l d
pl a y h a i g o n i t s m o u th wh i l e sh e w o u l d c u t a s l e nd e r
,
c o rn s t r a w b e f o r e h e r p r o w w i th t h e e xc e ll e nc e o f t h e
,
s t e e rin g . T h e r e w a s n o s t o p o r r e s t f o r m e wh i l e I ,
dr o v e h e r o n t i ll I r e a c h e d t h e bi g t o w n o f m y m o th e r
a n d f a th e r i n l a w
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M u sic w a s r a is e d a n d l a m e n t l a id
.
do w n . T h e r e w e r e s m o o th dr u n k e n drin k s a n d c o a rs e ,
drink s dr u n k e n Mu sic in fiddl e s trin g s t o t h e e v e r

.
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h e a l in g o f ea c h dis e a s e w o u l d s e t m e n u nd e r e v i l e y e
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ni ght W i th t h e h e r o s fa t i gu e a n d t h e r e e k o f t h e b o wl
.
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I s l e pt fa r f r o m t h e w i f e s c h a mb e r .
“
I f i t w a s e a r l y th a t t h e d a y c a m e o n t h e mo rr o w ,
’
tw a s s ti ll e a r l i e r th a t m y fa th e r i n l a w a r o s e s h o u tin g
- -
t o m e to go t o t h e h u n t in g h i ll t o h u n t ba d g e rs a n d ,
v e rm in a n d f o x e s At t h e t i m e o f l i ftin g t h e ga m e
,
.
a n d l a yin g i t d o w n I th o u ght th a t I h a d l e ft m o w n
, y
w i f e w i th o u t a w a t c hm a n t o l o o k o n h e r I we n t .
h o m e a h e r o s t o u t a n d s e e ml y a n d I f o u nd m y m o th e r
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th a t t h e w e t —c l o a k e d wa rri o r h a s j u s t t a k e n
a w a y t h e brid e th o u d ids t m a rry thys e lf
’
.
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I t o o k t h e t r a c k o f t h e d u c k o n t h e nin th m o rn I f e ll .
in wi th m y s h i p 3 I s e t m y b a c k to h e r a n d sh e w a s ,
t o o h e a v y : a n d I s e t m y p i th t o h e r a n d I pu t h e r
out . I ga v e h e r p r o w t o t h e s ea a n d h e r s t e rn t o t h e ,
l a nd 3 h el m in h e r s t e rn s a i l s in h e r p r o w ta c kl e to , ,
h e r r o p e s e a c h r o p e f a s t a n d l o o s e th a t c o u l d m a k e
, ,
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I dr e w m y s h i p h e r o w n s e v e n
.
l e ngth s o n dri e d dry l a nd wh e r e w ind c o u l d n ot s ta in , ,
o r s u n b u rn h e r ; a n d wh e r e t h e sc h o l a rs o f t h e bi g
tow n c o u l d n o t pl a y p ra n k s o r l au nc h h e r I l e ft m y .
h a rn e ss a n d m y s p e a rs u nd e r t h e sid e o f t h e s h i p ; I w e n t
’
a n d a h e rd f e ll in w i th m e Wh a t s th y n e w s
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d a u ght e r o f t h e I s l a nd Gru a ga ch : a n d th a t th e r e is
n e i th e r gl a d n o r s o rry in t h e r e a lm th a t is n o t a s k e d
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t o t h e w e ddin g If th o u w o u l ds t g i v e m e t h e
.
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p a t c h e d c l o a k o n th e e I w o u l d g i v e th e e th is ,
go o d c o a t th a t I h a v e o n a n d g o o d da y b e sid e s f o r ,
’
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a n d w o nd e r th a t I h a v e to t a k e in i t b e f o r e t h e su n
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ris e s t o sky t o m o rr o w ” I s tr u c k h i m a b l o w o f m y
-
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fi s t in t h e m ids t o f h is fa c e a n d I dr o v e t h e br a ins in ,
fi e ry s l i v e rs th r o u gh t h e b a c k o f h i s h e a d I pu t o n t h e ,
p a t ch e d cl o a k a n d u p I w e n t a n d t h e m en h a d j u s t
, ,
a ss e m b l e d t o t h e w e ddin g I th o u ght i t w a s l u c ky t o
.
fi nd th e m ga th e r e d I w e n t a m o n g s t th e m a s fa l c o n
.
th r o u gh fl o c k o r a s go a t u p r o c k o r a s a g r ea t d o g o n
, ,
a c ol d s p rin g d a So
y g o in g th r o u gh a dr o v e o f s h e e p .
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wh ic h m i ght b e h e a rd in t h e f o u r a ir t s o f h e a ve n ,
I c a nno t m a k e s e ns e of th is ph ra s e .
M U R A CHA D H M A G B R I AN . 2 17
s l a s h in g o f b l a d e s s h ea rin g h e r o ic s h i e l ds t i ll I l e ft n o t
, ,
o n e w o u l d t e ll a t a l e o r w i thh o l d b a d n e w s ; h o w o n e
wo u l d b e o n e— l egg e d a n d o n e o n e h a nd e d 3 a n d tho u gh
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th e r e w e r e t en t o n gu e s in th e ir h e a ds i t i s t e ll in g th e ir
,
o w n i ll s a n d t h e i ll s o f o th e rs th a t th e y w o u l d b e I .
t o o k w i th m e m y w i f e a n d I se t h e r in t h e s t e rn o f t h e
,
b o a t I ga v e h e r p r o w t o s ea a n d h e r s t e rn t o l a nd ;
.
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,
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h o is t e d t h e th r e e s p e ckl e d fl a pp in g s a i l s a ga ins t t h e
t a ll to u gh s pl in t e ry m a s t s My m u sic w a s t h e pl u n gi n g
.
o f e e l s a n d t h e scr e a m in g o f g u ll s 3 t h e b e a s t th a t w a s
bi gge s t e a tin g t h e b e a s t th a t w a s l e a s t a n d t h e b e a s t ,
th a t w a s l e a s t d o in g a s sh e m i ght ; t h e b e n t bro w n
b u c k i e th a t w a s a t t h e b o tt o m o f t h e se a w o u l d pl a y
H AIG o n h e r gr e a t m o u th a s sh e w o u l d s pl i t a s l e nd e r
,
o a t s t u bb l e s t r a w w i th t h e e xc e ll e nc e o f t h e s t e e rin g .
\V e r e tu rn e d t o t h e bi g t o w n o f m y f a th e r i n l a w - -
.
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,
.
s m o o th dr u n k e n drin k s a n d c o a rs e drin k s dr u n k e n .
M u sic o n s t rin g s f o r e v e r h ea l in g e a c h k ind o f i ll ,
w o u l d s e t w o u nd e d m e n a n d w o m e n in t r a va i l a s l e e p
in t h e bi g t o w n th a t ni ght W i th t h e h e r o s f a t i gu e
.
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a n d t h e r e e k o f t h e b o wl
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I n e v e r go t t o m y brid e s
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c h a m b e r th a t ni ght .
“
If i t w a s e a rl y th a t t h e da y c a m e o n t h e mo rr o w ,
e a r l i e r th a n th a t m y f a th e r i n l a w a r o s e S h o u t in g t o m e
- -
t o g o t o t h e h u n t in g h i ll t o
go t o h u n t b r o o ks a n d
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v e r m in a n d f o x e s At t h e t i m e o f l i ftin g t h e ga m e
, .
,
a n d o f l a yin g i t d o w n I th o u ght th a t I h a d l e ft m y
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o w n brid e wi th o u t a w a t c hm a n t o w a t c h o v e r h e r I .
w e n t h o m e a h e r o s t o u t a n d s e e m l y a n d I fo u nd m y
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m o th e r i n l a w w e e p i n g
- -
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2 I S
2 18 WE S T HIGHLAN D TALES .
tho u dids t w a y ; a n d h e w a s t h e wo rs t o f th e m
w e d, a
Le t i t b e ta k e n w e ll a n d i ll th a t w a s f o r
’
a l l fo r m e . ,
me . I t o o k t h e t r a c k o f t h e d u c k o n t h e nin th m o rn .
I f e ll in w i th m y s h i p 3 I s e t m y b a c k t o h e r a n d sh e ,
w a s t o o h e a v y f o r m e ; I se t m y b a c k t o h e r a ga in
a n d I se t h e r o u t I ga v e p r o w t o s ea a n d s t e rn t o
.
,
l a nd 3 I d se t h e l m in h e r s t e rn a n d s a i l s in h er p r o w
’
, ,
a n d t a c kl e s in h e r m idd l e a g a ins t e a c h r o p e th a t w a s
in h e r l o o s e a n d fa s t t o m a k e c h o ic e p o r t a n d a nc h o r
,
a e o f t h e bi g t o w n o f t h e g r e a t h e r o k in g o f S o rc h a
g .
I dr e w m y s h i p h er o w n s e v e n l e n gth s f r o m e b b o n ,
dry l a nd wh e r e w ind w o u l d n o t s t a in a n d su n w o u l d
, ,
not b u rn t h e sc h o l a rs o f t h e bi g t o w n c o u l d m a k e
,
n e i th e r pl a y th in g o r m o c k in g o r l a u nc h in g o f h e r
,
.
’
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I w e n t u p a n d a b e gga r f e ll in w i th m e Wh a t s .
‘
thy t a l e t o da y o h b e gga r M i ghty o f t h e w o r l d b e

‘
!
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a g a ins t th e e d o s t w is h t o b e h a n g e d w i th a se a o f
b l o o d a b o u t th in e e y e s 3 g r e a t a n d go o d is m y t a l e ; a
w e ddin g a n d a m a rryin g b e tw e e n t h e g r e a t h e r o s o n o f ,
t h e k in g o f S o rc h a a n d t h e d a u ght e r o f t h e is l a nd
,
Gr u a ga ch ; a n d th a t th e r e i s n e i th e r gl a d n o r s o rry
i n t h e l a nd th a t is n o t c a ll e d t o t h e w e ddin g If ’ ‘
.
th o u w o u l ds t g i v e m e th y c l o a k I w o u l d g i v e th e e
,
go o d pa y a n d th is go o d c o a t th a t I h a v e o n f o r 1 t .
’
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M i ght y o f t h e w o r l d t h o u b e a s t d o s t Wis h t o b e
, ,
h a n g e d w i th a se a o f b l o o d a b o u t th in e e y e s Th a t ‘
is n o t t h e w o nd e r a n d j o y th a t I a m t o g et f r o m i t ,
b e f o r e t h e su n ris e s in h e a v e n t o m o rr o w -
I s tru ck .
’
h i m a b l o w o f m y fi s t in t h e m ids t o f h is f a c e a n d I ,
dr ov e t h e bra in in fli n d e r s o f fl a m e th r o u gh t h e b a c k
o f h is h e a d Th e brid e k n e w s o m e h o w th a t I w o u l d
.
b e th e r e a n d sh e a s k e d th a t t h e b e gga rs s h o u l d
,
fi rs t b e s e r v e d I sa t m ys e lf a m ids t t h e b e gga rs ;
.
a n d e a c h th a t t ri e d t o t a k e bi t f r o m m e I ga v e h i m ,
M UR A C H AD I I M A C B R IAN . 2 19
a bru is e tw ix t m y h a nd a n d m y sid e ; a n d I d l e a v e
’ ’
h i m th e r e a n d I d c a t c h t h e m e a t w i th t h e o n e o f
’
m y h a nds a n d t h e drin k w i th t h e o th e r h a nd
,
Th e n .
s o m e o n e s a id th a t t h e bi g b egga r w a s n o t l e tt in g
a bi t t o t h e h e a ds o f t h e o th e r b e gga rs Th e brid e .
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wa s . S o m e o n e s a id th a t t h e bi g b e gga r h a d l a id
d o w n dr u n k . Th e m a n o f t h e w e ddi n g s a id t o th r o w ,
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,
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t i ll wh a t w a s in h i s m a w s h o u l d e b b F i ve .
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th a t sa w m e o nc e b u t h e w o u l d k n o w m e a ga in He .
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n
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2 20 WE S T H I GH LA ND TALES .
b e lt m y h elm o f h a rdn e ss a b o u t m y h e a d t o c o v e r
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m y c o m e l y cr o w n to go in t h e f r o n t o f s t ri f e a n d t h e
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e sin Mn r ch a d h M a c B ri a n a g u s
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M U R A C HA D H M A C B R I AN . 22 1
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n c h l o isg a d h g r i a n s n a c h d ea a dh s go i l e a ra n b a i l e m h oi r
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’
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c u l a i d h b h ui d n m h ga id h r a fh o c h a id di
,
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n .
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u
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a n din g h b h l idi e C m h a h d n a n t sa o gh a il t a gh a i dh ; ’ ’
a e r u c a -
a
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e u
ri gh S o rc h a g s igh e g g h a n e i l e n ; s n a c h e i l
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m ir e a m a i de t ir n c h e i l a i r a n c i e dh t h n n n
‘ ’ ’
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’
n
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u r a ,
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u t a gh i d h a b h i a d 3 a m
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s a
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a s
m a th l e a t d o c h o c h a d h a g u s si a n f l a m a t s h nil a n ; c h a e ’ ’
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rn o da i
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s ,
s a nn an ,
228 WES T HIGHLAND TALES .
c h e a pa i n n a m b ia dh l e is
d a rn a l am b s a n d e o c h l e is a n l ai mh
an ,
’
e il e Th u i r t c u i d e i gi n n a c h r o b h a m b l e idi e m or a l e i ge il m i r
. r
a n c e a nn n a m b l e i di r e a n e i l e Th u i r t b e n n a b a in n se i a dsa n a . a
b h i m a th d o n a b l e i di r e a n s gu m bi o d h i a d f éin r é i d h a i r a ,
’ ’
c h e an n m a dh e i r e a d h . Nur a fh u a i r na b l e idi r e a n a ir fa d an
l b ir
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a mi f éin far an ro bb mi . Th u i r t
cu i d e i gi n gu n r o b b a m b l e id i r e m o a d é igh l a i dh e a i r a n d a o r r n
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’
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f éin a t h o ga i l . A ir d o d h a l ai mh a M h u r c h a idh gu m b ’
f h a sa
dh a i b h C arn a Ch o il n n i ch a n E i ri n n a c h u r a a b h o n n n a m is e
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a n o ch d . n n ,
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a
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, , ,
a nd ea n a dh e d o M h u r c h a dh M a c Bri a n e .
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’ ’ ’
a n
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’ ’ ’
n - -
n ,
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r i m c h r a i c i o n n ; m o c h ot a c a o m h o c l a i n a i r u a c h d a r a c h ao mh
’
b h ro i t i n n 3 m o s gi t h b h u c a i d a c h b h a c a i d e a o h b h a rra c h a o l
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-
a i r m o t h a o b h c l i 3 m o s h l a c h d n t a c r u i d h c u r a i dh an n a m
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l ai m h d h e i s ; m i c h a i r sgi i c h din n c h a o l a i r m o o h r i o s ; m o
’
u nn
c h l o ga d a c r u a d h a ch ma m dh i o n m o m h a i s e m h u l l a i c h ,
’
ch e an n a
a dho l an t o is e a c h na h i o r gu il l
-
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s an i o r gh u il a
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do l
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na d e i r e a dh .
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g h l e u s d a , gu n f h b t a s, n a g u n o s , gh o r m gh l a s , gh o r mgh l a n ,
d r
l e u a , l e b t h a r , L o c h l a n n a ch , fh a d a , a o t r o m , i n n t i n n e a ch 3 s
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c h a d fh ag m i f a r i n n si d h s g e o il n a c h u m a dh t u a i r i sge n l 3 m ar
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e
a m bi o d h f e a r a i r l e i th c h o s a n n s f e a r a i r l e i th l ai m h
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ge d a
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b h i o d h d e ic h t e a g a n a n n a n c e a nn s a n n a i g i n n s e a dh a n u il e
’ ’
n n ,
f e in i s u il c c h aic h a b h i t h e a d i a d .
T h u g m i l e a rn m o b h e a n s c h n i r m i sa n l u in g i T h o g m i n a ’ ’
.
t r i s iuil b h r e c a b h a id e a l a o h a n a o d a n
a ,
na c a nn a f a d a f u l a n n n r ,
n a c h fingh a idh S e b u c h e ol d h o mh pl b a r s a i c h e a sga n s

,
.
’
u n ,
’
b é i c e a r d a i c h fh a o il e a n n ; a b h é i s d a bu mh o th a a ig i t h e a dh na
b é is d a b u l u g a , s a b h e i s d a b u
’
b l gb a a u
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d ea n a dh m a r a dh
’
f h a o da d h i . A n fh a o c h a g c h r o m c h i a r a b h a ,
’
n
gr u n n d a n a i g e an
M U R A C HA D H M A G B R I AN . 229
b h e ir e a d h i h a i g a i a b e u l m o r Gh e a rr
‘
. ra dh i c u in l e a n c o ir c e
ro m b a t o is e a c h l e f e o b h a s a n s t i ur a id h st d s ch a b . Ch a b u a
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f h o i s d h om h 8 m i ga c a i t h e d h g s a
,
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d r ai i g m i b a i l e m or
’
a ,
n n
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n -
m a t h a i c ei l e S in a ga d a c h i a d o i d h c h e a f h u a i r m is e l e m
’ ’ ’
r .
b h e a a M h rc h a id h s am b i o g n t a c h ge d n a c h b u m b th
’ ’
n u ,
n a a
l e a rn dnin e s m bi th a b h i t h g a m b a r u rr a
a Gu de r b h c h a
’
o . a
’
n a
”
b i o g n t c h u rs a M n r c h a dh Ch a id h M r ch a d h a idh h e
a . n n o c
,
si n a l a idh e s fh u a i r,
e f éin a n l a r n a m h ai e a c h a n a n a n
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e
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r n
C h inn a C h o ire a a n E i r i n n f a a n r o bb t h i r a g u s a sh e an a i ;
nn ,
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ga d h a r is a t h a i r
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s a m fia d h
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s a ,
n
s a b h r at h a i r a s t i gh a i r
, ,
t h o i s e a c h t ir .
T h is t a l e w a s ta k e n d o w n in M a y 1 8 5 9 f ro m t h e r e ci t a t i o n o f ,
D o n a l d Sh a w t h e n a g e d six t y e i ght a p a u p e r l i v in g a t B ll y
,
-
, ,
a
g ra n t in I s l a y w h o w a s in t h e 42 d H i ghl a nd e rs a t W a t e r l o o
,
n .
H e s e r v e d in t h e a rm y a b o u t t h re e y e rs H e s a id th a t h e h a d a .
l e a rn e d i t f ro m o n e D u nc a n M a c M il l a n a Co l o ns a y m a n w e ll , ,
a d v a nc e d in y a rs a b o u t fift y y e a rs a go
e , On t h e 6 t h o f J u l y .
,
H e c t o r M c Le a n w r o t ea Sh a w di e d a fe w d a ys a go a n d s o ,
f a r a s I c a n a sc e r t a in th e r e i s n o n e in I s l a y J u r a o r C o l o ns a y
”
, , , ,
th a t c a n r e ci t e t h e s a m e t a l e n o w .
I h a v e o n l y m e t w i th o n e m a n w h o k n e w i t by th is n a m e ;
M a c P h i e a t t h S o u nd o f B e n b e c u l a v e ry o l d m a n w h o g v e
,
e a, ,
a
m e t h e o u tl in e o f i t S o m e o f t h e l a n g u a g e i s e xc e e din gl y
.
di ff ic u lt 3 s o m e w o rds n o n e o f u s c a n m a k e o u t 3 a d M a c P h i e s n
’
v e rsi o n a d m o s t o f h i s s t o ri e s w e re f u ll o f s c h l n gu a ge
,
n ,
u a .
Th e t a l e th e n is f o u nd in I s l a y a n d S o u th Uis t a d t r a c e d t o ,
n
C o l o ns a y a n d is c e r t in l y a b o u t fift y y e a rs o l d I h a v e s e v e ra l
,
a .
o th e r t a l e s wh ic h r e s e m b l e i t in s o m e d e g r e e .
T h e l i ttl e h t w i th e v e ry th in g in i t a n d t h e g re a t c o a t a n d
a ,
b u tt o ns a r e I ris h T h e re is m u c h c o mm u nic a t i o n b e tw e e n
,
.
I r e l nd a n d t h e I s l e s a t th is d a y
a Th e l a n g u a g e s p o k e n o n t h e .
o pp o si t e c o a s t s is a l l b u t id e n t ic a l a d th is i s p r o b a b l y c o mm o n ,
n
t o I r e l nd a n d t h e I s l e s
a .
T h e re i s s o m e th in g l i k e i t i n M r S i m p s o n s b o o k 3 a n d s o m e .
’
o f h i s w rds r e s e m b l e w o rds in th is s t o ry a n d s e e m t o h a v e
o ,
p u zzl e d t h e I ris h t ra ns l t o rs a s m c h a s th ey h a v e p u zzl e d m e

a u .
T h ph r a s e
e A s a f l c o n th ro u gh a fl o c k o f birds is in M r
“
a
” .
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S i m p s o n s w o r k T h e m a n w i th t h e b nd l e o f w o d is s o m e th in g
’
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l i k e t h e g i a n t in G ri mm s V a l i a n t T a i l o r Th s e r v a n t w h o dre w
’
. e
a th o rn l o n g e r th a n h is l e g o u t o f h is f o t m a y b e s o m e s u p e r o ,
n a t u r a l p e rs o n ge T h e m e a s u r e d p r o s e d e scri pt i o ns o f s a i l in g
a .
,
a r m in g a d fight in g a r
, n c o mm o n l l o v e r t h e W e s t H i ghl a nds
,
e a
a m o ngs t t h e e l d e s t nd po o r s t men a a n d si m i l a r p a ss a g e s o cc u r
e ,
in m n scri pt s
a u .
F o r d e scri pt i o ns o f c o s t u m e a n d f o r l n g u a g e t h e t a l e is v e ry a ,
c u ri o u s d w o r th t h e l a b o u r b s t o w e d o n i t wh ic h is c o nsid e r
,
an e ,
a ble . I h a v e e n d e a v o u re d t o t r ns l a t e c l o s l y a n d t t h e s a m e
a e ,
a
t i m e t o i m i t a t e th is ta l e 3 b t i t is a v e ry w e a k a tt e m pt I w e ll
u ,
kn o w .
Th e m a nn e rs d e scrib e d a r e p a r tl y th o s e o f t h e d y Th e a .
p o l i t e n e ss d disc o u r t e sy in t h h o u s e o f t h e m a wi th t h e l i ttl e
an e n
h a t a r e p u r e l y H i ghl a nd Th e br e a kin g o f t h e t u m b l e r is a m r k
, . a
o f g r e a t r e s p e c t 3 o m e a n e r l i p s h o u l d t o u c h t h e gl a ss dr in e d t o
n a
a n h o n o u r d g u e s t 3 b t t h e gl ss mu st b e fi rs t fill e d a d e m pt i e d
e u a n
—n o h a lf c u p s a e a ll o w e d Th e b e s t s e a t s h o u l d b e t h e gu e s t s
r .
’
.
T h e t e ll in g o f t h e s t o ry in t h e e v e nin g i s t h e r e a l a m u s e m e n t o f
t h e p o o r e r c l a ss e s n o w a n d u s e d t o b e m c h m o r e c o mm o n
,
u .
Th e d e scri pt i o n o f t h e s a i li n g o f a b o t a m o n g s t t h e fi s h a n d a
birds is t r u e t o n a t u re 3 s o i s t h e e x p r e ssi o n th e t a ck f th e d u els ; r o
n o n e b t a m a n f a m i l i a r w i th t h e h a bi t s o f birds o n a s e a c o a s t
u -
c o u l d th in k o f s c h a ph ra s e D u c k s fe e d o n s h o r e a d r e tu rn
u .
,
n
t o t h e s e a a t d a y l i g ht .
T h e e x p e ri e nc e o f t h e o l d s o l di r p r o b a b l y m a k e s t h e drin k e
w in e n o t wh is k y ; a n d S i b ea r ta is p r o b a b l y wh i t e S ib e ri a d e
, ,
ri v e d f ro m t h e s a m e s o u rc e 3 i f n o t I c a n m a k e n o th in g o f i t , .
Th e dr ss d e scrib e d m a y b e t h e o l d dr e ss o f t h e I s l e s a s
e ,
d e p ic t e d o n t o m bs t o n e s w i th a c o tt o n c o a t s l i pp e d in I n n
,
. a
a cc o u n t o f t h e D n e s a n d N o r w e g i a ns i n En gl a nd a n d I r e l a nd
a ,
by J J A W o r a a e L o nd o n 1 8 5 2 i t is s t a t e d th a t M a g n u s
. . .
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B a r f o d s a t h i m s lf a t t h e h e l m wh i l e h i s s h i p w a s dr a w n o v e r t h e
e
P e nins u l a o f T rb e t (dra w b o a t ) ; a c qu ir e d t h e s o v e r e i g n t y o f
a -
t h e W e s t e rn I s l s 3 a n d a d o pt e d t h dr e ss g e n e r a ll y w o rn th e r
e e e.
T h e y w e n t a b o u t t h e s t re e t s (in N o r wa y ) w i th b a r e l e g s a d ,
n
w e r e s h o r t c o a t s a n d c l o a k s wh e nc e M a g n u s w a s c a ll d by h i s e
”
,
m e n B a rf e d o r B a rb e e n (b a r e fo o t o r b a re l e g
, s a ys t h e I c e l a n s,
dic h is to ri a n S o rr o S t n r l
,
n wh o s w e ll k n o w n l i v e d in t h e
e so n , ,
a ,
fi s t h a lf f t h e th ir t e e n th c e n t u ry It i s r e m a r k b l e e n o u gh
r o .
. a
th t th is i s t h e o l d e st a cc o u n t e x ta n t o f t h e w e ll k n o w n S c o t c h
a -
H i ghl a nd dre ss wh o s e a n t i qu i t y i s th s p ro v e d ” u .
,
T h e t a l e m i ght b e t a k e n p a r tl y f ro m t h e Odyss e y Th e m a n .
d is g u is e d a s a b gg a r g o in g t o a w e ddin g wh e r e h is o w n w i f e
e ,
M U R A GHAD H MA G B R IAN . 2 31
w as th e brid a d wh e r e h e k n o c k s u t t h e bra ins o f a b e gg r

e, n o a
w i th a sin gl e b l w d m a k s a g n r a l s l a ght e r a ft e r w a rds is

o ,
an e e e u ,
v e ry l i k e U l yss e s P e n e l p I r s a d t h e S i t o rs b t si m i l a r
,
o e, u ,
n u ,
u
incid e t s r e c o mm o n i n p o pu l a r t a l e s T h e r e i s a s t o ry in t h e
n a .
D e c a m e r n wh ic h s o m e wh a t r e s e m b l e s t h incid e n t o f t h e w i f
o e e
c a rri d a w y O t h e wh l e I th in k th is s t o ry i s a r e m n n t o f
e a . n o , a
a n o l d b a dic c o m p o si t i o n
r of wh ic h v e ry l i ttl r m a ins ,
e e .
Th e w o rd G R U A G A C H is h e r e s d b th f r a m id e n d f r a u e o o a an o
w o m n w i t h d a ght e r ; i t u s u a ll y m e ns a m a id e r r e l y a
a a u a n, a
c h i f 3 s o m e t i m e s i t s e e m s t o m n c o n j u r o r o r ph i l o s o ph e r r
e ea a , , o
ins t ru c t r ; o ft e n t h e b e in g c a ll e d Bro w ni e It p r o b a b l y m a ns
o . e
a y o e w i th l o n g h a ir 3 f r o m G R U A G t h e h a ir o f t h e h a d
n n , e .
G L O SS A R Y .
A LL A HA N p a in f l w a n d e rin
A N R A DH, u ,
g .
A T H A R NA P OI T t h e e v i l e ffe c t o f d rin k in g
, .
B E A R T NA B U I L t a c kl e in h e r r o p e s, .
B E U C A R S A I C H scr e a m in g , .
B R O C H O A G U S OL C b a d g e rs a d e v i l cr e a t u r e s v e r m in
,
n , .
B U C A I D A C H p i m pl y b o ss c o v e r d o p r h p s h o ll o w
, ,
e ,
r e a .
C A L A A G U S A C A R S A I D p o r t a d a nc h o r ge ,
n a .
C N O CK S E A N A N H i l l o f J e w e l s f ro m s a n o r s e n a j e w e l
, ,
c u , .
C R A NN A F A D A F U L A N N A C H t r e e s o m a s t s l o n g e n d i n ,
r ,
-
u r o
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F I L E M I L E s o ft fl u e n t
, , , .
F I S N I C H E F A I S N I C H E w o rds wh o s e m e a nin g i s l o s t in t h e
,
is l a nds 3 p r o b b l y I ris h 3 p e rh p s k n o w in g d l yin g th t

a a ,
e a ,
a
i s w is el q en t e, o u .
L E U D A B L E OT H A R L O C H L A N N A C H p e r h a p s a d scri pt i o n o f ,
e
th e m 3 t h e e pi t h t Lo c h l a n a c h i s t h o n l y o f th n e one e
'
an e
th r wh ic h is c o m p r e h e nsib l a d th is l in e p r b a b l y
ee e, n o
b e l o g s t o s o m e th in g l s
n e e.
L OR G N A L A C H t h e t r a c k o f t h e d c k 3 p a th t o w a rds t h e s e a
,
u , .
L U R A C I— l a c t o f ma i l l s a p t ch e d c l o a k
,
oa ,
a o a .
M A G H 0 D O R NA pl in o f p bb l s f o m d r n ag s t o n e th a t
,
a e e ,
r o ,
a ,
ca b h e l d in d o rn t h fi t
n e ,
e s .
N EA M A LA C H - -
n o t to b ,
f o u nd in dic t i o n ri s e a e .
P L U B A R S A I C H a e x p r e ssi v w o rd f o r pl u n g in g a b o u t
,
n e .
XXX I X .
THE T H R EE W DOV S
I V
.
F r o m H e c t o r B o yd F is h e rm a n B a rr a
, , .
(“ H E R E w e r e th r e e w id o w s a n d e v e ry o n e o f th e m
i h a d a so n a p i e c e D omh n u l l wa s t h e n a m e o f t h e
,
”
.
so n o f o n e o f th e m .
D om h n u l l h a d f o u r s t o t s a n d t h e r e s t h a d b u t t w o
,
e a ch. T h e y w e r e a lwa ys sc o l din g s a yin g th a t h e h a d

,
m o r e g ra ss th a n th ey h a d th e m s e lv e s O n a ni ght o f t h e .
ni ght s th e y w e n t t o t h e f o l d a n d th e y s e i z e d o n t h e
,
s tot s o f D omh n u l l a n d th e y k i ll e d th e m Wh e n D em h .
n u ll r o s e a n d w e n t o u t in t h e m o rnin g to se e t h e s tot s ,
h e f o u nd th e m d ea d .
!
He fl a y e d t h e s t o t s a n d h e s a lt e d th e m a n d h e to o k
, ,
o n e o f t h e h id e s w i th h i m to t h e bi g tow n t o s e ll Th e .
w a y w a s so l o n g th a t t h e ni ght c a m e o n h i m b e fo r e h e
r ea c h e d t h e bi g tow n He w e n t in t o a w o o d a n d h e
.
p u t t h e h id e a b o u t h is h e a d T h e r e ca m e a h e a p o f
.
birds a n d th e y l i ght e d o n t h e h id e 3 h e pu t o u t h is
,
h a nd a n d h e s e i z e d o n o n e o f th e m Ab o u t t h e bri ght
.
e nin o f da h e w e n t a w a y ; h e b e took h i m s e lf to t h e
g y
h o u s e o f a g e n tl e ma n .
Th e g e n tl e m a n c a m e t o t h e d o o r a n d h e a s k e d wh a t
,
h e h a d th e r e in h is o x t e r H e s a id th a t h e h a d a
.
s o o th s a y e r. Wh a t di v in a t i o n w i ll h e b e d o in g ?
“ ”
(L i t ) It w a s D o mh n u l l t h a t w a s o n th e so n o f o n e o f th e m .
THE T H R EE W i D o ws. 2 33
“
He w i ll b e d o i n g v e ry s o r t o f
e sa id
D om h n u l l .
“
M a ke
’ ”
h i m d o di v in a t i o n s a id th e g e n t le - u
ma n .
He w e n t a n d h e w r u n g h i m a n d t h e bird g a v e a
” ”
,
R AN . Wh a t is h e s a yin g ? s a id t h e g e n tl e m a n
“
.
H e s a ys th a t t ho u h a s t a w is h to b u y h i m a n d th a t
”
,
t h o u wi lt g i v e t w o h u ndr e d p o u nds S a x o n f o r h i m ,
s a id D omh n u l l W e ll s u r e l y P —
. i t i s t r u e d o u b tl e ss 3
“
, ,
a n d i f I w e r e th in k in g th a t h e w o u l d d o di v in a t i o n I
”
,
w o u l d g i v e th a t fo r h i m s a id t h e g e n tl e m a n ,
.
S o n o w t h e g e n tl e m a n b o u ght t h e b ird f r o m D omh

n u ll a n d h e ga ve h i m t w o h u ndr e d p o u nds S a x o n f o r
,
h im .
“
T ry th a t th o u d o n o t s e ll h i m t o a n y m a n a n d th a t ,
th e r e i s n o k n o w in g t h a t I m i ght n o t c o m e m ys e lf t o ‘
I
se e k h i m y e t I w o u l d n o t g i v e h i m t o th e e fo r th r e e
.
th o u s a nd p o u nds S a x o n w e r e i t n o t th a t I a m in
e x t r e m i ty
” .
D om h n u l l w e n t h o m e a n d t h e bird did n o t d o a ,
p inc h o f di v in a t i o n e v e r a ft e r .
W h e n h e t o o k h is m ea t h e b e ga n a t c o u n t in g t h e
m o n e y W h o w e r e l o o k in g a t h i m b u t th o s e w h o k i ll e d
.
th e s to t s T h e y c a m e in
”
. .
“
Ah D om h n u l l s a id th e y Ho w dids t th o u ge t a l l
, , ,
t h e m o n e y th a t is th e r e
“
I go t i t a s y o u m a y ge t i t t o o It s I th a t a m .
’
”
pl ea s e d th a t y o u k i ll e d t h e s t o t s fo r m e s a id h e Ki ll .
“
,
o u y o u r o w n s t o t s a n d fla th e m a n d t a k e w i th y o u
y y ,
t h e h id e s to t h e bi g t o w n a n d b e s h o u t in g W h o w i ll ‘
”
, ,
b u y a s to t s h id e a n d y o u w i ll ge t pl e n t y o f m o n e y
’ ’
.
,
T h ey k i ll e d t h e s t o t s a n d th e y fl a y e d th e m T h e y,
.
T h e re s e m s t o b e a pu h e r e RAN is
e n . a ro a r ,
a h o a rs e n o is e .
R A NN is a r h y me a v e rs e 3 s t a n z a , ,
. .
2 I 6
2 34 WES T HIGHLAND TA LES .
t o o k w i th th e m t h e h id e s to t h e bi g t o w n a n d th e y ,
”
IIéga n a t s ho u t in g
’‘ ’
W h o w i ll b u y a s t o t s h id e
,
“
They .
w e r e a t th a t w o r k t h e l en gth o f t h e da y 3 a n d wh e n t h e
p e o pl e o f t h e bi g t o w n w e r e t ir e d m a k in g s p o r t o f th e m ,
th e y r e tu rn e d h o m e .
N o w th e y did n o t k n o w Wh a t th e y s h o u l d d o Th ey .
w e r e v e x e d b e c a u s e o f t h e s t o t s th a t w e r e ki ll e d T h e y .
sa w t h e m o th e r o f D om h n u l l g o in g t o t h e w e ll a n d ,
th e y s e i z e d o n h e r a n d th ey c h o k e d h er .
Wh e n D omh n u l l w a s t a k in g s o rr o w so l o n g w a s h is ,
moth e r c o m in g h e l o o k e d o u t t o t ry i f h e c o u l d s e e h e r
,
.
H e r e a c h e d t h e w e ll a n d h e f o u nd h e r d e a d th e r e
,
.
He did n o t k n o w wh a t h e s h o u l d d o T h e n h e t o o k .
h e r w i th h i m h o m e .
O n t h e m o rr o w h e a rra y e d h e r i n t h e b e s t c l o th e s sh e
h a d a n d h e t o o k h e r to t h e bi g t o wn
,
H e wa lk e d u p
.
’
t o t h e k in g s h o u s e w i th h er o n t h e t o p o f h i m Wh e n .
’
h e c a m e t o t h e k in g s h o u s e h e m e t w i th a l a r g e w e ll .
H e w e n t a n d h e s t u c k t h e s t ic k in t o t h e b a n k o f t h e
w e ll a n d h e s e t h e r s t a ndin g wi th h e r c h e s t o n t h e
,
s t ic k He r e a c h e d t h e d o o r a n d h e s t r u c k a t i t a n d
.
,
d
t h e m a ids e r va n t c a m e o w n
’F
.
”
“
S a y t o t h e k in g s a id h e
,
th a t th e r e is a r e s p e c t a b l e
,
“
wom a n y o nd e r a n d th a t sh e h a s b u sin e ss w i th h i m ” .
,
Th e m a ids e r v a n t t o l d th a t t o t h e k in g .
“
S a y t o h i m t o sa y to h e r to c o m e o v e r
” s a id t h e ,
k in g
”
.
“
Th e k in g is a s k in g th e e t o sa y t o h e r to c o m e ov e r ,
s a id t h e m a ids e r v a n t t o D omh n u l l .
’
“
I wo n t go th e r e ; go th e r e thys elf 3 I a m t ir e d
’
e n o u gh f
Th e m a nn e rs c u s to m s
a nd of k in g s ,
a cc o rdin g to we st c o u n
t ry fi s h e r me n w e r e p ri m i t i v
,
e.
TH E T H R EE W i D o ws . 2 35
Th e m a id w e n t u p a n d sh e t o l d t h e k in g th a t n o t a
,
bi t o f t h e m a n w o u l d go th e r e .
”
Go th e r e th ys e lf s a id t h e k in g .
”
,
“
If sh e w i ll n o t a ns w e r th e e s a id D om h n u l l to t h e
”
,
m a ids e r va n t th o u s h a lt p u s h h e r 3 sh e is d ea f
,
“
.
Th e m a ids e r va n t r e a c h e d wh e r e sh e w a s .
“ ”
G o o d w o m a n s a id t h e m a ids e r v a n t t o h e r th e “
”
, ,
k in g is a sk in g y o u rs e lf t o c o m e o v e r .
S h e t o o k n o n o t ic e S h e p u s h e d h e r a n d sh e s a id n o t
.
a w o rd . D om h n u l l w a s s e e in g h o w i t w a s w i th o u t .
“ ”
D ra w t h e s t ic k f r o m h e r c h e s t s a id D omh n u l l ; i t s “ ’
”
,
a s l e e p sh e is .
S h e d r e w t h e s t ic k f r om h e r c h e s t a n d th e r e s h e ,
w e n t h ea d f o r em o s t in t o t h e w e ll
! !
.
T h e n h e s h o u t e d o u t Oh m y c a ttl e m y c a ttl e m y
“
! ”
,
m o th e r dr o w n e d in t h e we ll Wh a t s h a ll I d o th is da y ?
T h e n h e s tr u ck h is t w o p a l m s a ga ins t e a c h o th e r a n d ,
th e r e w a s n o h o wl h e ga v e th a t c o u l d n o t b e h ea rd a t
th r e e m i l e s dis t a nc e
’
.
Th e k in g c a m e o u t Oh m y l a d n e v e r g i v e i t
.
“
, ,
v o ic e f o r e v e r a n d I w i ll pa y f o r th y m o th e r Ho w
,
.
m u c h w i lt t h e n b e a sk in g fo r th y m o th e r
”
F i v e h u ndr e d p o u nds S a x o n s a id D om h n u l l .
”
,
“
T ho u s h a lt g e t th a t w i th in t h e m in u t e s a id t h e ,
k in g .
D omh n u l l go t t h e fiv e h u ndr e d S a x o n p o u nds He .
w e n t wh e r e h is m o th e r w a s 3 h e t o o k t h e c l o th e s o ff th a t
w e r e o n h e r a n d h e th r e w h e r in t o t h e w e ll
,
.
He c a m e h o m e a n d h e w a s c o u n tin g t h e m o n e y
,
.
T h e y c a m e— t h e t w o — wh e r e h e w a s t o se e i f h e s h o u l d ,
b e l a m e n t in g h is m o th e r T h e y p u t a q u e s ti o n t o h i m
”
.
“
V t r c h a d h e go t a l l t h e m o n e y th a t w a s th e r e ?
“ ”
I go t i t s a id h e wh e r e y o u m a y g e t i t i f y o u
“
, ,
”
y o u rs e lv e s s ho u l d c h o o s e .
2 36 W ES T H I GH LAND TALE S .
“
How s h a ll w e ge t it ? ”
Ki ll y o u y o u r m o th e rs a n d t a k e th e m w i th y o u o n
,
t o p o f y o u a n d t a k e th e m a b o u t t h e bi g t o wn a n d b e
, ,
s h o u t in g W h o w i ll b u y o l d d ea d c a r l ins a n d y o u
”
,
g e t y o u r fo r tu n e s .
Wh e n th e y h e a rd th a t th e y w e n t hom e a n d ea c h o n e ,
o f th e m b e ga n u p o n h is m o th e r w i th a s to n e in a
s t o ck in g t i ll h e k i ll e d h e r .
T h e y w e n t o n t h e m o rr o w t o t h e bi g t o w n T h e y
”
.
b e ga n a t s h o u t in g \V h o w i ll b u y o l d c a r l ins d e a d ?
,
“
A nd th e r e w a s n o ma n w h o w o u l d b u y tha t .
Wh e n t h e p eo pl e o f t h e bi g t o w n w e r e t ir e d m a k in g
s p o r t o f th e m th e y s e t t h e d o g s a t th e m h o m e
,
.
Wh e n th e y c a m e h o m e th a t ni ght th e y l a id d o w n a n d
th e y s l ept O n t h e mo rr o w wh e n th e y r o s e th ey w e n t
.
, ,
wh e r e D om h n u l l w a s a n d th e y s e i z e d o n h i m a n d th e y
,
u t h i m in t o a b a rr e l T h ey w e n t w i th i t to r e e l i t
p .
d o w n f r o m a p ea k o f r o c k T h e y w e r e th u s a n d th e y
.
,
h a d t i m e a b o u t c a rryin g i t Th e o n e s a id to t h e o th e r
.
,
“
S inc e t h e wa y w a s s o l o n g a n d t h e da y so hot th a t
'
”
, ,
th e y s ho u l d go in t o ta k e a dra m T h e y w e n t in a n d .
,
th e y l e ft h i m in t h e b a rr e l o n t h e g r e a t r o a d w i th o u t .
He h ea rd a TR I STR I CH c o m in g a n d w h o w a s th e r e ,
b u t t h e s h e ph e rd a n d a h u ndr e d s h e e p w i th h i m
,
He .
’
c a m e d o w n a n d h e b e ga n t o pl a y a t r u mp (J e w s
,
“ ‘
h a r p ) wh ic h h e h a d in t h e b a rr e l Th e s h e ph e rd s tr u c k .
a s t r o k e of h i s s t ic k o n a b a rr e l Wh o s in h e r e “ ’
.
s a id h e .
“ ”
It s m e s a id D om h n u l l
’
Wh a t a r t t h e n .
“
,
d o in g in i t P s a id t h e s h e ph e rd I a m m a k in g a .
“
”
f o r tu n e in i t s a id D omh n u l l a n d n o m a n e v e r sa w “
, ,
s u c h a pl a c e w i th go l d a n d si lv e r I h a v e j u s t fill e d a .
TR I S TR I C H : a w o rd wh ic h e x a c tl y d e scrib e s th e t ri pp in g
s o u nd o f a lot of s h e e p o n h a rd g r o u nd .
TH E T H R EE W i D o ws . 2 37
th o u s a nd p u rs e s h e r e a n d t h e f o r tu n e is n e a rl y m a d e ”
”
, .
I t s a p i ty s a id t h e s h e ph e rd th a t th o u s h o u l d e s t
’
”
, ,
n ot l e t m ys e lf in a wh i l e .
“ ’
I w o n t l e t th e e It is mu c h th a t w o u l d m a k e m e
.
” .
“
A nd wi lt tho u l e t m e in ? M i ght e s t th o u n o t l e t
m e in f o r o n e m inu t e a n d m i ght e s t t h e n n o t h a v e
,
e n o u gh th ys e lf n e v e r th e l e ss
“
By t h e b o o k s p o o r m a n sinc e t h o u a r t n e e d f u l I
, , ,
w i ll n o t l e t th e e in (D o ) th o u th ys e lf dri v e t h e h e a d
.
o u t o f t h e b a rr e l a n d c o m e h e r e 3 b u t th o u s h a lt n o t et
g
”
(l ea v e ) t o b e l o n g in i t s a id D omh n u l l , .
Th e s h e ph e rd t o o k t h e h e a d o u t o f t h e b a rr e l a n d h e ,
c a m e o u t 3 h e s e i z e d o n t h e s h e ph e rd by t h e t wo s ha n k s ,
a n d h e se t h i m h e a d f o r e m o s t in t h e b a rr e l .
“ ”
T h e r e i s n e i th e r si lv e r n o r go l d h e r e s a id t h e ,
s h e ph e rd .
T h o u w i lt n o t see a th in g t i ll t h e h ea d go e s o n t h e
”
b a rr e l s a id D em h n u l l
”
.
,
Oh I d o n t se e a s h a d o w in h e r e s a id h e
’
.
”
, ,
“
If th o u s e e s t n o t s o b e i t w i th th e e s a id D omh
, ,
n u ll .
D om h n u l l w e n t a n d h e pu t o n t h e pl a id th a t t h e
s h e ph e rd h a d a n d wh e n h e pu t o n t h e pl a id t h e d o g
,
foll o w e d h i m T h e n th e y c a m e o u t a n d th ey s e i z e d t h e
.
b a rr e l a n d th e y r a is e d i t o n th e ir s h o u l d e rs Th ey
,
.
w e n t a wa y wi th i t .
Th e s h e ph e rd wou l d sa y a t t h e e n d o f e v e ry m in u t e
”
,
“
It s m e th a t s in i t — i t s m e th a t s in i t
’ ’ ’
Oh i t s ’
.
“ ’
”
,
th o u r e g n e y b e l i k e i t s th o u ?
,
’
T h e y r e a c h e d t h e p e a k o f t h e r o c k a n d th e y l e t ,
d o w n t h e b a rr e l w i th t h e r o c k a n d s h e ph e rd in i t s i n
sid e .
Wh e n th ey r e tu rn e d whom did t h ey s e e b u t D em h
,
2 38 WE S T H I GHLAND TALES .
n u ll w i th h is pl a id a n d h is do g a n d h is h u ndr e d o f
, ,
s h e e p w i th h i m in a p a r k .
T h ey w e n t ov e r to h i m .
”
Oh D omh n u l l s a id th ey h o w go t t e st tho u to “
, , ,
c om e h i th e r
“
I go t a s y o u m i ght ge t i f y o u wo u l d t ry i t Af t e r .
tha t I h a d r e a c h e d t h e w o r l d o v e r y o nd e r th ey s a id t o ,
m e Zt h a t I h a d pl e n t y o f t i m e f o r go in g ov e r th e r e a n d ,
th e y se t m e o v e r h e r e a n d a h u ndr e d s h e e p w i th m e t o
”
,
m a k e m o n ey f o r m ys e lf .
“
A nd w o u l d th e y gi v e t h e l i k e o f th a t to u s i f w e
s ho u l d o th r s a id th e y
g e e .
“
T h e y w o u l d g i v e (th a t ) It s th e y th a t wo u l d gi v e
’ ”
,
s a id D omh n u l l
”
.
(By ) wh a t m e a ns s h a ll w e get go in g th e r e ? s a id
th e y .
“
E x a c tl y t h e v e ry m e a ns by wh ic h y o u y o u rs e lv e s
”
s e n t m e th e r e s a id h e .
,
T h ey w e n t a n d th e y t o o k w i th th e m two b a rr e l s to
s e t th e m s e lv e s in to u p a b o v e .
Wh e n th e y r ea c h e d t h e pl a c e o n e o f th e m w e n t in to
o n e o f t h e b a rr e l s a n d t h e oth e r s e n t h i m d o w n w i th t h e
,
r o c k T h a t o n e ga v e a r o a r b e l o w a n d h is bra ins j u s t
.
,
a ft e r g o in g o u t w i th t h e b low h e ot
g .
Th e o th e r o n e a sk e d D om h n u l l wh a t h e w a s s a y i n g
He is s h o u t in g C a ttl e a n d s h e e p w ea lth a n d
.
,
p r o fit s a id D omh n u l l
’
, .
“
D o w n w i th m e d o w n w i th m e
,
s a id t h e oth e r
o n e.
He did not go in t o t h e b a rr e l He cu t a
s ta y to .
c a p e r d o w n a n d t h e br a ins w e n t o u t o f h i m
, .
D om h n u l l w e n t h o m e a n d h e h a d t h e l a nd to h i m
,
s el f .
NA T RI B A N TR A I C H E A N . 2 39
NA TR I B A N TR A I C H E A N .
BH A t r i b a n t r a i c h e a n au n n, a gu s b h a mac an t -
a o n ai
g a h le t
-
ni é
d h in . S e D b mh n n l l
’
a bh
’
air mac h -
ao n din . Bh a c e i t h i r d a i mh
a ig D om h n u l l ,
’
s ch a ro b b a ch d a d h a mh an t g e ac h
-
aon ni .
t ro d r d r o b h b a rr a ch d f e oi r
B h i o dh g a h go n
’ ’
en d a da o n n an , a
Oid h c h e d h a n a o i d h c h e a n c h a idh e n d
’
a i ge s a n
’
-
s a bh a ca fh i n .
do
’
n c h ui t h , a g s u ru g eu d a ir na d a i mh a ig D om h n u l l , a gu s
m h ar b h D om h n u l l
’
en d en d. Nu r dh e i r i dh a. c h a id h
’
a s e
m a ch m h a d a in n e m a rb h d a i m h , fh u a i r
’ ’
sa a sh e a n l t a i n n a i r n a
end Dh f h e a u n e n a d a i m h s s h a il l e e n d s t h u g e l e is t é d h a
’ ’ ’
. n ,
n a se ic h e a c h a n dh a b h a i l e m h or a c r e i c B h a n t a s t a r c h o
’
n
’
.
’
-
fa d a s ge n (1 t h ain ig a n o i dh c h a i r m u n d r ai n ig e m b a i l e
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
mb C h a id h e s t i gh d o c h e i ll e s c h i r e n t s e ic h e m u c h e a u n n
’ ’ ’
r. n -
.
Th ain i g g r nn a n i a n s l a id h e n d a i r a n t s e ic h e Ch u i r e l amh
’ ’
u -
.
a ma ch s r u g e ai f e a r d h in M s h o i l l se a c h a d h a n l a t h a d h
’ ’
r . u
fh a l b h e Gh a b h e go t i gh d u in u a s il Th ai n i g a n d u in n a s a l
’ ’
. a .
go s a n d o r u s d s d h fh i gh n i c h d e dé b h a i g e a a c h l a i s a n sind
’ ’ ’ ’
o n .
Th u i r t e go r o bb fio s a i c h e ’
D e n fh i o sa c h d a b h i o s e
n .
’
’
d i a a dh ?n
” “ ”
Bid h a h ni l e se or s a fio sa c h d u rs a Db mh n u l l -
.
”
,
u r s a n d u in n a s a l
’
B h e i a i r fio s a c h d a d h i a n a d h D h fh a l b h
’ ’
r .
,
e g s d h fh ai sg e e s th u g a n t i a n r an a s D e t h a e g rad h
a u
’ ’
-
.
’ ’
u rs an
’
d in u a s a l Th a e g r ad h go m b h e il t o i l a ga d s a
u
’
.
’
’
c h e an n a c h 8 ge (1 t h e i r t h u d a c h i a d p u n u d S a sn a c h a i r
,
’
n
’ ” u rs a ,
D om h u l l M a t a go c i t e a c h t h a e fia r go n t e a g a mh S n o
n . ,
nn ,
’
.
’
m b i t h i n n a s m a o i t e a c h a d h go n d i a a d h e fio s a c h d b h e i r i n n s i n
n n
a ir
” u r s a n d u in n a s a l
’
C h e a n n a i c h a n d u in u a s a l a n s o a n
’
.
’
, , ,
t i a n o D h o mh n u l l s t h u g e d a c h i a d p u n n d S a sn a c h d h a a i
’
-
,
r.
Fi a c h n a c h cr e i o t h u ri dnin e s a m bi th e s go n fh i o s n a c h d
“ ’ ’ ’
,
t h i gi n n f h i n a i a r r a idh fh a t h a s d C h a (1 t h u ga i n d u i t a i r t ri
’ ’
. n
m i l e p u n u d S sn a c h e m u r a b h i t h e go m b h e il m i a nn a m
a
’ ’
u
’ ’
é i gi n n
” D h fh o l b h Domh n u l l d a c h a i d h s c h a d rinn a n t i a n
.
’ ’ ’
-
,
g r e i m fio sa c h d r ia b h t u i l l idh .
N u r a gh b h e b h i a dh t h oi s i c h e a i r c u n n t a s a n a i r gi d
a Co .
d a i mh .
’
bh a c h o imh e a d mh a r b h
’
ga a ch an f h e a dh a i n n a na
Th ai n i g end st i A Dh b mh n u il l ,
”u r s ’
d em u r
gh ad sa n ,
“
a . a
f h u a i r t h u sa Fh u a i r m u r
’ ’
na b h e il a n si n de dh a i r gi o d a
gh e ib h sibbs e ’
cu id e ac h d .
’
S m i b h a t o il i c h t e go n d o m h a r b h
’ ’
sib b na d a i mh o rm,
”u r s ’
e san
“
M a r b h a d h s i b h se n a d a im h
.
a ga i b h fh i n , a gu s fe a n n a i b h e n d, a gu s t h n ga i b h l e ib h na s e ic h
e ach a n b hai l e m h b r s b i t h i b h a g e u b h a c h c o ch e a n n a ch a s
do
’
n
’
”
,
s e ic h e d a i m h a g u s gh e ib h sibb n a l e b ir d e dh a ir gi o d
,
M h arb h
’
.
e n d n a da imh s d h fh e a u n n e n d e n d
’
T h u g e n d l e o n a s e ic h
’
.
e a c h a n d o n b h a i l e m h or
’
s t h oi si c h e n d a i e u b h a ch co ch e an n
’
,
r
a c h a s s e ic h e d a i m h B h a e n d ris a n o b a i r sin fa d a n l a t h a ; s
’
.
n n r a b h a m u i nn t i r a b h a i l e m h oi r s gi t h g a b h a il s p o r s o rr a th i ll
’ ’
,
C h a r o bb fio s a c a a n s o d e d h i a n a dh e n d 3 b h a
’
e n d da c h a idh .
a i r e a c h a s o rr a c h i o n n n a d a i m h a m h a r b h a d h Ch u n n a i c e n d .
m at h a i r D h b m h n u i l l a d o l d o n t o b a r s r u g e n d u rra s t h a c h d
’ ’ ’ ’
,
en d i N u r a b h a D b m h n u l l a g a b h il m u l a id fa d s a b h a
’ ’
. a
m h at h a ir go n t i gh i n n sh e a u l l e m a c h fia c h a m f a i c e a d h e i
’
, .
R ai n i g e n t o b a r s fh u a i r e m a b h a sin i
’
Ch a r o b h fio s a i ge
’
r n .
’
d e d h i a n a dh e T h u g e l e is dh a c h a idh a n s in i A n l a r n a
. .
’
m h air e a c h sge a d a i c h e i a u n n s a n a o d a c h a b fh e a r r a b h a i c e s
’ ’ ’ ’
t h u g e d h a n b h a i l e m h or i Ch o i si c h e s u a s g o t i gh a n r i gh s i
’ ’ ’
.
a ig a i r a mh u in N u r a t h ai i g e go t i gh a n ri gh t h a c h a i r t o b a r
’
. n
m or ris D h fh a l b h e s s t o b e m b a t a m b r u a o h a n t o b a i r s
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
.
,
ch n i r e n a s e a s a m h i s a h u c h d a i r a b h a t a R ai n i g e n d o r u s d
’ ’
-
’
.
’
s b h u a il e a i ge s t h ai n i g a n s e a r b h a n t a n u a s A b a ir ris a n
’ ’ ’
.
”
,
ri gh u r s e s a n ge m b h e il b o i r e a n n a c h c b ir t h a l l a d s go m
’ “ ’
”
, , ,
b h e i l g n o t h a c h a i c e ris Dh innis a n se a r b h a t a sind d h a n

’ ’
n
”
.
ri gh . A b a ir ris a r ad h ri th e t i gh n a n a u l l u r s a n ri gh
“ ’ ’
.
”
,
Th a n ri gh g i a r r a i dh o r t a r ad h ri th e t igh n a n a u ll
’ ’ ’ ’
u rs a n ,
s e ar b h a n t a ri D om h n u l l C h a (1 t h é id m i s a u nn 3 t h e i r i g fh i n
’ ’
”
.
a u n n 3 t h a m is e sgi t h g o l e o i r Ch a i d h a s e a r b h a n t a s u a s s
‘ ’ ’
. n
t h u i r t i ris a n a n ri gh n a c h r a c a d a d d h a n d u in a u n
h h b ” ’ ’
n
”
.
Fa l b h fh i n a u n n u rs a n ri gh M u r a m f r e a ga i r i t h u
’ ” .
“
, ,
u rs a Domh n u l l ris a n t s e a r b h a t a pu t a i d h t u i 3 t h a i b o d h a r
-
n .
”
,
R ai n i g a n s e ar b h a n t a f ar a n r o bb i A b h o i r e a n a i c h c h oir . n ,
u r s a n se a b h a n t a ri th e t h a n ri gh g i a r r a i d h o i r b h f h i n t i g h n
’ “ ’ ’ ’
r
”
,
a n au l l
. C h a (1 th u g i s e f e a i r t
. Ph u t i i s c h a d t h u ir t i
’
.
’ '
B h a Dom h n u l l fa i c i n n m u r b h a m u i gh
’ ’
fa ca l . a a . Ta r r u i n n
am b at
’
o a h -
n ch d ,
”u rs a D om h n u l l ,
’
s au n n
’
ca da l a th a
na i
.
”
Th a r r u in n i m b at
’ ’
o a h -
u ch d, g u s sind a n
a c o i n n e a m h a cinn a
gh a b h i to ba r Dh
’
e u b h e s a n an so a m u igh , Om
’
!
au n n s an
!
.
m m mh at h air a ir b at h a dh
’
fh e u d a il fh e n d a il o a au nns an
t o ba r !D e
’
ni mis
’
an di n gh B h u a il e ’
n so a dh a b h o is ri
c h ei l e ,
’
s ch a
’
n
’
e il r an a b h e i r e a dh e a s n ach c l u in n t e t ri m il
’
air
a sta r ri gh m a ch . gu t h
’
O gh i l l e ,
’
Th a i n i g (1 t h e ir
‘
. an na
go
brac h is e m h at h a i r
”
p ai gh i dh m
’
do b h io s t h u
’
De
’ “
a ir , s .
g
i a r r a id h air d o m h at h a ir Cb i g c ia d pu nu d S a sn a c h ,
”u rs a
NA T RI B A N TR A I CH E A N . 2 41
D o mh n u l l .
‘
Gh e i b h thu si n
’
sa mh i o n a i d ,
” u rs ’
an ri gh .
F h u a i r D omh n u l l na c oi g ciad p u nu d Sa s n a c h . Ch a i dh e fa r an
ro b h
’
m h at h a i r ,
’
s th u g e dhi an t -
ao da c h a bh
’
u rra ,
’
s th il g e
’
s
an to ba r i .
Th ai n i g e d h a c h a id h
’
s bha e ’
c u n n t a s a n a i r gi d . Th ai n ig ad sa n
’
n an di t h i s d f a r an r o b h e fia c h am bi o d h e ’
c a o in e a d h a m h at h a r .
Ch u ir e n d c e is t a i r c a
’ ’
n d
sind d e d h a i gi o d
’
fh u a i r e no . rob h
’
n
’
r
”
.
Fh u a i r s es n f a r a m f a i gh e a d h sibbs e a n t o il i o h e d h
’ ’ ’
ur a n a
” ”
, ,
i
s b h fh i n D emu r a gh e ib h sin e
.
“ ? M a r b b a dh sibbs ’ ’
nr
m at h r a i c h e a n s t h n ga ib h l e ib h a i r u r m u in e n d S t h e i r i gib h
,
’ ’
,
’
f e a d h a b h a i l e m h oi r s b i t h i b h a g e n b h a c h d c o a c h e a
’
a ch a s nn
”
,
s e a n a c h a il l e a c h m h a r b h s gh e i b h si b h u f o r t a n ,
’ ’
r .
N u r a c h u a l e n d s o c h a i dh e n d d a c h a i d h Sh i d ga ch fe a r a o
‘ ’
. II
a i r a m h at h a i r l e c l a c h a m m o g a n
go s a n d o m h a r b h e i
’
Dh .
f h a l b h e n d a n 1a r n a m h ai a c h d o ’
b h a i l e m h b Th oi s i c h re
’
n r.
e n d a ir e u b h a c h Co c h e a n n a c h a s s e a n a c h a il l e a c h m h a b h
” s r
’
, ,
ch a ro b h dnin e c h e a n n a c h a dh sind N u a b h a mu i n n t i r a
’
. r
’
b h a i l e m h oir sgi t h g a b h a il spor s o rra l i g e n d n a c o in a u n n t a
’
,
d h a c h a idh .
Nur a t h ai n i g en d d a c h a i dh a n o i d h c h e si n c h a i d h e n d a l a idh e
’
s c h a id i l e n d. An la
’
r na m h ai r e a c h , nu r a dh
’
é i r id h e n d,
t h ai n i g end fa r an r o bb Db m h n u l l ,
’
s ru g e nd a ir ,
’
s ch n ir en d
au nn am b a r a il t e . Dh
’
fh a l b h end l e is go s a r i l e a dh a si o s l e
b arr c r e ig e . t r e is m u s a c h a c a g gh i u l a n a i
Bh a e n d a n so
’
8 e
’
a
’
r
Th u i r t a n d a rn a f e a r ris a n fh e a r e i l e o n a b h a n t a s t a r
’
f al b h
’
-
.
,
c h o fa da s l a t h a c h o t e i t h go m b e c h oir d h a i b h d o l a s t i gh
’ ’
an ,
a gh a b h a il dr a m a i b ag e n d e s a n
’
C h a i dh e n d a s t i gh s dh
’
.
,
a u n n s a b h a r a il t a i r a n r a t h a d m h o r a m u igh C h a l e t r i st r i c h . u
a c h c ib e a r a g u s c i a d c a o r a l is
’
Gh a b h
’ ’ ’
a t i gh i n n s c o b h a n si ,
n e .
e n u a s ; a g u s t h oi s i c h s n a i r s e i n n t r o m p a b h a ig u n s a
’ ’ ’ ’
e a a n
B h u a i l a n c i b e a b u i ll e d h a n b h a t a i r a b h a r a il t
’
b h r a il t
’ ’
a . r .
C o t h a n so
’
2 ” u rs e san
’
Th
‘
u rs a D om h n u l l
’
. De a .
Th a m i di a n a d h
’ ’ ’ ’
th a th u d i a n a dh au nn u rs an c ib e a r . an
f h o rt a in au nn ,
”u rs a D om h n u l l 3 s c h a n f h a c a dnin e r i a b h a
’ ’ ’
l e i th i d so d e d h a te
’
i ’
l e or a s a i r g i o d Th a m i s a n d é i g h m i l e
’
.
s p er a n a l i a n a dh an so ,
’
s t h a m f h o rta n t h nn
’
a b h ith d ea n t e ” .
’
S t r u a gh ,
”u r s ’
an cib ea r,
“
nach l i ge a dh t u m i f h i n a s tig h
t re is ” . l i g ; s m or a b h e i r e a d h o r m e
Ch a
’
S na c h li g .
” ’
t h u a u n n m i n a c h f a o d a dh t n m o l i ge il nn u a o n a m h i o n a id s ’
a
”
, ,
n a c h f a o d t h u n a l e cir a b h i t h a ga d fh i n c o d h i n A l e b b h ra -
. n
dh u i e b h o c h d o n a t h a t h u f e b m a c h l i g i d h m i a u n n t h u
’ ’
n .
,
2 42 WES T H I GH LA ND TALES .
C u ir f h l n an o e au n n a s a b h a r ail t
’
s t hig an so , a c h c h a n ’
fh a d
’
”u rs a D o mh n u l l . Thu g an
gh e i b h t h u b h i t h a u n n ,
’
a c ib e a r a n
c nnea
’
a s a b h a r a i l t s t h ai n i g e a s n a m a ch . Rug e air d h a c h o is
a ir a
’
ch ib ear
’
s c h n ir e ’
n c o i nn e a m h a c h inn ’
s a b h a r a il t e.
Ch a
’ ’
e il a i r
”u r s ’
ci b e a r .
’
n
gi o d n a or a n s o , an Ch a n fh a i e
t h u d a d go s an d t h é id a n c e a u n n
’ ’
sa b h a r ail t,
”u rs a D o mh n u l l .
O ch a
’
n f h ai e m is e sg a t h an so ,
”u r s ’
s n
e a . Mur a m fa i c
”
bi o d h a ga d u rs a D om h n u l l .
,
D h f h a l b h D om h n u l l s c h n ir e ai r a m b r ea c a n
’ ’ ’
bh a ig a o h ib
’
a
e ar,
’
s le an a n c ii e nn r a ch n ir e a ir a m b r ea ca n . Th ai n i g ad s a n ,
ma ch th o g gu a i l i
’ ’ ’ ’
a n so , a s ru en d a ir a b h a r a il t s e n d a ir a n
g
e an e. Dh
’
fh a l b h end l e is . T h e i r e a dh an c i b e ar an ceau nn
h -
ni l e m i o n a id , M is ’
a th
’
au n n , m is
’
a th
’
a nn u
” O
’
s tn
! d og h
.
b h r a id e a n
’
s go r t u R ai n i g end b arr na c re i
ge ,
’
s lig
end si o s am b a rail t l e is a
’
c h r eig
’
s an cib e ar
’
na b h ro in n .
Nur a th i ll end co ch u n n aic e n d a ch D om h n u l l l e b h r e a c a n

’
8
le c hu ,
’
s c ia d c ao r
’
a fg
’
au n n am p ai r c . Gh a b h end a n u ll g a ’
i o n n su i d h O D h om n u il l ,
”u r s ’
ad s a n , d em u r a f h u a i r t h u s a.
”
.
Fh u a i r m u r gh e i b h e a dh s ib h s e n a m fia c h a d h
’
t i g h i n n a n so 2
‘ “
si b h ris . An d e i gh d om h sa a n s a o gh al t h a n l l a r u i gh i nn , t h u i r t
e n d r iu m g o n r o b h n in e n a l e b ir a g a m go d o l a n u ll s c h n i r e n d ’
a n a u l l m i a gu s c i a d c a e r a l e a m g o a i gi o d a d h i a n a d h d h o m h r
fh i n
” “
Ag u s an d t h u ga dh e n d a l e i t h i d sinn d u inn e n a n
’ ’ ’
”
.
r a ch a ma i d
’
ad s a n
’
fh i n au nn u rs . Bh e i r e a dh , s end a
b h e i r e a dh ,
”u rs a Domh n u l l De
’
n d oigh air am f a i gh sinn d o l
au nn ,
”u r s ’
ad s a n .
“
Di r e a c h a ir an aon d oi gh a ir an do c h n ir
sib b fh i n m i s
’
au nn,
”u r s ’
s n
e a .
’
Dh fh al b h end
’
S th u g end l e o t h a d a b h ar a i l t g o e n d f h i n a
chu r u nn ta go h ar d -
. Nu r a r ai n i
g e n d a n t a t e c h a i d h fe a d i n
-
i r
au n n a h -
aon de na b a ra il t e a n ,
’
s c h n ir am f e a r e i l e si o s l e is a
’
c h r eig e . T h u g a m fe a r s i n r an a s s h i o s,
’
s an t i o n a c h a in n
-
an
d elgh d o l a s l e is a b h n i l l
’ ’
a fh u a i r e.
’
D h f h o i gh n e a c h d am fe a r
e i l e d e Dh b m g r ad h
e ’ ’
l l de b h a T h a e g e u b h a c h , C r o dh
’
nn
a s ca o ra ich ,
’
m a o in a
’
s
”
m a t h a s, u rs a Dom h n u l l S io s mi .
si s o mi fe a r e i l e s c h a d
u rs
’
am ,
’ ’
fh a n e ri d o l au nn s a b h a r a il t .
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TH E T H R EE W I D O WS . 2 43
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t ry 3 a d h e h a s b e e n k ind e n o u gh t o w ri t e d o w n s e ve ra l t a l e s f o r
n
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2 44 WE S T H I GHLAND T ALES .
l
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b u y r a w h id e s S e v e r a l p e o pl e c a m e th e ir w a y a n d w e r e o ff e rin g
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r e so lv e d n o t t o s e ll th e m u n l e ss th e y go t t h e s a m e p ric e fo r t h e m
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in t h a t so th e y w e r e j u s t o b l i ge d a t l a s t t o r e tu rn h o me w i th t h e
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TH E T H R EE W I D O WS . 2 45
h id e s T h e y w e n t t o L e v i o u r s h o u se L e v i o u r l e ft a d w e n t
.
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o u t o f th e ir w a y T h e r e w a s n o b o dy t o b e f o u nd w i th in b u t a n
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I t w a s th is th e y did—th e y k i ll e d L e v i
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h o m e h e fo u nd h is m o th e r d e a d H e to o k t h e b dy a d ins t e a d
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g i ve n th r o gh t h e t o w n w i th t h e rin g in g o f a b ll th a t s u c h a
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y o u n g m a n h a d b e e n i m p ris o n e d fo dr o w nin g a n o l d w o m a n in a r
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2 46 WE S T H I GHLAND TALES .
h i gh p ric e g i ve n f o r d e a d Ol d w o m e n t o m a k e p o w d e r o f th e ir
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b o ne s T h e n s a id th e y w e o u rs e lv e s w i ll t ry t h e s a m e
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k i ll e d a n o l d w o m a n e a c h Off th e y go n e x t d a y t o t h e m a r k e t
.
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, T h e y w a lk e d u .
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.
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. n
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T h e y th re w th e s e a t .
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y o u w e r e l i v in g a n d w e ll Bibin .
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t h e s t ra n g e th i n g s h e c o u l d d o th e y c o u l d n o t r e m a in an y l o n g e r
,
TH E T H R EE W ID O WS . 2 47
i n h is c o mp a y Ou r o w w i v e s m i ght v e ry w e ll p r o v id e u s
n . n
w i th s u c h a fe a s t a s w e h a d f r o m L e v i o ” sa i d th ey an d i f -
u r, ,
th y d o o t we w i ll t r e a t th e m j u s t s L e v i o r d id
e n
” 8 0 so o n a -
u .
a s th e y r e t u rn d h o m e th e y t o l d th e ir w i v e s th t th e y m u s t
e ,
a
p re p a re th e m a fe a s t a n d a b e tt e r o n e t h a n L e v i o u r g a v e th e m
,
-
.
T h e ir w i v e s did s o b u t th e y w e re n o t s a t is fi e d 3 th y w e r a lwa ys e e
”
,
a s k in g f o r m o r e Oh s a id t h e w o m e n L e v i o h a s s e n t
“ “
. , ,
-
u r
”
y o u h o m e dr u n k a d y o u d o n t k n o w wh a t y o u a r e s yin g
’
,
n a .
B o th o f t h e m e n ro s e a d c u t t h e th r o a t s o f th e ir w i v e s a t o nc e
n .
T h e y fe ll d o w n a n d w e re s h e ddin g th e ir b l o d Th e m e th e n o . n
r o se a d s o u nd e d a b o r n t o r a is e th e m a ga in T h o u g h th ey
n .
s h o u l d s o u nd t h e b o r t o th is v e ry h o u r t h w i v e s w o u l dn t n ,
e
’
ris e \V h n th e y s a w th a t t h w i v e s w o u l d o t ris e th e y
. e e n ,
r e s o lv e d t o p u rs e Le vi o n r W h e n h s a w th e m c o m in g h e
u ~
. e ,
t o o k t o h i s h e e l s a n d r a a wa y T h e y l o k e d a t n o th in g e l s 3 n . o e
b u t a ft r h i m th e y r a n d e t e r m in e d t o h a v e h is l i fe H e h a dn t ’
e ,
.
ru fn o n h is w a y wh e n h e m t in w i th
ar m a h a v in g a fl o c k o f e a n
s h e p H e s a id t o t h e m a
e . P u t O ff y o u r pl a id a d p u t o n n ,
“
,
n
wh a t I a m w rin g th e re a r e t w o m e c o m in g w h o a e r e s o lv e d
ea ,
n r
t h a ve y o u r li f
o R u n a s fa s t a s y o c a e. o y o w i ll b a d e d u n, r u e a
m n i mm e di a t e l y
a
” Th e m a n a n a w a y a s h e w a s h i d d e
. a d r n, n
th e y r a h a rd a ft e r h i m T h e y didn t h lt u n t i l th e y h a d p u s h e d
n .
’
a
h i m in t o t h e d e p b l a c k p o o l o f Ty a l e eh a n
e T h e m a n f ll in -
n -
. e ,
a d hn w s n e v e r s e e n a ft e r w a rds
e a T h e y r e t u rn e d h o m e N e x t . .
d y wh a t did th e y s e e o n l o o k in g o u t b u t L e v i o u h e rdin g a
a ,
-
r
fin e fl o c k o f s h e e p T h e y c a m t o t h e pl a c e wh e r e h e w s
. e a .
“ ”
L e v i o r s a id th e y t h o wh o l e w o r l d w o n t s t is fy y o u
-
u
“ ’
a
, , ,
didn t w e th in k th a t w e h a d p i t c h e d y o u l a s t ni ght in t o t h e p o o l
’
o f Ty a n l e eh a n -
” D o n t y o u s e e t h e S h e e p I fo nd th r e
-
.
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u e ?
s a id h e W o u l d w e fi nd t h s a m e i f w e w n t i
.
” s id th y e e n ? a e .
Y s i f I w re t o p u t y o u in
e
” es id h e Off B ibin a d R o bin a . n
, ,
s e t a n d o ff L e v i o u
, s e t a ft e r th e m T h e y r e c h d a d wh e n
-
r . a e ,
n
th e y g o t t o t h e h o l th e y s t o o d s t i ll L e v i c a m b e h ind
e .
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ou r e
th e m a d p u s h e d th e m b o th in t o t h p o o l
n F is h f o r s h e e p e .
“
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,
th e r e h e s id i f y o u c h o o s e
,
a Le vi u r ca m h me a d g t
,
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.
-
o e o ,
n o
e v e ry th in g in t h e pl a c e f o r h i m s e lf I l e ft th e m th e r e . .
I h a v a th ird v e rsi o n o f th is w ri tt n by H e c t r M a Le
e e o c an ,
f ro m t h e t e ll in g o f M a r g a r t M a c K i o in B y in the e nn n e rn e ra ,
S o u nd Of H a rris It is c a ll d . e
3 . B R I A N B R I A G AC H—B r a ggin g B ri a n —\V h a t . s h u l d h a pp e n

o
but th a t a gr e a t m e rc h a n t s h o u l d c o m e t o t h e h o u s e o f Lyin g
Bri a n a n d wh a t s h o u l d h e h a v e b u t a g re a t gr e y m a r e a n d h e
, ,
p re t e nd e d t h a t s h e m a d e g o l d a n d si lv e r 3 a n d wh a t s h o u l d t h e
m e rc h a n t d o b u t c o v e t th is m a r e b e c a u s e sh e m a d e g o l d a d n
si lv e r B ri a n g a v e t h e m a r e m o n e y a m o n g s t h e r fo o d a n d t h e
.
,
m e rc h a n t f o u nd i t wh e n h e l o o k e d f o r i t a n d h e g a v e th o u s a nds ,
f o r t h e m a r e a n d wh e n h e go t h e r sh e w a s c o inin g m o n e y
, .
H e t o o k h e r w it h h i m a n d h e h a d h e r f o r a w e e k b u t a p e nny
, ,
O f m o n e y s h e d i d n o t c o in H e l e t h e r a l o n e t i ll t h e e n d o f a
.
m o n th b u t m o n e y n o r m o n e y s h e did n o t m a k e
, .
T h e n h e w e n t a t t h e e n d o f t h e m o n th wh e re B ri a n w a s t o , ,
t a lk t o h i m (A C H A I N E A D H ) f o r t h e l i e a n d t o s e nd t h e m a r e b a c k
,
a g a in.
Bri a n k i ll e d a c o w a n d fill e d t h e e n t ra i l s w i th b l o o d a n d ,
w ra pp e d th e m a b o u t h is wi f e u nd e r h e r c l o th e s 3 a n d wh e n t h e
m e rc h a n t c a m e h e a d h i s w i f e b e g a n t o sc o l d a n d t h e m e rc h a t
,
n ,
n
s t ru c k h e r a n d s h e f e ll o v e r f o r d e a d a d t h e b l o o d r a n a b u t
, ,
n o
t h e flo o r .
T h e n B ri a n w e n t a n d h e c a t c h e s t w o h o rns th a t w e r e i n t h e
t o p o f t h e b e d B A R R NA LE A P A a d h e b l e w in t o h is w i f e s t hr o a t
’
, ,
n
t i ll h e br o u ght h e r a l i v e a g a i n .
Th e m e rc h a n t g o t t h e h o rns a n d p r o m is e d t o sa y n o m o r e
,
a b o u t t h e m a re a n d w e n t h o m e a n d k i ll e d h is w i f e
,
n d h is ,
a
s is t e r a d h i s m o th e r a n d h e b e g a n t o b l o w in t o t h e ir th r o a t s
,
n ,
w i th t h e h o rns b u t t h o u gh h e w e r e b l o w in g f o r e v e r h e h a d n o t
,
bro u gh t th e m a l i v e T h e n h e w e n t wh e r e Lyin g Bri a n w a s t o

.
k i ll h i m H e go t h i m in t o a s a c k a n d w a s t o b e a t h i m t o d e a th
. ,
w i th fla i l s b u t Bri a n a s k d a l i ttl e d e l a y a n d go t o u t ( i t is n o t
,
e ,
s a id h o w ) a d pu t in t w o bi g d o g s Th e m e n th r e w t h e sa c k
,
n .
o u t in t o t h e s e a wh e n th e y w e r e t ir e d o f b e a t in g i t .
W h a t w a s m o r e w o nd e r f u l f o t h e m e rc h a n t a t t h e e n d o f a
r
f o r t ni ght th a n t o se e Bri a n a n d a l o t o f c a ttl e w i th h i m .
” ”
,
O C HI AL Oh m y re a so n
, ,
s a i d t h e m e rc h a n t h a s t t h o u
, ,
c o m e b a c k 0 B ri a n
”
,
I c a m e s a id B ri a n
,
It w a s y o u th a t did t h e go o d t o m e ;
.
wh e n y o u p u t m e o u t o n t h e s e a I sa w th y m o th e r a d th y w i fe ,
n ,
a n d th y sis t e r sinc e I w e n t a w a y ; a n d th e y a s k e d th e e t o
, go
o u t o n t h e s a in t h e pl a c e wh e r e t h o u dids t p u t m e o u t a n d
e
”
,
th a t th o th ys e lf s h o u l ds t ge t a l o t o f c a ttl e l i k e th is
u .
Th e m e rc h a n t w e n t a n d c u t s a c a p e r o u t A I R A B H A D o n t h e
TH E T H R EE W ID O W S . 2 49
s p o t wh e re h e h a d p t o u t B ri a n H e w a s dr o w n e d a n d Bri a n
u .
,
go t h is h o u s e f o r h i m s lf e .
I h a v e a f o u r th v e rsi o n w ri tt e n by J o h n D e wa r c o lle c t e d ,
s o m e wh e re in A r gy l e sh i e a n d s e n t M a y 1 860 r , .
4 . B B E A N I U R R A CH
O —Th e h e r o a n d t w o o th e rs w e r e w o r k in g
.
a t o w n l a nd B A IL E I E A R A I N N t o g e th e r
-
,
Th e o e s t a id a t h o m e
, . n ,
a n d t h e o th e rs dr o w n e d h is c o w H e to o k o ff t h e h id e a d h u n g . ,
n
i t o n t h e r ft e rs a n d wh e n i t w a s dry h e pu t a p i e c e o f m o n e y
a , ,
in t o e a c h k n e e a n d h o o f a n d t o o k i t t o t h e t o w n a n d h e w o u l d
, ,
cry o u t c o A C H A N I C H EA S SE I C H N A M B U I N N A I R GI OD who
’
? ”
w i ll b u y t h e h id e o f t h e p i e c e s o f m o n e y a d h e w o u l d s t ri k e a n
b l o w o n t h e h id a d t h e m o n e y w o u l d fa ll o n t h e s t r e e t a n d
e, n
.
,
e a c h p i e c e a s i t f e ll h e p ic k e d u p a d p u t i t in t o h is p o c k e t n .
H e s o l d i t o f c o u rs e ; a n d wh n t h e b a rg a in w a s m a d e h e
,
e ,
k n c k e d o u t a l l t h e m o n e y t o p ro v e th a t i t w a s n o c h e a t a d
o , ,
n
p u t t h e m o n e y in t o h i s p o c k e t a n d w e nt h o m e , .
Th e o th e rs k i ll e d th e ir c a ttl e a n d wh e n th e y c o u l d n o t s e ll ,
t h e h id e s th e y d e cid e d o n k i ll in g H u gh b u t h e w a s o u t sid e
, ,
l is t e nin g t o a l l th y s a id e .
T h e y p u ll e d d o w n h is h o u s e b u t h e w a s in t h e b a rn a n d h is , ,
m o th e r i n l a w a l o n e w a s k i ll e d 3 f o r h e h a d o ffe r e d h i s o w n b e d
- -
t o h is m o th e r i n l a w a n d s h e h a d s a id
- -
”
, ,
Oh m y l i ttl e h e r o th o u u s e s t a lw a ys t o b e k ind t o m e
, , .
H u gh t o o k h i s m o th e r i n l a w s b o dy t o a pl a c e th a t w a s fa r
- -
’
f ro m h is o w n h o se a d th e re w a s a w e ll s p rin g n e a r t h e h o s t e l
u ,
n -
,
T I G H OS D a d th e r e h p r o pp e d u p h is m o th e r ih l w w i th a s t ic k
,
n e - -
a .
u nd e r h e r c h in t o k e e p h e r s t a ndin g
, .
T h e n h e w e n t in a n d b e g a n t o b u y a dro v e f r o m a dr o ve r a n d ,
s e n t o u t t h e dr o v e r t o a s k h is d e a f m o th e r in t o h a v e a drin k o f
b e e r b e c a u s e sh e w a s v e ry h a rd a n d w o u l d sc o l d h i m f o r s p e ndin g
,
m o n e y i f h e a s k e d h e b t s h e w o u l d t a k e i t k ind l y i f t h e dr o v e r
r, u
( l id
. Th e dro v e r w e n t a d a ft e r a wh i l e p u s h e d t h e c a rl in a n d
,
n ,
s h e f e ll in t o t h e w e ll H e g o t C I A D M A RG a h u ndr e d m a r k s
.
, ,
f ro m t h e dro v e r by th r e a t e ning h i m w i th t h e g a ll o w s .
H e w e n t h o m e t o l d h is f ri e nds th a t th e r e w a s M I A D H M OR A I R
,
C A I LLE A CH A N M A R B H g re a t v a l u e o n d e a d c a r l ins 3 a n d th e y
,
k i l l e d th e ir mo th e rs i n l a w a n d w e r e l i k e t o b e p t in p ris o n fo r
- -
,
u
t ry in g t o s e ll th e m S o t h e y d e t e r m in e d t o s e r v e o t th e ir t ric k y
. u
n e i gh b o u r a n d a s k e d h i m a n d h is w i fe t o a d a n ce a t a n inn
,
.
B u t H u gh t i e d a p u ddin g f u ll o f b l o o d a b o u t h is w i fe s n e c k a d
’
n
,
2 I 7
2 50 W E S T H I GH LAN D TAL E S .
c ov e r e d it up with a N EA P A I GI N an d wh e n h e an d h i s wif e got

,
up to d anc e a r e e l h e pu t t h e S K I AN D U B H b l ac k k n ife i n to t h e , ,
puddi n g an d t h e wife f e ll a s d e a d
, .
Th e n B o bba u got a ho rn wh ic h hu n t e r s M U I N TE R SE I L G E h a d , ,
a t s am e ti m e fo r t h e wood an d h e pu t i t to h i s wife an d h e b l e w
, ,
i n to t h e h o rn an d t h e ho rn g a v e a N U A D H L A N l am e n t ab l e g r o an
, ,
an d t h e W if e of H u gh got up ag a i n an d sh e b e g an to d anc e , .
Th e n e igh b ou r s b ought t h e ho rn an d t r i e d FE A R TA N N A H
AD H A R C t h e t r i c k of t h e ho rn o n th e i r ow n wiv e s
, , T h e y k ill e d .
th e m an d b l e w b ut t h ough th e y w e r e b lowi n g sti l l th e i r wiv e s

, , ,
would n ot ge t up .
Th e n th e y ca ught H ugh an d put hi m i n a s ac k to th r ow h i m ,
ov e r a f all Th e y w e n t i n to an i nn to d r i n k b e e r A d r ov e r
. .
cam e p a st an d H ugh i n t h e s ac k b e g an — I am goi n g to t h e “
”
, ,
good p l ac e I am g o i n g to t h e g ood pl ac e e t c W h e r e ar t .
“
” ”
, ,
thou goi n g s a i d t h e d r ov e r
? I t is s a i d H ugh th e y a r e , ,
goin g to put me wh e r e I w i l l f e e l n e i th e r c old n o r w e ar i n e ss n o r

”
, ,
hu n g e r m o r e I sh all n ot f e e l th e m n o r thi r st W ilt thou

”
. .
,
l e t m e th e r ? s a id t h e d r ov e r A n d so t h e m a n w a s e n ti c e d
e .
i n to t h e s ac k an d th r ow n ov e r t h e f a ll an d th e y h e ar d h i m sa y
0 C H o CH ! o C H OC H !
, ,
s 0 M O C H E A N N mo OE B A N N I a l a s
’
in g “
”
, ,
a l a s I an d oh m y h e a d m y h e a d l
,
W he n t h e n e igh b ou r s cam e h o m e an d fou n d H ugh c ou n ti n g

m o n e y a n d h e ar d th a t h e h a d got it a t t h e b otto m of t h f al l
,
e ,
th e y got s acks an d t h e o e th r e w t h e oth e r ov e r t h e f al l till th e r e

,
n
w a s b ut o n e l e ft an d h e ti e d t h e s ac k to h i s s i d e s an d th r e w hi m
,
s e l f ov e r an d e ve r y o n e of th e m w a s k i ll e d a ud E o b h a n I u r a c h
,
got t h e f arm s to hi m s e l f an d t h e ca ttl e th a t hi s n e i g h b ou r s h a d

, ,
an d h e took t h e poss e ssio n of b o th ar tfully A GU S G A B E E S E I LB H ,
A N N D A GU S E OL D A .
Th e i nc i d e n t of ge tti n g r i c h e s b y acc usi n g p e op l e of ki ll i n g a

d e a d b ody i s c o mm o n to o n e of t h e A f r i can t a l e s A pp e n di x to .
N o r se t al e s Th e E ar of C o rn an d t h e Tw e lv e M e
” n.
Th e s e lli n g of so m th i n g v a lu e l e ss a s a sou rc e of r i c h e s i s
e , ,
c o mm o n to a sto r y wh i c h I us e d to h e ar a s a c h il d f r o m J oh n ,
P ip e r m y gu ar di an an d whi c h I l a t e ly fou n d i n an oth e r sh a p e

, ,
i n an E n g l i sh t ran sl a tio n of M a st e r Owlgl a ss .
Th e sto r y a s I r e m e mb e r i t w a s th i s —
, A s a ilo r who h a d got
,
h i s m o n e y an d who k n e w th a t h e would sp e n d i t a ll w e n t to
, ,
v isit h i s f r i e n ds On his w ay h e p a id dou b l e an d g e n e r ousl y

.
, ,
T H E T H R EE W I D OW S . 2 51
fo r his b o ar d an d l od gi n g an d bar g a i n e d th a t h e should t a k e o ff

,
a c e r t a i n old h a t a s p ay m e n t o n h i s w a y bac k .
A J e w acc o m p an i e d h i m o n his r e tu rn an d s e i n g t h e e ff c t of ,
e e
t h e h a t b e gg e d fo r it off e r e d fo r i t an d fi na ll y b ough t it fo r a
, , ,
l arg e su m Th n h t r i e d it got c ud g ll e d b y t h e i nn k e e p e r s
. e e ,
e
,
an d c u r s e d t h e c l e v e r t ar who h a d outw i tt e d h i m .
H e r e th e n is a sto r y k n ow n i n t h o H ighl an ds fo r man y y e ar s

, , ,
w i th i nc i d e n ts c o mm o n to G a e l i c N o r s e E n gl i sh G e rman an d , , , ,
s o m e A f r i can to n g u e an d w i th a p e c ul i r c h arac t e r of i ts ow n
,
a
wh i c h disti n guish e s it f r o m a ll t h e oth e r s I am i n d e b t e d to t h e .
a utho r of N o r s e T a l e s fo r a l o an of t h e rar b ook m e n tio n e d i n e
t h e follow i g r e f r nc e whi c h ma y th r ow so m e l ig ht o n t h e
n e e ,
sto r y an d its h i sto ry

I n Le P i ac e vol e N ott e di S t rap ar ol a 1 5 6 7 t h sto ry i s told o f , ,
e
a p r i e st an d th r e e r o g u e s who outw i t hi m an d who m h e outw i ts

i n r e tu rn .
F i r st th e y p e r su a d e hi m th a t a m ul e whi c h h e h a s b ough t i s
,
an a ss an d ge t i t wh i c h i nc i d e n t is i n an oth e r G a e li c sto r y i n
,
an oth r sh a p e Th e n h e s lls th e m a bar ga i n i n t h e sh a p e of a

e . e
go a t wh i c h is good fo r n othi n g
, .
Th e n h e p r e t e n d s to kill his hous e k e e p e r b y st i c ki n g a k n ife -
i n to a b l a d d e r fill e d w i th b lood an d br i n g s h e r a l i v e a g a i n with ,
so m e th i n g wh i c h h e s e lls to th e m fo r two hu n d r e d fio r i n s of go l d ,
an d th y k i ll th e i r th r e e wi v e s i n e arn st
e e .
Th e y a r e e nra g e d ca t c h t h e p r i e st an d put h i m i n to a s ac k
, , ,
i n t e n d i g to d row n h i m i n a r i v e r Th e y s e t h i m do w n an d a
n .
,
sh e ph e r d c o m e s who h e ar s a l am e n t ab l e v i c i a s ac k s a y i n g
,
o e n ,
M e 1 vo g l i o n o pu r d ar e an d i 0 n o n l a vo g lio — Th e y w i sh to
a ,
giv e h e r to m an d I do n t w an t h er Th p r i st e x pl a i n s th a t
e ,
’
. e e
t h e L o r d of t h a t ity w a ts to marr y h i m to h i s d a u g ht e r an d b y
c n ,
th a t ba i t (n ot t h ba i t of r i c h s ) e n t i c e s t h e sh e ph e r d i n to t h e
e e
s ac k Th e sh e ph e r d i s d r ow n e d Th e p r i e st t a k e s t h e sh e e p an d
. .
,
t h e r ogu s wh e n th e y fi n d t h e p r i e st w i th t h e sh e p b e g to b e
e , e ,
pu t i n to th re e s c ks Th e y ge t i n a r e carr i d to t h e r i v e r b y
a . , e
“ ”
th r e e f a c o i an d dispos d of ; an d p r e Sc a p c i fic o r i c h i n
c n e -
r a
, ,
m on e y d fl o ks r e tu rn e d ho m e an d l i v e d pl e a s an tly e t c
an c , , .
B y wh a t p r o c ss th i s sto r y g ot f r m I t a li an i n to G a l i c o r
e o e ,
w h o fi st i n v e t d i t s e e m s wo r t h i q u i r y
r n e O ,
thi n g i s c l ar n . ne e
t h e I t l an v r s i o n a d t h e fou r G a e l i c v r sio n s n ow g iv e n r e
a i e n e
s e mb l e ac h o t h r v r y c los e l y
e e e .
I t s e m s poss i b l th a t t h e am us e m e n ts of t h e C ou r t of Mar y
e e
2 52 WES T H IGH LAN D TALES .
Q uee n of S c ot s o r of t h e fo r e i g n e r s whos e m o ral s so e nrag e d J oh n

,
K n o x ma y h a v e d e s c e n d e d to t h e Gr a ss m a r ke t an d to t h e fish e r
,
m e n o f t h e W e st e rn I sl e s . Da vid Ri zz io a Tu r i n e s e h a s t h e
, ,
cr e dit of man y S c ot c h a i r s He w a s k i ll e d i n 1 5 6 7 an d t h e
.
,
e dit i o n of S t ra p ar ol a whi c h I h a v e b e fo r e m e p r i n t e d i n V e n i c e
, ,
1 5 6 7 if it b e t h e fi r st ma y h a v e fou n d its w ay to S c otl an d th r ough

, ,
so m e of t h e c ou n t r y m e n of R i zz io I f th a t e x pl ana tio n b e c o n
.
.
s id e r e d r e a so nab l e it h a s still to b e S h e w n how t h e sto r y got to

,
G e rman y an d N o r w a y wh e r e t h e man i n t h e c up b o ar d w e n t i n
an d wh e nc e cam e t h e sooths ay i n g b i r d i n t h e g r e y hid e an d t h e
u n s a l e ab l e d e a d car li n s fo r th e y a r e n ot i n t h e I t al i an v e r sio n
, .
H a vi n g carr i e d t h e th r e e widows so n s f r o m B arra to t h e

’
Gr a s s m a r k e t wh e r e th e y a e nam e d R i b i n an d R o b i n an d
,
r , ,
L e vi ou r th e nc e to N o r w a y wh e r e th e y a pp e ar a s Big an d
-
,
L ittl e P e t e r ; th e nc e to G e rman y wh e r e th e y h a v e n o nam e ;

,
an d th e nc e to t h e c i t y of P ost e ma i n I t aly i n 1 5 6 7 —a s t h e nar

”
,
ra to r s ay s Th e r e I l e ft th e m
, .
THE SON O F T H E S CO TT I S H Y E OM A N WHO
S T O LE T H E B I S HOP S HOR S E AN D DA U G H
’
T E R A N D T H E B I S HOP HIM S E L F
,
.
F r o m D o na ld M a c Le a n G r a ssm a ke t E d i nb u rgh W r itt e n i n

,
r , .
G ae li c an d t ran sl a t e d b y t h e R e v Mr M a c La u c h l a n
, . . .
H E R E wa s o nc e a S c o ttish y e o m a n w h o had th r e e
T s o n s W h e n t h e y o u n g e st o f th e m c a m e t o b e o f
.
a ge t o f e ll o w a p r o f e ssi o n h e s e t apa r t th r e e hu n d r e d
,
m a r ks f o r e a c h o f th e m Th e y o u n g e st so n ask e d that
.
his p o r ti o n m ight b e giv e n t o hi m s e lf as h e was g o i n g ,
away t o s e e k his f o r tu n e He w e n t t o t h e g r e at c i t y o f
.
L on d on .He was f o r a ti m e th e r e a n d what was h e ,
He at
’
d o i n g b ut l e ar n i n g t o b e a g e n tl e m a n s s e r van t C
l
l ast se t a b o ut fi n di n g a m ast e r He h e a r d that t h e

.
*
c hi e f m agist r at e (p r o v o st ) o f L o n d o n wa n t e d a s e r va n t .
He appli e d t o hi m th e y ag r e e d a n d h e e n t e r e d his
, ,
s e r vi c e Th e ch i e f m agist r at e w a s i n t h e hab it o f g o i n g
.
e v e r y da y i n t h e w e e k t o m e e t t h e A rc h b ish o p o f
L o n d o n i n a pa r ti c ula r pla c e Th e s e r va n t att e n d e d his
.
m ast e r f o r h e always w e n t o u t al o n g with hi m W h e n

,
.
th e y had br o k e n up th e i r m e e ti n g o n o n e o cc asi o n th e y ,
r e tu rn e d h o m e wa r ds a n d t h e s e r va n t said t o his m ast e r

,
b y t h e wa y ,
Th e G a e li c P r o b h a i s d is an a d a pt at i o n of t h e E n glish
”
P r ovo s t a s t h e l a tt e r i s of t h e L a ti n P r opositus ” .
,
2 54 WES T H I GH LAN D TALE S .
“
That is a g oo d br o w n h o r s e o f t h e ”
b i sh o p s said
’
”
,
he with y o u r l e av e m ast e r .
”
, ,
“
Ye s m y m a n said t h e m ast e r h e has t h e b e st “
”
, , ,
h o rse i n L o nd on
”
.
“
W hat thi n k y o u said t h e s e r va n t w o uld h e tak e, ,
“
f o r t h e h o r s e if h e w e r e t o s e ll i t
”
,
O h y o u f oo l said his m aste r I th o ught y o u

, ,
w e r e a s e n si b l e f e ll o w ; m an y a m a n has t r i e d t o b uy
that h o r s e a n d it has d e fi e d th e m as y e t ”
”
.
,
“
I ll r e tu rn a n d t r y said h e
’
, .
H is m ast e r r e tu rn e d al o n g with hi m t o se e what w o uld

happ e n This w a s o n a Thu r sday Th e y o u n g m a n
. .
ask e d t h e b ish o p w o uld h e s ell t h e h o r s e 2 Th e b ish o p

,
b e c a m e a m a z e d a n d a n g r y a n d said h e did n o t e x p e c t ,
that h e c o uld b uy it .
“
B u t what b e ast c o uld y o u o r a n y m a n hav e said
”
”
, ,
t h e y o ung man that m ight n o t b e b o ught 2

”
,
“
S e n s el e ss f e ll o w said t h e b ish o p h o w f oo lish “
”
,
’
y o u a r e I g o away h o m e y o u sha n t b uy m y h o r s e .
”
,
W hat will y o u wag e r said t h e y o u n g m a n that I , ,

“
’
w o n t hav e t h e h o r s e b y this ti m e t o m o rr o w C l -
I S it m y h o r s e y o u m e a n 3 said t h e b ish o p
'
”
.
Ye s y o u r h o r s e
,
said t h e y o u n g m an W hat
, .
“
’ '
wil l y o u wag e r that I d o n t st e al it 2
’ ”
I ll wag e r fiv e hu n d r e d m e r ks said t h e b ish o p
”
, ,
“
that y o u d o n t ’
.
”
Th e n said t h e y o u n g m an I hav e o n l y o n e
, ,
’
p o u n d b ut I ll wag e r that a n d m y h e ad b e sid e s that
”
, , ,
I do .
“ ”
A g r e e d said t h e b ish o p .
”
,
“
Ob s e r v e said t h e y o u n g m a n that I hav e wag e r e d
, ,
m y h e ad a n d t h e p o u n d with y o u a n d if I st e al t h e
”
,
h o r s e h e wil l b e m y o w n p r o p e r ty
”
.
“
That h e will assu r e dly said t h e c hi e f m agist rate
, , .
THE S ON OF THE S C OTTI SH Y E OM AN . 2 55
“ ”
I agr e e t o that said t h e b ish o p .
,
Th ey r e tu rn e d h o m e that n ight .
“ ”
P oo r f e ll o w said t h e c hi e f m agist rat e t o his s e r va n t
,
b y t h e way I a m v e r y w e ll satisfi e d with y o u si nc e I

,
“
go t y o u . I a m n o t willi n g t o l o s e y o u n o w Yo u a r e .
f oo lish Th e b i sh o p will tak e c a r e that n e ith e r y o u n o r

.
’
a n y o th e r m a n will st e al t h e h o r s e H e ll hav e hi m .
wat c h e d ” .
\ V h e n n ight c a m e t h e y o u n g m a n sta r t e d a n d s e t t o
, ,
’
w o r k ; h e w e n t t o t h e b ish o p s h o us e W hat did h e .
fi n d o u t th e r e b ut that th e y had t h e h o r s e i n a r oo m
,
.
a n d m e n al o n g with it w h o w e r e b usy e ati n g a n d ,
d r i n ki n g He l oo k e d ab o ut hi m a n d s oo n sa w that h e
.
,
w o uld r e q ui r e a n o th e r c l e v e r f ell o w al o n g with hi m .
In l oo ki n g ab o ut w h o d o e s h e fi n d b ut o n e o f t h e l o o s e
,
f e l l o ws ab o ut t h e t o w n .
“ ”
I f y o u g o al o n g with m e f o r a littl e ti m e said h e , ,
I will gi v e y o u s o m e thi n g f o r y o u r pai n s ” .
“ ’ ”
I ll d o that said t h e o th e r .
,
He se t o ff a n d at t h e fi r st sta r t b o th h e an d his m a n
,
r e a c h e d t h e ha n gm a n o f t h e c ity .
”
Ca n y o u t e ll m e said h e t o t h e ha n g m a n wh e r e “
”
, ,
I c a n ge t a d e ad m a n C l
“ ”
Ye s said t h e ha n g m a n th e r e wa s a m a n han g e d
“
”
, ,
this v e r y day aft e r m idday

”
.
,
I f y o u g o a n d ge t hi m f o r m e said t h e y o u n g m a n
”
, ,
“
I ll giv e y o u s o m e thi n g f o r y o u r pai n s
’
.
Th e han g m a n ag r e e d a n d w e n t away with hi m t o,
wh e r e t h e b o dy was
”
.
D o y o u k n o w n o w said t h e y o u n g m a n ,
wh e r e I ,
“
c a n g e t a l o n g st o ut r o p e
“ ”
Ye s said t h e ha n g m a n t h e r o p e that ha n g e d t h e
“
”
, ,
’
m an is h e r e q uit e c o n v e n i e n t y o u ll ge t it .
Th e y se t o ff with t h e b o dy b o th hi m s e lf a n d his m a n
,
.
2 56 WE S T H IG H L A ND TALES .
Th e y r e a c h e d t h e b ish o p s h o us e He said t o h i s m a n
’
.
wh e n th e y had r e a c h e d
“
S tay y o u h e r e a n d tak e c ha r g e o f this u n til I get
”
,
up o n t h e t o p o f t h e h o us e .
He put b o th h i s m o uth a n d his e a r t o t h e c hi mn e y i n

o r d e r t o dis c o v e r wh e r e t h e m e n w e r e as th ey w e r e n o w ,
sp e aki n g l o ud f r o m havi n g d r u n k so m u c h He dis .
c o ve r e d wh e r e th ey w e r e
”
.
“
P la c e t h e e n d o i t h e r o p e sai d he t o his m a n , ,
“
r o u n d t h e d e ad m a n s n e c k a n d th r o w t h e o th e r e n d
’
”
,
up t o m e .
H e d r agg e d t h e d e ad m a n up t o t h e t o p o f t h e
c hi mn e y Th e m e n i n t h e r oo m b e ga n t o h e a r t h e
.
r u bb ish i n t h e c hi mn e y falli n g d o w n He l e t t h e b o dy .
d o w n b y d e g r e e s u n til at last h e saw t h e br ight l ight

,
’
o f t h e wat c h m e n falli n g o n t h e d e ad m a n s f e e t .
“ ”
S e e said th e y what is this ? O h t h e S c o ttish
“
!
, , ,
thi e f what a shift He p r e f e rr e d dyi n g i n this way t o

”
,
l o si n g his h e ad He has d e st r o y e d hi m s e lf
. .
D o w n f r o m t h e c hi mn e y c am e t h e y o u n g m a n i n
hast e In h e w e n t i n t o t h e v e r y m iddl e o f t h e m en
.
,
a n d as t h e h o r s e was l e d o u t b y t h e d oo r his ha n d was

'
t h e fi r st t o s e i z e t h e br idl e H e w e n t with t h e h o r s e t o
.
t h e stab l e a n d said t o th e m that th e y m ight n o w g o

,
a n d sl e e p that th e y w e r e saf e e n o ugh .
”
,
“
N o w said h e t o t h e o th e r m an
,
I b e li e ve y o u t o ,
“
b e a c l e v e r f e ll o w 3 b e at ha n d h e r e t o m o rr o w e v e n i n g -
”
,
a n d I will se e y o u agai n .
He paid hi m at t h e sa m e ti m e a n d t h e m a n was ,
m u c h pl e as e d He h i m s elf r e tu rn e d t o his m ast e r s

.
, ,
’
stab l e with t h e b ish o p s br o w n h o r s e He w e n t t o r e st

’
.
,
a n d th o ugh t h e daylight c a m e e a r ly e a r li e r tha n that ,
did his m ast e r c o m e t o his d oo r .

T HE S ON or TH E S C OTT I SH Y E OMAN . 2 57
’ ”
I w o uld n t g rudg e m y pai n s said h e if m y p oo r
“ “
”
, ,
S c o ts m a n w e r e h e r e b e f o r e m e t o day -
.
”
I a m h e r e g oo d m ast e r said h e a n d t h e b ish o p s “ ’
”
, , ,
br o w n h o r s e b e sid e m e .
\ V e ll d o n e m y m a n
“ ” said h i s m ast e r y o u r e a “ ’
, , ,
c l e v e r f e ll o w I had a high Opi n i o n o f y o u b e f o r e 3 I

.
thi n k mu c h m o r e o f y o u n o w ” .
Th e y p r e pa r e d this day t oo t o g o a n d visit t h e , ,
b ish o p I t was F r iday

. .
“
N ow
” said t h e s e r va n t I l e ft h o m e with o ut a “
, ,
’
h o r s e y e st e r day b ut I w o n t l e av e i n t h e sam e wa y
”
, ,
t o day
-
.
”
W e ll m y m a n said his m ast e r as y o u hav e go t “
”
, , ,
t h e h o r s e I l l giv e y o u a saddl e
’
.
,
S o th e y se t o ff this day agai n t o m e e t t h e b ish o p his ,
m ast e r a n d hi m s e lf r idi n g th e i r h o r s e s Th e y sa w t h e .
b ish o p c o m i n g t o m e e t th e m appa r e n tly m ad \ V h e n ,

.
th e y c am e c l o s e t o g e th e r th e y o b s e r v e d that t h e b ish o p
r o d e a n o th e r h o r s e b y n o m e a n s so g o o d a s his o w n
,
.
Th e b ish o p a n d c hi e f m agist r at e m e t with salutati o n s .
’
Th e b ish o p tu rn e d t o t h e c hi e f m agist r at e s s e r va n t
” ”
,
“
S cr o u n d e l said h e an d th o ro ugh thi e f 1
”
, ,
Yo u c a n t c all m e w o r s e said t h e o th e r
’ ’
“
I don t ,
.
“
k n o w that y o u c a n c all m e that j ustly 3 f o r y o u k n o w , ,
I t o ld y o u what I w a s t o d o W ith o ut m o r e w o r ds pay

. .
'
m e m y fiv e hu n d r e d m e r ks
” .
This had t o b e d o n e th o ugh n o t v e ry willi n gly ,

.
“ ”
W hat w o uld y o u n o w sa y says t h e l a d if I w e r e “
,
”
,
t o st e al y o u r daught e r t o n ight 2 -
”
M y daught e r y o u w o r thl e ss f ell o w said t h e b ish o p 3
, ,
“
o u sha n t st’
al m y daught r ”
y e e .
’
I ll wag e r fiv e hu n d r e d m e rks a n d t h e br o w n h o r s e ”
,
said t h e lad that I ll st e al h e r

“ ” ’
.
,
2 58 WES T H IG H L A ND TALES .
’
I l l wag e r t en hu n d r e d m e rks that y o u ”
d o n t said ’
t h e b ish o p .
Th e wag e r w a s laid Th e lad a n d his m ast e r w e n t

.
h ome ”
Y o u n g m a n said his m ast e r I t h o u gh t w e l l
“
’
, ,
of
y o u at o n e ti m e b ut y o u hav e d o n e a f oo lish thi n g
”
,
n o w j ust wh e n y o u had m ad e y o u r s e lf all r ight .
”
,
’
“
N e v e r m i n d g oo d m ast e r said h e I ll m ak e t h e
”
, , ,
att e m pt at a n y r at e .
’
W h e n n ight c a m e t h e c hi e f m agi st r at e s s e r va n t se t
,
o ff f o r t h e b ish o p s h o us e W h e n h e r e a c h e d h e sa w a
’
.
,
g e n tl e m a n c o m i n g o u t at t h e d oo r .
”
O h said h e t o t h e g e n tl e m a n what is this g o i n g “
, ,
’
o n at t h e b ish o p s h o us e t o n ight -
”
A g r e at a n d i m p o r ta n t m att e r said t h e g e n tl e m a n 3 ,
“
a r as c ally S c o ts m a n w h o is th r e at e n i n g t o st e al t h e
’
b ish o p s daught e r b ut I c a n t e ll y o u n e ith e r h e n o r a n y
”
,
o th e r m a n will st e al h e r 3 sh e is w e ll gua r d e d .
’ ”
O h I m su r e o f that said t h e lad a n d tu rn e d
,
”
, ,
away Th e r e i s a m a n i n E n gla n d h o w e v e r said h e

.
“
”
, ,
t o hi m s e lf wh o m ust t r y it
, .
He s e t o ff a n d r e a c h e d t h e ki n g s tail o r s He ask e d
’
.
,
th e m wh e th e r th e y h a d a n y d r e ss e s r e ady f o r g r e at
p e o pl e 2
“ ”
N o said t h e tail o r b ut a d r e ss I hav e f o r t h e “
”
, ,
’
ki n g s daught e r a n d o n e fo r h e r m aid o f h o n o ur .
“ ”
What said t h e c hi e f m agist r at e s s e r va n t wil l ’
”
, ,
y o u tak e fo r t h e u s e o f th e s e f o r a c o upl e o f h o u r s Cl
”
,
“
O h said t h e tail o r I f e a r I da r e n o t giv e th e m t o“
”
, ,
y ou
”
.
’ ’
D o n t b e i n t h e l e ast af r aid said t h e l a d I ll pay , ,
“
y o u a n d I ll r e tu rn t h e tw o d r e ss e s with o ut a n y i n ju r y
”
,
’
o r l o ss Y o u ll ge t a hu n d r e d m e r ks said h e
.
,
.
Th e tail o r c o v e t e d so la r g e a su m a n d s o h e gav e ,
th e m t o hi m He r e tu rn e d a n d f o u n d his m a n o f t h e
.
,
TH E S ON OF TH E S COTTI SH Y E O M AN . 2 59
f o rm e r n ight Th e y w e n t t o a p r ivat e pla c e a n d g o t

.
,
th e m s e lv e s fitt e d o ut i n t h e d r e ss e s go t f r o m t h e tail o r .
\ V h e n this was d o n e as w e ll as t h ey ;c o u l d th e y c a m e t o ,
t h e b ish o p s d oo r
’
B e f o r e h e a rr iv e d at t h e d oo r h e
.
f o u n d o u t that wh e n a n y o f t h e r o yal fa m ily c am e t o

t h e b ish o p s h o us e th e y did n t k n o c k b ut r u bb e d t h e
’ ’
b o tt o m o f t h e d oo r with t h e p o i n t o f t h e f oo t He .
c a m e t o t h e d oo r a n d r ubb e d Th e r e was a d oo rk e e p e r
,
.
at t h e d oo r that n ight a n d h e r a n a n d t o ld t h e b ish o p .
”
,
Th e r e is s o m e o n e o f t h e r o ya l fa m ily at t h e d oo r ,
said h e .
No
” said t h e b ish o p th e r e is n o t “
It s th e .
“ ’
”
, ,
thi e f o f a S c o ts m a n that is th e r e .
Th e d o o r k e e p e r l oo k e d th r o ugh t h e ke y h o l e an d -
sa w t h e app e a r a nc e o f tw o l adi e s w h o st oo d th e r e He .
w e n t t o his m ast e r a n d t o ld hi m s o H is m ast e r w e n t .
t o t h e d oo r that h e m ight se e fo r Zh i m s el f He wh o was

'
o utsid e w o uld giv e a n o th e r a n d a n o th e r r u b t o t h e

d oo r at t h e sa m e ti m e ab usi n g t h e b ish o p f o r his f o lly
,
.
Th e b ish o p l oo k e d a n d r e c o g n i z e d t h e v o i c e o f t h e
,
ki n g s daught e r at t h e d oo r Th e d oo r i s q ui c kl y
’
.
Op e n e d a n d t h e b ish o p b o ws l o w t o t h e lady
, Th e .
ki n g s daught e r b e ga n i mm e di a t el y zt o c hid e t h e b ish o p

’
f o r layi n g a n y w ag e r r e sp e c ti n g his daught e r sayi n g ,
that h e was m u c h b lam e d f o r what h e had d o n e .
“ ”
I t w a s v e r y w r o n g o f y o u said sh e t o hav e d o n e
, ,
i t with o ut m y k n o wl e dg e a n d y o u w o uld n o t hav e

,
r e qui r e d t o hav e m ad e su c h a sti r o r b e e n so f oo lish as

all this ” .
”
Yo u will e xc us e m e said t h e b ish o p .
”
,
“
I c a n t e xc us e y o u sh e said
’
,
.
In t o t h e c ha mb e r h e l e d t h e ki n g s daught e r i n ’
,
whi c h his o w n daught e r was a n d p e r s o n s wat c hi n g h e r

,
.
2 60 WE S T H IG H L A ND T ALES .
Sh e was i n t h e m iddl e o f t h e c ha mb e r sitti n g o n a c hai r , ,
a n d t h e o th e r s si t ti n g al l a r o u n d .
S aid t h e ki n g s daught e r t o h e r M y d e a r y o u r
’
,
“
,
fath e r is a v e r y f oo lish m a n t o pla c e y o u i n su c h g r e at

dan ge r 3 f o r if h e had giv e n m e n o ti c e a n d pla c e d y o u ,
u n d e r m y c a r e a n y m a n w h o m ight v e n tu r e t o app r o a c h
,
y o u w o uld assu r e dly n o t o n ly b e han g e d b ut b u rn e d

”
,
aliv e G o said sh e t o t h e b ish o p t o b e d a n d dis miss

.
”
, , ,
this la r g e c o m pan y l e st m e n laugh at y o u

, .
He t o ld t h e c o m pa n y that th e y mi ght n o w g o t o
’
r e st that t h e q u e e n s daught e r a n d h e r m aid o f h o n o u r
,
’
w o uld tak e c ha r g e o f his daught e r W h e n t h e q u ee n s .
daught e r had s e e n th e m all away Sh e said t o t h e ,
daught e r o f t h e b ish o p
”
,
C o m e al o n g with m e m y d e a r t o t h e ki n g s pala c e
’
.
, ,
H e l e d h e r o u t a n d th e n h e had t h e br o w n h o r s e a l l
,
r e ady a n d as s oo n as t h e S c o ts m a n go t h er t o wh e r e
,
t h e h o r s e st oo d h e th r e w Off t h e d r e ss h e w o r e i n a
, ,
d a r k pla c e He put a diffe r e n t d r e ss ab o v e his o w n

.
,
a n d m o u n t e d t h e h o r s e Th e o th e r m an is s e n t h o m e
.
with t h e d r e ss e s t o t h e tail o r He paid t h e m a n a n d .

,
t o ld hi m t o m e e t hi m th e r e n e x t n ight He l e ap e d o n .
t h e br o w n h o r s e at t h e b ish o p s h o us e a n d o ff h e r o d e
’
,
t o t h e h o us e o f his m ast e r E a r ly a s daylight c am e

‘
.
,
e a r li e r c a m e his m ast e r t o t h e stab l e He had t h e .
b ish o p s daught e r i n his b e d He wak e n e d wh e n he

’
.
h e a r d his m ast e r
”
.
“
I w o uldn t g r udge m y pai n s said t h e l att e r if
’
, ,
“
m y p oo r S c o ts m a n w e r e h e r e b e f o r e m e t o day -
“
E h a n d so I a m
” said t h e l ad a n d t h e b ish o p s “ ’
”
, , ,
daught e r al o n g wi t h m e h e r e .
“ ”
O h said h e I always th o ught w e ll o f y o u b ut
“
”
, , ,
n o w I thi n k m o r e o f y o u tha n e v e r .
This w a s S atu r day He a n d his m ast e r had t o g o

.
T HE S ON OF T HE S CO TT I SH Y E O M AN . 2 61
a n d m e e t t h e b ish o p this day als o Th e b ish o p a n d .
c hi e f m agist r at e m e t as usual I f t h e b ish o p l ook e d .
an gr y t h e f o rm e r day h e l oo k e d m u c h a n g r i e r this
,
’
day Th e c hi e f m agist r at e s s e r va n t r o d e o n his h o r s e
.
a n d saddl e b e hi n d his m ast e r W h e n h e c a m e n e a r .
t h e b ish o p h e c o u l d o n ly c all hi m thi e f ” an d “
s c ou nd re l ”
”
.
“
Y o u m ay S hut y o u r m o n t h said h e ; y o u c a n ,
“
n o t say that t o m e with j usti c e S e n d a cr o ss h e r e m y.
fiv e hu n d r e d m e r ks He paid t h e m o n e y
. He w a s .
ab usi n g t h e o th e r .
“ ”
O h m a n said h e giv e u p y o u r ab us e 3 I ll lay
“ ’
, ,
u t h e t e n hu n d r e d m e r ks that I ll st e al y o u r s e lf t o
’
o
y
n ight ”.
”
That y o u st e al m e y o u W o r thl e ss f e l l o w said t h e
”
, ,
’
b ish o p . Y o u S ha n t b e all o w e d
“
.
H e wag e r e d t h e t e n hu n d r e d m e rks .
“ ’
I ll ge t th e s e t e n hu n d r e d m e rks b a c k agai n said”
,
t h e b ish o p b ut I ll lay y o u fift e e n hu n d r e d m e r ks that

“ ’
”
,
m
’
y o u d o n t st e al e .
Th e c hi e f m agist r at e fi x e d t h e b a r gai n f o r th e m .
Th e lad a n d his m ast e r w e n t h o m e .
“ ”
M y m an said t h e m ast e r I hav e always th o ught “
, ,
w ell o f y o u till n o w 3 y o u will n o w l o s e t h e m o n e y y o u

gai n e d a n d y o u c a n t st e al t h e m a n ’” .
,
”
I hav e n o f e a r o f that said t h e s e r va n t .
,
W h e n n ight c a m e h e se t o ff a n d go t t o t h e h o us e o f ,
t h e b ish o p Th e n h e th o ught h e w o uld g o wh e r e h e

.
c o uld fi n d t h e fish e rm e n o f t h e c ity i n o r d e r t o se e ,
what m ight b e s e e n with th e m W h e n h e r e a c h e d t h e .
fish e rm e n h e ask e d th e m wh e th e r th e y had an y f r e sh

kill e d sal m o n ? T h e y said th e y had He said t o .
th e m
“
I f y o u ski n S O m an y o f th e m f o r m e I will giv e y o u
2 62 WE S T H IG H LA ND TALES .
su c h a n d su c h a su m Of m o n e y o r as m u c h as wi l l b e
”
,
j ust a n d r ight .
Th e fish e rm e n said th e y w o uld d o as h e W ish e d ,
a n d th e y did so Th e y gav e hi m as m a n y fish ski n s

.
as h e th o ught w o ul d m ak e hi m a c l o ak o f t h e l e n gth
a n d br e adth h e wish e d He th e n w e n t t o t h e tail o r s
. .
He said t o t h e tail o r s w o uld th e y m ak e hi m a d r e ss o f

,
’
t h e fish S ki n s b y tw e lv e o c l o c k at n ight a n d that th e y ,
sh o uld b e paid f o r it Th e y t o ld hi m W hat su m th e y

.
w o uld tak e Th e y t oo k t h e y o u n g m a n s m e asu r e a n d

.
’
b e ga n t h e d r e ss Th e d r e ss w a s r e ady b y tw e lv e
.
’
o c l o c k Th e y c o u l d n o t w o r k a ny l o n g e r as t h e S u n
.
day was c o m i n g i n He l e ft with t h e d r e ss a n d wh e n

.
,
h e f o u n d h i m s e lf a sh o r t w a y f r o m t h e b ish o p s c hu rc h
’
h e put it o n He had g o t a ke y t o o p e n t h e c hu rc h
.
a n d h e w e n t i n He at o nc e w e n t t o t h e pulpit Th e
. .
d oo rk e e p e r c asti n g a n ey e i n o n a n o cc asi o n whil e a ,
g r e at wat c h was k e pt o v e r t h e b ish o p h e w e n t a n d said ,
th e r e was a l ight i n t h e c hu rc h .
“
A light
” said his m ast e r g o a n d se e what light “
,
”
,
’
it is . I t wa s past tw e lv e o c l o c k b y this ti m e .
“ ”
O h said t h e d oo r k e e p e r c o m i n g b a ck th e r e is a “
”
, , ,
m a n p r e a c hi n g i n it .
Th e b ish o p d r e w o ut his ti m e pi e c e a n d h e saw -
that it was t h e b e gi nn i n g o f t h e S u n day He w e n t .
r u nn i n g t o t h e c hu rc h W h e n h e sa w t h e br ight n e ss
.
t h at w a s i n t h e c hu rc h a n d all t h e m o v e m e n ts o f t h e
,
He
’
m a n that w a s p r e a c hi n g h e was s e i z e d with f e a r

,
.
Op e n e d t h e d o o r a littl e a n d put i n his h e ad that h e
m ight s e e W hat h e w a s lik e Th e r e w a s n o t a la n guag e.
u n d e r t h e sta r s that t h e m a n i n t h e pulpit was n o t

taki n g a whil e o f W h e n h e c am e t o t h e la n gu ag e s
.
whi c h t h e b ish o p u n d e r st oo d h e b e ga n t o d e n o u nc e ,
t h e b ish o p as a m a n wh o had l o st his s e n s e s In t h e .

THE S ON OF TH E S CO TT ISH Y E O M AN . 2 63
b ish o p r a n a n d d o w n h e is o n his k n e e s b e f o r e t h e
,
pulpit Th e r e h e b e ga n t o p r ay a n d wh e n h e sa w t h e
.
,
br ight n e ss th a t w a s a b o ut t h e pulpit h e t o o k t o h e a r t ,
t h e thi n gs that w e r e said t o hi m A t l e n gth h e sai d t o .
hi m if h e w o uld p r o m is e si nc e r e r e p e n ta nc e a n d go
, ,
al o n g with hi m h e w o uld g ra n t hi m f o rgiv e n e ss Th e

, .
b ish o p p r o m is e d hi m that h e w o uld .
C o m e with m e till I have a littl e ti m e o f y o u

” said ,
he .
“ ”
I will said t h e b ish o p th o ugh th o u sh o uldst ask
”
, ,
m e t o l e av e t h e w o rl d .
He W e n t al o n g with hi m a n d t h e y o u n g m a n walk e d ,
b e f o r e hi m Th e y r e a c h e d t h e stab l e Of t h e c hi e f
.
m agist r at e He g o t a s e at fo r t h e b ish o p a n d h e k ept

.
,
hi m sitti n g He sa t d o w n hi m s e lf Th e y r e q ui r e d n o
. .
light fo r t h e s e r va n t s c l o th e s w e r e s h i n i n g br ight wh e r e
,
’
th e y w e r e He was th e n e x p o u n di n g t o t h e b ish o p i n
.
s o m e lan guag e s whi c h h e c o uld u n d e r sta n d a n d i n ,
o th er s whi c h h e c o uld n o t He w e n t o n i n that way .
u n till it w a s ti m e f o r his m ast e r t o c o m e i n t h e m o rn i n g .
W h e n t h e ti m e d r e w n e a r h e th r e w o fi t h e d r e ss b e n t,
"
,
d o w n a n d hid it f o r it Wa s n e a r daylight Th e b ish o p

, .
w a s n o w sil e n t a n d t h e c hi e f m agist r at e c a m e
”
.
,
’
I w o uld n t g r udg e m y pai n s said h e if I had m y “
”
, ,
p o o r S c o ts m a n h e r e b e f o r e m e t o d ay .
“
E h s o I am h e r e
” said h e a n d t h e b ish o p al o n g
”
, , ,
w ith m e .
“
He y m y m a n
” says his m ast e r y o u hav e d o n e “
”
, , ,
w e ll .
”
O h y o u i n fam o us s c o u n d r e l said t h e b ish o p is i t
”
, , ,
thus y o u hav e g o t t h e b e tt e r o f m e C l
“ ’ ”
I ll t e ll y o u what it i s said t h e c hi e f m agist rat e , ,
’
“
y o u had b e tt e r b e c ivil t o hi m D o n t ab us e hi m . .
He has go t y o u r daught e r y o u r h o r s e a n d y o u r m o n e y, , ,
a n d as f o r y o u r s e lf y o u k n o w that h e c a nn o t supp o r t
,
y o u s o it is b e st f o r y o u t o supp o r t hi m Tak e hi m
,
.
s e lf a n d y o u r daught e r al o n g with v o u a n d m ak e th e m
a r e sp e c tab l e w e ddi n g ” Th e y o u n g m a n l e ft a n d w e n t
.
’
h o m e with t h e b ish o p a n d h e a n d t h e b ish o p s daught e r
,
w e r e lawfully m a rr i e d a n d t h e fath e r sh e w e d hi m ki n d
,
n e ss I l e ft th e m th e r e
. .
M A C A N I U A THA N A I CH A LB AN A I C H, A G E OI D
' ‘
E A C H A G U S N I GH E A N A N E A S B UI G, A G U S A N
,
T E A SBU I G E H E I N
-
.
B H A t r i ui r m h a c a ig na i r d e na b h au n A n
t u a t h a n a ch A l b an a c h .
na i r a t h a i n ig am f e ar a b Oig e d h i b h gu a o i s e dho l r i c e ai r d
’
u
’
,
e t r i c h e ud mar g m u c h o i n n i m h g ac h a o n d h i u b h
’
ch u i r Dh iarr .
am f e ar a b Cige a c h u i d d a fh é in gu n r o b h e fa l b h a d h e an
’ ’
,
’
a m h an fh o r t a i n Thug e ba il e m Or Lu n n u in a i r Bh a e gr e i s
. .
ann an sin u s c i o d e b h a e a g i o n n sa c h a dh ac h a b hi n a gh il l e
,
’ ’
du i n e u a sa i l Ch u i r e f o r t h a s m u dh e i r e a dh c a it e am fa i gh e a d h ’
e m a igh i st i r C hu a l a e gu n r o b h gi ll e a dh l t h a i r P r o b h a i s t
.
R ai i g e e c ho r d i a d u s r i nn e m u i n n t i r e a s a ige
’
Lu n u i n
n . n , , .
Bh a am P r o b h a i s t a dol na h n il e l a s an t — s e a c h du i n a c h o i n
-
’
n e a c h a d h A r d e a s p u ig Lu n n u i n ann an a it e s On r u i c h t e
’
Dh .
fh a l b h an g i ll e l e a m h a i g h i st i r o i r b h i t h e a d h e mac h l e is ,
N u a i r a s ga o i l i a d a c h o in n e a m h a b h aca a o n l a
’
da o n n an
’
.
thill i a d u s t h u b h i r t an gill e r a mh a igh i st i r a i r an r a t h a d I s

’
a
’
”
, ,
mait h a rs e sa
’
an t e ac h do nn u d a t h a ig an E a sb u ig l e u r
-
’ ’
”
, ,
”
,
c e a d a m h a i gh i s t i Se a dh a l a o c h a in a m h a igh i s t i r ’
r. a rs
” ”
, , , ,
th a an t e ac h i s f h ea r r a Lu n u i n a ige
-
’
Sa o i l m i
n a s n n . r
’
a
”
,
gi ll e c o d e g a b a d h e a i r an e a c h nan r e i c e a dh e e
i h h Uh .
”
, ,
a m a da i n ,ar s a m h a igh i s t i r sh a o i l l e arn gu r ba l ac h c e a r t a

’
,
b h a n n a d is i o m a d h f e ar a dh f h e u c h r i s an e ac h u d a c h e an
’ ’
”
,
nac h u s dh fh a i t l i c h o rra f h a t h a sd
’ ’
r Til l i d h m is e u s .
’
f e u c h i dh m i r i s
a
” a r s e s an Thill a m h a i gh i s t i r c o m h l u a dh r is
’
.
,
a dh f h a i ci n I s ann a i r Di a r d a o i e a t h c h a i r s o
’
n. Th u b h a i r t n a .
an g i ll e r is an E a sb u ig an r e i c e a d h e an t e ach Gh a b h an
,
-
.
t E a sb u ig ar d an u s m io t h l a c h d u s c h a r o b b fiu t h a r a i g gu n
’ ’
-
,
M AC AN TU A THA N A I C H A LE A N A I C H .
c e a n a i c h e a d h e s an e Ma t a c i d e am b a t h c h b h i th e a d h “
n o e a
”
.
a g a d s a n o a i g d n i n e e i l e nac h fh a o d a r a c h e a ar s an ’
ach nn
”
,
gi ll e ? B h u a id h g u n t r ar s an t E a b i g th th u
‘
IIr,
’
-
s u a
”
,
a m i de a ch
a rac h d h a t h igh c h a C h e a a i c h thu m e a c h s nn
’
a.
”
, ,
C i o d e an g e l l a c h u i r a s tu a ar s an g i ll e nac h b i e ag am s ae ,
’
,
an ( l a r 5 a m ai r e a c h N e m e a c h s a b h it h e a s a gac ar s an
’ ’ ’
-
t E a s b ig
-
u I s e d e a c h s a b h i t h e a s a g am
.
’” ar s e s an c i o d e ’
”
, ,
an g a l l a c h u i r e a s tu r i u m nac h go id m i e
e C u i idh ?
r
”
m i c o i g c e n d mar g r i u t ar s an t E a sb u ig nac h d e an ’
-
”
,
”
,
t h si u n. Mat a ar s an gi ll e Ch a n e il ag am s a a c h a o
“ ’ “ -
’
n
”
, ,
d ac h c i i d h m i s i n u s m o c h e a n i u t gu n go i d m i
’
ph unn u r n r e .
” ”
, ,
“
I s barg an e ar s a n t E a s b i g ,
Tho i r an a i r
’
ar s e s an
-
u .
“
e,
’
t h a m i c u r m o c hi nn a g us am pu n ud r i u t a g us m u ghoi
”
,
d a s m is e e is e m o c h u i d fé i n a b h i t h e a s ann
e B i t h i dh .
“
”
,
e mar si n c in t e a c h ar s am P o b h a i s t n Th a m i a g ’
r .
”
,
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2 66 W ES T H IG H L A ND TALES .
a r a in ig e f u i r i ch t h u sa an s in u s thoi r an a i r e dh a so ac h an ’
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MA C AN TU A THA N A I CH A LB A N A I C H . 2 67
a i dh an t E a sb ig r i g i ll e a P o b h a i sd Sh l a o i t i r
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ac h a s c ui r an so m o c h u ig c e n d mar g am i o n su i d h se ” B é i gin n .
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2 68 WE S T H I G H L A ND TAL ES .
f h é in ch o m ai t h
’
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do r us an E a sb u i g Fh u a i r mh a i t h l e o g u .
e mac h m u n d r a i i
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’
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a i g b o nn an do r u i s Th a i n i g e s an a d h i o n n su i d h an d o ru i s a g us
’
.
r i nn e s gr i o b h B h a d o sa i r a ig an do r us an o id h ch e s in u s dh
. r ,
’ ’
f h l b h e n a ruith d h i o n n su i d h an E a sb u i g T h a ao n de n
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t a gh l a c h r i o gh a il a i g an do r us
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a ar r .
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r u i ge a d h tu l e a s a l e i t h i d a d h o t h a il u s a dh a ma id e a c h d a
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n an r i gh do t s e Om a r s an r o b b a i gh e a n u s an f h e a d h
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ai a b h a g a f a i r e a d h B h a i se a m m e a d h o n an t s e Oma i r a i r
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11
s a c h u n a r t thu u s nan d thu g e fio s d o m h s a u s do c h u i r f ar

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.
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- -
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d h e t h ann an a it e do rc h an d e i s e Ch u i r e u i dh e a m e il e a i r a s .
c e ann e u d a i c h fh é in u s a i r m ui n an e i c h c h u ir e i C u i r e a r
’ ’
.
MA C AN TU A THA N A I C I I A LBA N A I C H . 2 69
d h a t h i gh an gill e l e i s na d e i se a c h a dh i o n s i d h an t ail l e i r n
’
n u .
P h a i gh e an gill e u s t h u b h i t e r is a c h o i e a c h a d h an su d an
’
a r nn
a th o i dh c h e L e u m e s an su a s a i r an e ac h d h o n i g tigh a n
. n a
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’
,
s r.
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’
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2 70 W ES T H IG H LA ND TALES .
g u n d e a n a dh , us r i nn i a d e
Thug i a d dh a d e c h r o i c i n n e a n é i sg
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r is na t a i l l e a n an d e a n a d h i a d de is e dh a de c h r o i c in n e a n a n
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. Fh u a i r a . r
e a i t e su i d h do n E a sb u ig u s h u i r e n a s h u id h e e S h u id h e
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E a sb u i g an s i n ann an c a i e a n a t h u ig e a d h a gus ann an c u i d na n ,

M AC AN TU A THA N A I C H A LB A N A I C H . 2 71
n ac h t u ige a dh B h a e mar si n a c h an r o b h an t am d a
e. -
’
m h a i gh i s t i r t i gh i n n s a m h a d u i n n N na i r b h a an t a m t e an u
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a i r l a i m h t h i l g e d h e t h an d e i se l u b e s c h i r e am f o l a c h i
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o i r b h a e r i s an t so il l e a r a c h d Bh a an t E a sb u i g sa mh a c h an so
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a s t h a i n i g am P r o b h a i s d Ch a b u gh e a i l e am m o s h a o t h a i r
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nam b it h e a dh m A l b a n n a c h b o c h d r o mh a m an so an di n gh
’ ” .
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th a ar s am P r o b h a i s d is fh e a r dh u i t d e a n a mh gu m i t h a i r
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n o b hi g a c h ai n e a dh 3 th a do n igh e a n a i g a g us th a d ac h a i g
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i s fh e a r r d h u i t s e e s an a gh l e i dh e a d h Thoi r e fh é i u s do ’
. n
n i h e a n l e a t u s d e an bana i s d h i b h l e h e i r e a c h d e a s
’ ’
g Dh f h a l b h o -
.
s c h a i d h e d h a t h i gh l e is an E a sb u i g u s fh a i r e e f h é i n u s a
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u
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ph Os a dh g u c e a r t u s r i nn e g u m a i t h r i s
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m is e an si n i a d .
I had ab ov e t al e f r o m D o nal d M Le a n n ow r e sid e n t i n t h e

th e ‘
,
G a s sm a k e t E di nb u r gh
r r , I t is o e of s v e n I took dow n f r o m . n e
his r e c it a t i o n ab out t h e s am e ti m e M Le a n is a na tiv e of .

‘
A r d n a m n r c h a n b ut cr oss e d a t an e ar ly a ge to Gl e f s a i n M ull
,
n or ,
wh e re h e sp e n t s e v e ra l y e ar s H e h e ar d this t a l e r e c it e d b y an .
old man A n gus M P h i e f r o m A r d a m u r ch a n who di e d ab out

,
‘
,
n ,
fifty y e ar s a go an d h e h a d r e c e iv e d i t also f ro m t ra ditio n

,
.
M Le n r e c i t e s his t a l s without t h e sl ig ht e st h e sit a t i o n a lthou g h

‘
a e ,
i n so m e ca s e s th e i r r e c i t a tio n o cc upi e s a c oupl e of hou r s I t will .
b e man i fe st too f r o m r e a d i n g t h e o r ig i na l t a l e h e r e g iv e n th a t
, , ,
v e r y littl e v ar i a tio n c ould b e a llow e d i n t h e w o r ds us e d an d th a t ,
t h e v r y fo rm s of e x p r e ss i o n an d wo r ds m ust th e r e fo r b e r e t a i n e d
e e
u nc h an g e d M Le a s is a r e mar k ab l e i n st anc e of t h e pow e r of

.
‘
n
’
m e m o r y i n t h e u n e du ca t e d sh e w i n g th a t i t i s q uit e possi b l e to ,
r e t a i n an d r e c it e w i th p e r fe c t acc u rac y c o m pos i tio n s whi c h

, ,
would fo r m a volu m e H e Ob t a i n e d his t a l s fr o m diffe r e n t . e
p ar t i e s an d s ays th e y w e r e r e c it e d i n t h e wi n t e r e v e n i n g s a t t h e
,
fi e si de s of t h e old H i ghl an d e r s a s th e i r c hi e f am us m e n ts
r e .
S o m e of th e m h e h e ar d b e fo r e h e w a s fou r t e e n y e ar s of a ge an d ,
n e v e r h ar d s i nc ee an d y e t h e r e t a i n s th e m acc u ra t ly
,
e .
I t will b e o b s e r v e d i n t h e t a l e n ow giv e n th a t so m e of t h e
t e rm s us e d a re m od e rn a s fo r i n st anc e P r o b h a i s d ( P r ovost )
, , , ,
2 72 WES T H I G H LA ND TALES .
an d n ot k n ow n i n ou r old e r G a e li c I t i s r e mar k ab l e a l so th a t .
, ,
t h e b ishop of L o n do n i s t h e p ar ty fi x e d upo n to h a v e h i s e ffe c ts

stol e n This would s e e m to i n d i ca t th a t t h e t a l e o r i g i nat e d a t
. e
a ti m e wh e n t h e H i g h l an d e r s w e r e acqu a i n t e d with b ishops an d ,
would carr y it bac k to a p e r iod p r e vious to t h e R e fo rma t i o n t h e ,
i n h ab it an ts b oth of A r d n a m n r c h a n an d M ull h a vi n g b e e n P r s
, , e
b y t e i a n s si nc e th a t p e r iod 3 u n l e s s i n d e e d t h e sto r y h a s b e e n
r , ,
i m po r t e d i n to t h e H i gh l an ds f ro m so m e oth e r q u ar t e r I ts r e .
s e mb l anc e to t h e Ma st e r Thi e f i n Mr D a se n t s T a l e s f r o m ’
.
t h e N or se
” cann ot f a il to st r i k e an y o n acq u ai n t e d with th e s e e
”
,
i n t e r e sti n g sto r i e s Th e Tu a t h a n a c h is t ran sl a t e d Ye o man

.
,
n ot th a t th a t t e r m e x p r e ss e s with p e r fe c t acc u racy t h e m e an i n g

of t h e G a e li c wo r d b ut it i s t h e E n gl i sh t e rm whi c h c o m e s
,
n e ar e st to i t Th e Tu a t h a a ch am o n g t h e Ce l ts is a f arm e r
.
“
n
” “
,
o r o n e who ho l ds h i s l an ds fr o m an oth e r b ut t h e wo r d i m pli e s a ,
c e r t a i n am o u n t of c o n s e q u e nc e an d dig n it y whi c h would i n di ca t e ,
th a t h e m ust hold l an d of c o n sid e rab l e e x t e n t Th e t e rm is .
man ife stl y e ith e r t h e ra di x o r a r e l a tiv e of t h e L a ti n t e n o e ”

”
, ,
w h e nc e t h e E n glish t e nan t an d it would s e e m a lso to b e t h e

”
,
r e a l sou rc e of t h e wo r d Th an e o r o n e who h e ld a s t e nan t t h e ,
l an ds of t h e C r ow n Th e t e nan ts an d th e i r s u b h o l d e r s w e r e
.
“ ”
disti n guish e d a s Tu a th u s C e a t h a r n f r o m whi c h l a st i s t h e
’
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,
S ax o n K e rn .
T ML .
‘
.
ED I N B U R GH M a y 1 8 60 , , .
2 . An oth e r v e r sio n of thi s w a s told to m e b y D o na ld M a c C a w r ,
d r ov e r S e pt e mb e r 1 85 9 a s w e w a lk e d a lo n g t h e r o a d i n N o r th
, ,
U ist I t w a s g i v e n i n r e tu rn fo r a b it of an oth e r sto ry wh i c h

. ,
a lso t re a ts o f c l e v e r thi e v e s p ar t of whi c h I l e arn e d f r o m m y

,
pip e r gu ar di an lo n g a go This w a s t h e fly whi c h ra i s e d t h e fish

. .
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oth e r ,
W e h a v e oft e n h e ar d ab out this thi n g n ow l e t us t r y h o w ,
it fe e ls I will put t h e r op e ab out m y n e c k an d do thou h an g

. ,
m e an d wh e n I h a v e h a d e n ough I will g r i n an d th e n thou sh a lt

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, ,
l e t m e dow n .
S o t h e fi r st thi e f w a s h a n g e d an d w h e n t h e r op e tight e n e d h e
,
g r i nn e d ho rr i b ly an d w a s l e t dow n b y h i s c o mra d e a s th e y h a d
,
ag r e e d .
“ ”
W e ll s a i d h e W h a t w a s it l i k e ?
“
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TH E SON OF T IIE S CO TT ISH Y E OMAN . 2 73
“
N ot so ”
ba d a s I e x p e c t e d s a i d
t h e oth e r N ow I will .
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h an g th e an d wh e n thou h a st e n ough whistl

e , ,
e.
SO t h e s e c o n d a g r e e d an d h e w a s st r u n g u p i n h i s tu rn an d
, ,
h e g r i nn e d too 3 b ut b e ca u s e h e would n ot wh i stl e h i s fr i e n d l e t ,
h i m h an g an d wh e n h e w a s ti r e d of w a i t i n g h e e m pti e d hi s
, ,
po c k e ts an d l e ft hi m th e re .
H a v e you an y m o r e of th a t sto ry s aid I .
n
”
N o 3 b ut I h a v e o e ab out a s m i th s s e r v an t s a id M a c Cr a w ’
.
,
Th e r e w s o nc e lo n g ago a s m i th i n E i i n n an d h e h a d a
a , ,
r ,
s e r v an t who w a s v e r y c l e v e r a t st e al i n g 3 h e c ould st e a l an yth i n g .
H i s ma st e r w a s wo r ki n g wi th an U A C H D R A N g e n tl e man an d A , ,
t h e g e n tl e man cam e to t h e s m i thy to h a v h i s pow n e y shod e ,
(t h e E n glish wo r d pow n e y is c o mm o n ly us e d i n I sl an d G a e l i c ) ,
an d h e an d t h e s m ith w e r e w e ll w i th e ac h oth e r an d th e y b e g an ,
to t a lk an d t h e s m ith to b o a st of h i s a pp r n ti c an d how w e ll
,
e e,
h e c ould st e a l A t l a st h e o ff e r e d to b e t th a t t h e l a d c ould st e a l
.
t h e g e n tl e man s ho r s e an d t h e g e n tl e man w a g e r e d five n ot e s

’
,
th a t h e would n ot Th e s m ith l a id dow n t h e mo n e y an d t h e

.
b e t w a s ma d e an d th e y told this to t h e l a d
, .
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e , ,
w a t c h t h e pow n e y an d t h e l a d w e n t an d h e b ought h i m s e lf
,
th r e e b ottl e s of whisky an d wh e n t h e n ight cam e h e w e n t to t h e

”
,
s q u ar e (th i s wo r d h a s a lso cr e pt i n to G a e l i c an d i s a ppl i e d ,
to a s e t of far m b u i ldi n gs ) of t h e g n tl e man an d h e l a i d h i m s e lf

e ,
down am o n gst t h e l i tt e r an d h e b e g an to s n o r e an d s n o r t an d
,
p r e t e n d to b e d r u n k S o out cam e o e of t h e w a t c h m e n to s ee
. n
wh a t w a s t h e ma tt e r an d h e b e g an to h an dl e t h d r u n k e n man
,
e ,
an d p r e s e n tly h e fe lt a b ottl i n h i s po c k e t 3 th e n h e d r e w it out

e ,
an d h e told t h e oth e r s an d th e y d ran k it all up Th e n th e y

, .
s a id
”
,
L e t us s e e if th e re is n ot an oth e r b ottl e i n t h e oth e r po c k e t .
S o th e y w e n t an d th e y r oll e d ov e r t h e d r u n k e n man who k e pt ,
o n sn o r i n g an d s n o r ti n g an d th e y fou n d a s e c o n d b ottl e an d
, ,
th e n th e y w e n t i n to t h e st ab l e ag ai n A t t h e e d of a l i ttl e . n
”
whil e t h e l a d h e ar d th e m g e tti n g v e r y wo r d y with i n an d “
,
soo n th e y cam e out ag a i n a thi r d t i m e an d th y r oll d h im a b out , e e ,
an d fou n d t h e th i r d b ottl e an d th a t fi i sh e d th m off an d th y

,
n e e
f e ll f a st a sl e e p Th e n t h e l a d got up an d stol e t h pow n y an d

. e e ,
w e n t to t h e s m ith y an d th e n h e w e n t to sl e p h i m s lf e e .
I n t h e m o rn i n g t h e g e n tl e man cam e to t h e s m ithy an d h e h a d ,
to p a y t h e b e t fo r t h e pow n e y w a s th e r e b e fo r e h i m
,
.
l a d th a t i s b ut a s ma l l ma tt e r I w il l
s a id th e
“
”
, ,
w a ge r you n o w t w e nt y n ot e s th a t I w i ll st e a l you r d a u g ht e r .
”
I will t a k e t h e w ag e r s a id t h e g e n t l e man .
,
A n d t h e l a d s a id N ow ma ste r l a y dow n t h e tw e n t y n ot e s
”
, ,
fo r m e S o t h e s m ith l a id th e m dow n an d t h e g e n t l e man l a id

.
,
dow n his an d t h e w age r w a s ma d e .
”
,
(Th e wo r d n ot e is a l m ost a lw a ys us e d i n G ae li c b e ca us e ,
v e r y fi l thy o n e pou n d n ot e s a r e c o mm o n i n S c otl an d Th e v al u e .
of t h e n ot e is e x p r e ss d b y pou n d s ax o n ”
e I t s e e m s to b e .
n e c e ss ar y to p r odu c e t h e m o n e y an d to d e posit it wh e n a w age r ,
i s l a id ) .
N ow n o ti m e w a s fi x e d fo r st e al i n g t h e d a ught e r s o t h e ,
g e n tl e man w e n t h o m e an d h e s e t a w at c h o n his d a ught e r s ’
r oo m who w e r e to go i n an d out a ll n i g ht lo n g Th e l a d w e n t
, .
ab out t h e c ou n t r y an d h e t ra v e ll e d t i ll h e cam e to B A I LL E P U I R T ,
a s e apo r t tow n o n t h e oth e r sid e fo r it w a s i n E i r i 3 an d th e r e ,

nn
h e re m ai n e d t i l l h e ma d e f r i n ds with a ship capt a i n an d a ft e re , .
m u c h t a lk (whi c h w a s giv e n b y t h e narra to r ) t h e ca pt a i n ag r e e d

to h e lp h i m S o t h e l a d d r e ss e d hi m s e lf up a s a wo man an d
.
,
t h e ca pt a i n s a id N ow I will s a y th a t I h a v e a siste r o n b o ar d
, ,
an d if w e a r e a sk e d to t h e hous e of t h e ge n t l e m an wh n t h e sh i p e
arr i v e s do thou a s b e st thou can st ” .

,
S o t h e ship s a il e d an d s h e s a i l e d r ou n d E i r i n n till s h e cam e

,
t o t h e g e n tl e man s hous e an d th e n t h e ca pt a i n w e n t up an d told

’
,
how h e h a d b e e n a lo n g voy age to t h e I n di s e .
Th e n t h e g e n tl e man a sk e d i f h e h a d an y o n e e ls e o n b o ar d ,
an d h e s a id th a t h e h a d a sist e r an d th at sh e w a s v e r y u n ,
s
we ll .
“ ”
Oh l s a id t h e g e n tl e man a sk h e r to c o m e up an d s h e “
”
,
s h a ll sl e e p i n m y d a ught e r s r oo m
’
.
S o t h e ca pt a i n s s i st e r cam e up an d th e y h a d a p l e a s an t e v e n
’
i n g an d th e y a ll w e n t to b e d
, .
But t h e capt a i n s sist e r c ould n ot s l e e p an d sh e s a id to t h e

’
,
g e n tl e man s d a ughte r W h a t a r e th e s e m e th a t a r e a l w ays

’ “
n
”
,
w a lki n g ab out t h e r oo m an d up an d dow n b e fo r e t h e w i n dows

,
?
A n d t h e g i r l s a id Th e r e i s a ba d man w h o h a s l a i d a w ag e r
,
th a t h e w i ll st e a l m e an d m y f a th e r i s a f ra id th a t h e ma y c o m e
,
an y n i g ht an d th e s e a r e t h e w a t c h m e n who a e gu ar di n g m e
,
r .
I t i s n ot fo r t h e m o n e y b u t m y f a th e r is s o an g r y b e ca us e th a t
”
, ,
ba d man b a t hi m o nc e a l r e a dy
e .
“
Oh
” s a id t h e capt a i n s sist e r I am s o n e r vous a ft e r t h e
’
, ,
TH E SON OF TH E S CO TT ISH Y OMAN .
E 2 75
'
se a . I h a v e a so r t of n e r v e s (t h e narra to r us e d t h e E n g l i sh
wo r d ) th a t I sh a ll n e v e r sl e e p a ll n ight I sh a ll n e v e r ge t a .
wi n k of sl e e p I would b e so m u c h o b l i g e d to you i f y ou would

h a v e t h e good n e ss to s e n d th e m a w ay ” .
A n d so a t l a st t h e m e n w e r e s e n t a w a y b ut t h e ca pt a i n s ,
’
sist e r c ould n ot sl e e p a b it b e tte r an d sh e s aid , ,
Wh e n I w a s i n t h e I n d i e s I us e d to b e so t r ou b l e d with t h e
h e a t th a t I got a h ab i t of w a lki n g out a t n i g ht p e r h a ps I c ould
, ,
sl e e p if I w e r e to t a k e a littl e w a lk n w W i ll you b e so v e r y o .
ki n d a s to c o m e out fo r a l i ttl e w alk with me .
S o t h e g e n tl e man s d a ught e r got up an d out th e y w e n t fo r a

’
,
w a lk b u t wh e n th e y h a d w a lk e d a littl e w ay t h e l a d carr i e d
, ,
h e r o ff b odily to t h e s m ithy .
I n t h e m o rn i n g t h e g e n tl e man cam e an d h e p a id t h e b e t an d ,
i t is told th a t t h e l a d marr i e d t h e d a u g ht e r .
A n d i s th a t a ll h e e v e r stol e ? ”s a id I
”
.
“
Th a t s a l l I e v e r h e ar d ab out it a t a l l e v e n ts s a id Mac
’
C ra w .
3 . In the S uth e r l an d
c oll c tio n is this r e fe r e nc e
e Th e .
Ma st e r Th i e f (s e e D a s e n t s T a l e s an d Tho r p e s T a l e s ) This
’
,
’
.
w a s so m e tw e n ty o r thi r ty y e ar s ag o a c o mm o n s c hool b oy s t al ’
e.
I h a v e t r i e d i n v a i n to ge t it w r itt e n dow n i n G a l i c b u t th e y e ,
t ll i t with all th a t is i n t h e N o r w e g i an v e r sio n an d m o r e b e sid e s

e , ,
su c h a s t h e th e ft of so m e rabb its (h o w p e r fo rm e d I cann ot h e ar ) ,
an d th a t of a lot of ca lv e s Th e Ma st e r Thi e f stol e th e s e fo r t h e

.
r o bb e r s b y i m it a t i n g i n t h e woods an d upl an d p a stu r e s t h e c r y

”
,
of t h e c ows GD . .
4 A n oth e r b it of t h e M a st r Thi e f a s gi v e n i n t h e N o r s e
. e ,
T a l e s fo rm s p ar t of a sto r y whi c h is r e fe rr e d to i n N o 48 I t i s
, . .
t h e i nc id e n t of t h e man who is p e r su a d d to put his fi n g e r i n to e
wh a t h e b e li e v e s to b a ca sk full of li q uo r whil e t h e cl e v e r
e ,
r ogu e r id e s o ff o n h i s ho r s e o n p re t e nc e of ca t c h i n g hi m s e lf
,
.
5 . I h a v e h e ar d an oth e r of t h e i nc id e n ts a s a th e ft a e c o m , ,
p l i s h e d b y t e m pt i n g a man to r u n a ft e r b r o k e d e gg e d rabb its n .
Th i s sto r y th n is n ow wid e ly sp r e a d i n t h e H ig hl an ds h o w
,
e , ,
e v e r i t got th e r e Th e R e . M r M a c La u c h lv. o e of t h e b e st
. an, n
k n ow n an d m ost r e sp e c t e d m e n i n E d i nb u r g h g ts o e v e r s i o ,
e n n
f r o m an old man i n t h G a ss m a r ke t who g i v e s i t a p e d ig r e e of

e r ,
so m e fifty y e ar s I got an oth r m ys e lf f r o m a d r ov e r i n U i st 3 a

e
2 76 WE S T H I G H LA ND T ALES .
v e r y ab l e c o l l e c to r i n S uth e r l an d s ays it w a s c o mm o n th e r e so m e
tw e n ty o r thi r ty y e ar s a go an d is told still 3 an d a s cra p of t h e
,
N o r w e gi an v e r sio n c o m e s f r o m I sl ay Th e y r e s e m b l e oth e r v e r
.
s io n s i n oth e r l an gu a g e s b ut th e y r e s e mb l e e ac h oth e r m o r e
,
th an th e y do a n y pu b lish e d v e r sio n whi c h I k n o w ; an d th e r e

s e e m s to b e b u t o n e e x pl ana tio n of t h f ac ts nam e ly th a t thi s
e , ,
i s so m e v e r y o l d t ra ditio n c o mm o n to man y rac e s an d l an gu a g e s

, ,
an d d e r iv e d f r o m so m e o r igi na l of u n k n ow n an ti quity .
Th e i nc id e n ts i n t h e G e rman of G r i mm a r sho r tly th e s e e
A poo r old man is v i sit e d b y a g e n tl e man i n a g ran d carr i ag e ,
who tu rn s out to b e his so who h a d r u n a w a y an d b e c o m e a

n
m a st e r th i e f . Th e y go to t h e C ou n t who s e ts h i m th r e e t a sk s
,
t o t r y his sk il l to st e a l his f a vou r it e ho r s e 3 to t ak e aw a y f r o m

his wife an d f r o m hi m t h e c ou n t e r p an e of th e i r b e d an d t h e r i n g ,
o ff t h e l a dy s fi n g e r 3 a d thi r dly to st e a l t h e p ar so n an d c l e r k
’
n , ,
out of t h e c hu rc h o n p ai n of h i s n e c k
, .
H e ma k e s t h e w a t c h d r u n k an d st e als t h e h o r s e
, H e ma k e s .
t h e Cou n t shoot a t a d e a d b ody an d whil e t h e C ou n t is g o n e to

,
b u r y t h e suppos e d thi e f h e a pp e ar s a s t h e C ou n t an d g e ts t h e
, ,
r i n g an d b e d c ov e r f r o m t h e Cou n t e ss
-
.
A n d h e e ti c e s t h e p ar so n an d c l e r k i n to a s ac k b y p r e t e n di n g
n
to b e S t P e t e r
. .
Th e N o r s e sto r y h a s m an y m o r e i nc id e n ts b ut am o n gst th e m
,
a r e fi e t a sks se t b y a g r e a t man to t r y t h e sk i ll of t h e Ma s t e r
v
Thi e f
To s t e al t h e r o a st f r o m t h e spit o n S u n d a y wh i c h h e do e s
,
b y e n ti c i n g t h e s e r v an ts to r u n a fte r th r e e h ar e s whi c h h e l e t s
o u t of a ba g .
To st e al f ath e r L a u r e nc e t h e p r i e st whi c h h e do e s b y
, ,
p r e t e n d i n g to b e an an g e l an d so e n ti c i n g hi m i n to a s ac k
, .
To st e a l tw e lv e ho r s e s f r o m t h e st ab l e whi c h h e do e s b y
,
a pp e ar i n g a s an o l d wo man a n d m a ki n g tw e lv e g r oo m s d r u n k
,
with a s l e e p y d r i n k i n bran d y .
To st e a l t h e ho r s e f r o m u n d e r t h e s qui r e wh i c h h e do e s,
n e ar l y i n t h e s am e w a y a s t h e c l e v e r w e a v e r i n t h e I sl a y sto r y .
To st e a l t h e s h e e t of t h e g e n tl e man s b e d an d t h e sh i ft
’
,
o ff h i s wif e s bac k whi c h h e do e s i n n e ar ly t h e s am e w a y a s it i s

’
,
do n e i n t h e G e rman v e r sio n .
A n d though t h e d au ght e r i s n ot stol e n i n t h e N o r s e t a l e it is ,
to g a i n t h e d a ught e r th a t all th e se t a sks a r e p e r fo rm e d .
N ow all th e s e a r e c l e ar l y t h e s am e a s t h e s e c o n d F a vol a ” “
TH E SON OF THE S COTT ISH Y E OM AN . 2 77
i n t h e fi r st b ook of S t ra p ar ol a p r i n t e d i V e n i c e 1 5 67 I n th i s
,
n , .
I t a l i a n sto ry t h e s c e n e i s P e r ug i a t h e c l e v e r th i e f a c e rt a i n C a s
”
, ,
s an d r i n o an d t h e man Wh o t r i e s h i s skill 1 1 P re to r e t h e P r i e st
,
“
, .
Ca s sa n d i o fi r st st e a ls t h P r i e st s b e d f r o m u n d e r h i m b y
’
r n e ,
bre a k i n g th r ough t h e r oof an d th r owi n g do w n t h e d e a d b ody of

a r e c e n tly b r i e d do c to r wh i c h h e h a d du g up an d d r e ss e d i n h i s
u
c loth e s T h e Pr i e st th i n ks th a t h e h s f all e n dow n an d k i ll e d h i m

. a
s e lf go e s to b u r y h i m an d fi n ds h i s b e d go n e wh e n h e r e tu rn s
, , .
N e x t h st als t h e ho r s e f r o m t h e st ab l e T h e w at c h man
e e .
sl e ps i n t h e s a ddl e 3 h e p r ops h i m up o n st i c ks an d st e a ls a w a y
e ,
t h e ho r s e .
L a stly h e st e als a c ou n t r y c l e rgy man who m h e t e m pts i n to

, ,
a s ac k b y d r e ssi g a s a n an ge l an d st an di n g o n an a lt ar a ft e r
n
ma t i n s e xc l ai m i n g C h i vuol an d ar i n glo r i a e n t r i n e l s acc o

“ ” .
, ,
H e g e ts a hu n d r e d fi r i n s of g old e ac h t i m e an d i s th r e a t e n e d
o ,
w i th t rr i b l e pu n i sh m e n t i n ca s e of f a i lu r e Th e d i s g uis e is a
e .
whit e r o b e p a i n t e d p a p e r wi n g s an d a shi n i n g d i a d e m
, , .
Th e I t a l i an sto r y a g a i n r e s mb l e s thoug h i n a l ss d g r e e t h e
e ,
e e ,
E gypti an sto r y of R h a m p s i i t u s to l d i n H e r odotus n (R a w l i n

,
.
so n s H e r o d vol ii p
’
, . .
, .
Th e k i n g h a d a t r e a su r e c h amb e r b u i lt of h e w n sto n e b ut ,
t h e b u i ld e r c o n t r i v e d a tu rn i n g sto n e i n t h e w a ll an d told t h e-
,
s e cr e t to h i s so n s wh e n h e w a s ab out to d i e .
T h e so n s plu n d e r e d t h e t r e a su r y an d t h e k i n g s e t a t ra p whi c h ,
c a ught o e of th e m Th e oth e r u t his h e a d o ff to p re v e n t d i s

n . o
c o v e ry an d w e n t ho m e with t h e h e ad l e a v i n g t h e b ody i n t h e
, ,
t ra p Th e k i n g m u c h pu zz l d e x pos e d t h e h e a dl e ss b ody w i th
.
, e , ,
gu ar ds b e sid e it to w a t c h if an y o e should b e s e n w e e p i n g n e a r
,
n e
i t Th m oth e r s e n t h e r so n to ge t bac k t h e b o d y an d h e di d
. e ,
v e r y m u c h a s t h e c l e v e r th i f i n t h e m od e rn sto r i s who stol e

e e ,
t h e h o r s e s ; h e dis g uis e d hi m s e lf an d e n ti c e d t h e g u ar ds i n to ,
d r i n k i n g till th e y fe ll a sl e e p ; th e n h e sh a v e d h a lf th e i r b e ar ds
off an d took a w a y t h e b ody
, .
T h e n t h e ki n g s e n t his d a ught e r to fi n d out ; an d t h e c l e v e r

thi f w e t to h e an d tol d h e r a ll ab out it 3 b ut wh n s h e t r i e d
e n r, e
to s e i z e hi m h e g a v e h e t h e h an d of a d a d m a wh i c h h e h a d
, r e n,
c u t off an d br ought w i th h i m an d so h e mad e h i s e s cap e l e a vi n g ,
t h e h an d .
Th n t h e ki n g p r o c l a i m e d a f re e p ar do n fo r t h e c l e v e r thi e f
e
who h a d outwitt e d hi m th r e e ti m e s an d w h e n h e cam e h e g a v e ,
h i m h i s d a u g ht e r i n marr i a g e .
Oth e r r e fe r e nc e s a r e giv e n i n G r i mm s thi r d volu m e (s e e p ag e

’
f r o m whi c h it a pp ar s th a t this sto r y i s v e r y wid e l y sp r e a d

e
i n E u r op e N ow t h e G a e li c a gr e e s with H e r odotus S t ra p ar ol a
. , ,
an d G r i mm i n th a t th e re a r e th r e e t a sks acc o m p l ish e d b y a

,
c l e v e r thi f 3 an d t h e n u mb e r th r e e i s al m ost u n iv e r s al l y us e d i n
e
Ga e li c t a l e s .
On e of t h e G a e li c i nc id e n ts th a t of t h e d r u n k e n gu ar ds a g r e e s
, ,
with t h e sto r y i n H e r odotus an d is c o mm o n to a ll thos e q uot e d

,
.
Th e G a e li c a g r e e s with t h e I t a li an G e rman an d N o r s e i n t h e
, , ,
th e ft of t h e ho r s e an d t h e c l e r gy man .
T h e G a e l i c a l o n e h a s t h e th e ft of t h e d a ught e r Th e N o r .
w e gi a n v e r sio n m n tio n s t h e d a u g ht e r an d s o do e s t h e sto r y of

e ,
R h a m ps i i t s an d th e r e s e e m s to b e f a i r g r ou n d fo r argui n g th a t
n u ,
a l l this m ust h a v e c o m e f r o m so m e o r i g i na l whi c h it is v a i n to
s e arc h fo r i n an y m od e rn wo r k o r i n an y m od e rn a ge S u c h a t .
l e a st i s m y ow n op i n io n an d I h a v e e n d e a vou r e d to g i ve oth e r s
,
t h e m e an s of j ud gi n g fo r th e m s e l v e s so f ar a s I am ab l e b y gi vi n g ,
a l l I g e t u na lt e r e d an d b y n am i g a ll m y a ut h o r iti e s n .
”
,
A n oth e r G a e l i c sto r y t h e , G i ll i e C arrac h of whi c h I l at e l y

,
( J u n e 1 860) r e c e i v e d a lo n g v e r sio n f r o m J oh n D e w ar c o n t a i n s ,
th r e e i nc id e n ts v e r y lik e thos e i n H e r odotus 3 m i x e d with oth e r s

whi c h a r e n e w to m e an d oth e r s whi c h I h a v e i n G e li c f r o m
,
a
oth e r sou rc e s o of whi c h h a s a p arall e l i n I t a l i an an d in

,
ne
S an s cr it .
I t i s c u r ious to r e mar k th a t t h e v e r y s am e id e a s s e e m to h a v e
,
o cc u rr e d to H e r odotu s whil e o n h i s t ra v e ls w h i c h n ow ar is e i n
, ,
t h e m i n ds of wo r th y p e d a gogu e s i n t h e H i g hl an ds Th e y o bj e c t .
t o o l d sto r i e s told b y p a s an ts b e ca us e th e y a r e
e
”
fi c tio n s an d
, ,
n o t histo r i ca lly t r u e . I h a v e r e p e a t e dly m t m e n who look o n

e
t h e t e lli n g of th e s e t al e s a s so m e th i n g a l m ost w i c k e d .
Thu s w r ot e H e r odotus an d thos e who o bj c t to t ra ditio nar y

,
e
fi c tio n s m ight t a k e e xam pl e b y t h e f a th e r of histo r y an d wh i l e ,
th e y dis b e li e v e t h e sto r i e s w r i t e th m dow n

,
e .
S u c h a s thi n k t h e t a l e s told b y t h e E g y pti an s cr e di b l e a r e ,
f re e to acc e pt th e m fo r hi sto r y F o r m y ow n p ar t I p r opos e to

.
,
m ys e lf th r ou ghout m y whol e wo r k fa i thfully to r e c o r d t h e t ra

”
, ,
d i t i o n s of t h e s e v e ra l na tio n s .
S u r e ly if H e r odotu s did n o t t h i n k it b e n e a th hi m to r e c o r d
su c h f r ivolous thi n gs an d if m e n of t h e h igh e st ac q u i r e m e n ts n ow
,
m a k e th e m a study th e y a r e n ot whol ly u n wo r th y of n oti c e

, .
XLI .
THE VV I D OIV A N D H E R D AU G H T E R S .
F r o m Mr s . M a c Ge a c h y , F arm e r s’
W ife ,
I sl a y .
H E R E was f o rm e r ly a p oo r wid o w a n d sh e had ,
th r e e daught e r s a n d all sh e had t o f e e d th e m wa s

,
a kailya r d Th e r e was a g r e at g r ay h o r s e wh o w a s
.
c o m i n g e v e r y day t o t h e ya r d t o e a t t h e kail S aid .
t h e e ld e st o f t h e daught e r s t o h e r m o th e r I will go t o “
,
t h e ya r d t o day a n d I will tak e t h e spi nn i n g wh e e l

- -
”
,
with m e a n d I will k ee p t h e h o r s e o u t o f t h e kail .
”
,
“
Do ,
said h e r m o th e r Sh e w e n t o u t
. Th e h o r s e .
c a m e ; sh e t oo k t h e distaff f r o m t h e wh e e l a n d s h e
st r u c k hi m Th e distaff stu c k t o t h e h o r s e a n d h e r
.
,
ha n d stu c k t o t h e distaff Away w e n t t h e h o r s e till

.
th e y r e a c h e d a g r e e n hill a n d h e c all e d o u t
,
Op en ,
“
,
o p e n o h g r e e n hill a n d l e t i n t h e ki n g s so n ; o p e n
, ,
’
,
” ’
Op e n o h g r e e n hill a n d l e t i n t h e wid o w s daught e r
, , .
Th e hill o p e n e d a n d th e y w e n t i n
,
He wa rm e d wat e r
.
f o r h e r f e e t a n d m ad e a s o ft b e d f o r h e r li mb s a n d s h e
, ,
lay d o w n that n ight E a r ly o n t h e m o rr o w wh e n h e

.
,
r o s e h e was go i n g t o hu n t He gav e h e r t h e k e ys o f
,
.
t h e wh o l e h o us e a n d h e said t o h e r that S h e m igh t o p e n

,
e v e r y c ha mb e r i n sid e b ut t h e o n e B y all sh e e v e r “
sa w n o t t o o p e n that o n e
” That sh e sh o u l d hav e his
.
di nn e r r e ady wh e n h e sh o uld c o m e b a c k a n d that if ,
sh e w o uld b e a g oo d w o m a n that h e w o uld m a rr y h e r .
W h e n h e w e n t away S h e b ega n t o Op e n t h e c h a mb e r s .
E v ery as sh e o p e n e d it w a s g e tti n g fi n e r a n d fi n e r
o n e, , ,
till sh e c am e t o t h e o n e that was f o rb idd e n I t s ee m e d .
t o h er \V h a t m ight b e i n it th a t sh e m ight n o t o p e n
”
,
it t o o . S h e Op e n e d it a n d it was full o f d e ad g e n tl e
,
w o m e n a n d sh e w e n t d o w n t o t h e k n e e i n b l oo d Th e n
,
.
Sh e c am e o u t a n d sh e was c l e a n si n g h e r f oo t ; a n d
,
th o ugh sh e w e r e c l e an i n g it still sh e c o uld n o t tak e a ,
b it o f t h e b l oo d o ff i t A ti n y c at c a m e wh e r e sh e was
.
,
a n d sh e said t o h e r I f sh e w o uld giv e a l ittl e d r o p o f

,
“
m ilk that sh e w o uld c l e a n h e r f oo t as w e ll as it w a s

b efo r e T h o u I ugly b e ast b e o ff b e f o r e th e e D o st
. .
’
th o u supp o s e that I w o n t c l e an th e m b e tt e r tha n th o u ? ”
“
Y e s y e s tak e thi n e o w n away Th o u wilt se e what .
”
, ,
w ill happ e n t o th ee wh e n hi m s e lf c o m e s h o m e He .
c a m e h o m e a n d sh e s e t t h e di nn e r o n t h e b o a r d a n d
, ,
th e y sa t d o w n at it B e f o r e th e y a t e a b it h e said t o
”
.
h er \ V e r t th o u a g oo d w o m a n t o day Z
“ ” I was -
“
, ,
said sh e Le t m e se e thy f oo t a n d I will t e ll th e e

.
“
”
,
wh e th e r th o u w e r t o r w e r t n o t S h e l e t hi m s ee t h e .
o n e that was c l e a n Le t m e se e t h e oth e r o n e

“ ” said
!!
.
”
,
he . \ V h e n h e sa w t h e b l oo d O h h o said h e He , .
r o s e a n d t OOk t h e a x e a n d t oo k h e r h e ad Off a n d h e ,
th r e w h e r i n t o t h e c hamb e r with t h e o th e r d e ad p e o pl e .
H e laid d o w n that n igh t a n d e a rly o n t h e m o rr o w h e ,

’
w e n t t o t h e wid o w s ya r d agai n S aid t h e s e c o n d o n e .
o f t h e wid o w s daught e r s t o h e r m o th e r —
’
I wil l g o “
o u t t o day a n d I will k e e p t h e g r ay h o r s e o u t o f t h e
-
”
,
ya r d . S h e w e n t o u t s e wi n g S h e st r u c k t h e thi n g .
S h e was s e wi n g o n t h e h o r s e Th e c l o th stu c k t o t h e .
h o r s e a n d h e r ha n d stu c k t o t h e c l o th Th e y r e a c h e d
,
.
t h e hill He c all e d as usua l t o t h e hill 3 t h e hill

.
Op e n e d a n d th e y w e n t i n
,
He wa rm e d wat e r f o r .
h e r f e e t a n d m ad e a s o ft b e d f o r h er li mb s a n d
, ,
th e y lay d o w n that n ight E a r l y i n t h e m o rn i n g h e

.
THE W I DO W AN D HER D AU GH T E R S . 2 81
wa s g o i n g t o hu n t a n d h e said t o h e r that sh e sh o uld

,
o p e n e v e ry c ha mb e r i n sid e b ut o n e a n d b y all S h e ,
“
e ve r saw
” n o t t o O p e n that o n e S h e Op e n e d e v e r y
.
c ha mb e r till sh e c a m e t o t h e littl e o n e a n d b e c aus e sh e ,
th o ught \V h a t m ight b e i n th a t o n e m o r e tha n t h e

“
r e st that sh e m ight n o t Op e n it 2 ” S h e Op e n e d it a n d ,
it was full o f d e ad g e n tl e w o m e n a n d h e r o w n sist e r ,
a m o n gst th e m S h e w e n t d o w n t o t h e k n e e i n b l o o d
. .
S h e c a m e o u t a n d as sh e was cl e a n i n g h e r s e lf a n d t h e
, ,
littl e c at c a m e r o u n d ab o ut a n d Sh e said t o h e r ,
If ,
“
th o u wilt giv e m e a ti n y d r o p o f m ilk I will c l e a n thy

f o o t as w e ll as i t e v e r w a s ” Th o u u gly b e ast
.
“
! !
b e go n e . D o st th o u thi n k that I will n o t c l e a n it m y
s e lf b e tt e r tha n th o u “ ”
Th o u wilt se e said t h e e a t
”
, ,
“
what will happ e n t o th e e wh e n hi m s elf c o m e s h o m e .
“ h e n h e c am e sh e se t d o w n t h e di nn e r a n d th e y sa t at
T
it S aid h e — IV e r t th o u a g o o d w o m a n t o day
.
“
I -
“
wa s
” said sh e Le t m e s e e thy f oo t a n d I will t e ll
“
”
.
, ,
th e e wh e th e r th o u w e r t o r w e r t n o t Sh e l e t hi m s e e
”
.
t h e f o o t that was c l e a n Le t m e s e e t h e o th e r o n e
“
.
,
said h e Sh e l e t hi m se e it
. O h h o E said h e a n d
.
“
,
h e t oo k t h e a x e a n d t o o k h e r h e ad O ff He lay d o w n .
that n ight E a r ly o n t h e m o rr o w said t h e y o u n g e st

.
,
o n e t o h e r m o th e r as sh e w o v e a st o c ki n g — I will g o “
,
o u t with m y st o c ki n g t o day a n d I will wat c h t h e g r ay

-
h o r s e I will se e what happ e n e d t o m y t w o S ist e r s a n d

.
.
”
,
I will r e tu rn t o t e ll y o u ”
D O said h e r m o th e r
.
“
an d “
, ,
s e e th o u d o st n o t stay away Sh e w e n t o u t an d t h e
.
,
h o r s e c am e S h e st r u c k t h e st o c ki n g o n t h e h o r s e Th e
. .
s t o ck stu c k t o t h e h o r s e a n d t h e ha n d stu c k t o t h e
n ,
st o c ki n g Th e y w e n t away a n d th e y r e a c h e d t h e g r e e n
.
,
hill . He c all e d o u t as usual a n d t h e y go t i n ,

He .
wa rm e d wat e r fo r h e r f e e t a n d m ad e a s o f t b e d f o r h e r
,
li mb s a n d th ey lay d o w n th a t n ight On t h e In o r r o w
,
.
2 1 9
2 82 WES T H I G H L A ND TALES .
h e wa s g o i n g t o hu n t a n d h e said ,
w o uld t o h en — “
I f sh e
b e have h e r s e lf as a g oo d w o m a n t ill h e r e tu rn e d that
”
,
th e y w o uld b e m a rr i e d i n a f e w days He gav e h e r t h e .
k e ys a n d h e said t o h e r that sh e m ight o p e n e v e r y

,
c ha mb e r th a t w a s withi n b ut that littl e o n e b ut se e “
”
,
th a t sh e sh o u l d n o t o p e n that o n e S h e Op e n e d e v e r y .
o n e a n d wh e n sh e c a m e t o this o n e b e c aus e sh e th o ught

, ,
“
what m ight b e i n it that sh e m ight n o t o p e n it m o r e
”
tha n t h e r e st ? sh e o p e n e d it a n d sh e sa w h er tw o ,
sist e r s th e r e d e ad a n d sh e w e n t d o wn t o t h e tw o k n e e s
,
i n b l oo d S h e c a m e o u t a n d S h e was c l e a n i n g h e r f e e t
.
, ,
a n d sh e c o ul d n o t tak e a b it o f t h e b l oo d o ff th e m Th e .
ti n y c at c a m e wh e r e S h e was a n d sh e said t o h e r ,
“
G iv e m e a ti n y d r o p o f m ilk a n d I will c l e a n thy f e e t
”
,
as w e ll as th e y w e r e b e f o r e I will giv e it th o u cr e a
.
tu r e 3 I will giv e th e e thy d e si r e o f m ilk if th o u will

c lean my fee t ” Th e c at li c k e d h e r f ee t a s w e ll as th e y
.
we r e b e fo r e .Th e n t h e ki n g c am e h o m e a n d th e y s e t ,
d o w n his di nn e r a n d th e y sa t at i t
,
B e f o r e th e y a t e a .
b it h e said t o h e r W e r t th o u a g oo d w o m a n t o day l -
’
”
, ,
I was m i ddl i n said Sh e 3 I hav e n o b o asti n g t o

”
,
m ak e o f m ys e lf Le t m e s e e thy f e e t said h e Sh e
”
. .
,
l e t hi m s e e h e r f e e t Th o u w e r t a g oo d w o m a n
.
“
,
said h e 3 a n d if th o u h o ld e st o n thus till t h e e n d o f

“
a f e w days thys e lf a n d I will b e m a rr i e d ” On t h e .

,
m o rr o w h e w e n t away t o hu n t W h e n h e w e n t away.
t h e littl e c at c a m e wh e r e S h e was N o w I wi ll t e ll .
”
,
th e e i n what way th o u wi lt b e q ui c k e st m a rr i e d t o hi m ,
said t h e c at ”
T h e r e a r e said sh e
. a l ot o f o l d “
, ,
c h e sts withi n Th o u shalt tak e o ut th r e e o f th e m ; th o u

.
shalt c l e a n th e m Th o u shalt sa y t o hi m n e x t n ight

.
,
that h e m ust l e av e th e s e th r e e c h e sts o n e ab o ut o f ,
th e m i n thy m o th e r s h o us e as th e y a r e o f n o u s e
,
’
h e r e ; that the r e a r e pl e n ty h e r e with o ut th e m ; th o u

TH E W I D OW A ND H E R D AU GH T E R S . 2 83
shal t say t o hi m that h e m ust n o t Op e n a n y o f th e m o n

t h e r o ad o r e ls e if h e o p e n s that th o u w ilt l e av e h i m 3
, , ,
t hat th o u wilt g o u p i n t o a t r e e t o p a n d that th o u wilt ,
b e l oo ki n g a n d that if h e Op e n s a n y o f th e m that th o u
,
wilt se e Th e n wh e n h e g o e s hu n ti n g th o u shalt o p e n
.
,
t h e c ha mb e r th o u shalt br i n g o u t thy t w o sist e r s 3 th o u

,
shalt d r aw o n th e m t h e m agi c c lu b a n d th e y will b e as ,
liv e ly a n d wh o l e as th e y w e r e b e f o r e 3 th o u shalt c l e a n
t h e m th e n a n d th o u shal t put o n e i n e a c h c h e st o f
,
th e m a n d th o u shalt g o thys e lf i n t o t h e thi r d o n e

,
.
T h o u shalt put o f silv e r a n d o f g o ld as m u c h i n t h e ,
c h e sts as will k e e p th y m o th e r a n d thy sist e r s r ight f o r

th e i r liv e s \V h e n h e l e av e s t h e c h e sts i n thy m o th e r s
.
’
h o us e a n d wh e n h e r e tu rn s h e will fly i n a wild r age

,
’
h e will th e n go to thy m o th e r s h o us e i n this fu r y a n d ,
h e will br e ak i n t h e d oo r ; b e th o u b e hi n d t h e d o o r ,
a n d tak e o ff his h e ad with t h e b a r 3 a n d th e n h e wil l b e

’
a ki n g s so n as p r e c i o us as h e was b e f o r e a n d h e wil l
, ,
m a rr y th e e S ay t o thy sist e r s if h e att e mpts t h e

.
,
c h e sts t o o p e n th e m b y t h e way t o c all o u t I s e e th e e , ,

‘
,
’
I s e e th e e a n d that h e wilt thi n k that th o u wilt b e
,
c alli n g o u t i n t h e t r e e ” W h e n h e cam e h o m e h e w e n t
.
away with t h e c h e sts o n e aft e r o n e till h e l e ft th e m i n

, ,
’
h e r m o th e r s h o us e \ V h e n h e c a m e t o a gl e n wh e r e
.
,
h e th o u ght sh e i n t h e t r e e c o uld n o t se e hi m h e b e ga n ,
t o l e t t h e c h e st d o w n t o se e what was i n it 3 Sh e that

w a s i n t h e c h e st c all e d o ut I se e th e e I se e th e e
“
”
, ,
“
G oo d lu c k b e o n thy p r e tty littl e h e ad said h e , ,
“
if th o u c an st n o t s e e a l o n g way
T his w a s t h e w a y with hi m e a c h j o u rn e y till h e l e ft ,
’
t h e c h e sts alt o g e th e r i n h e r m o th e r s h o us e .
W h e n h e r e tu rn e d h o m e o n t h e last j o u rn ey a n d ,
sa w that Sh e was n o t b e f o r e hi m h e fl e w i n a w ild r ag e 3 ,
h e w e n t b a c k to t h e wid o w s h o us e a n d wh e n h e
’
,
2 84 WE S T H I G H LA ND TALES .
r e a c h e d t h e d oo r h e d r o v e it i n b e f o r e hi m S h e was .
stan di n g b e hi n d t h e d oo r an d Sh e t o o k his h e ad o ff ,
with t h e b a r Th e n h e g r e w a ki n g s s o n as p r e c i o us
.
’
as e v e r c a m e 3 th e r e h e was withi n a n d th e y w e r e i n
g r e at glad n e ss Sh e an d hi m s e lf m a rr i e d a n d th e y l e ft
, ,
with h e r m o th e r a n d sist e r s o f g o ld a n d silv e r as mu c h , ,
as l e ft th e m w e ll f o r lif e .
A B H A I N TR E A CH .
B H A b a i n t re a c h ann r o i m h e s b h a t r i n igh e a an a i c e s i s e na ,
’
n ,
’
b h a a i c e i r s o n am b e a t h a c h a dh ga a dh c a i l Bh a e ac h m o r
a rr .
gl a s a h uil l a t h a t igh i n do n gh ar r a d h a d h i t h e a d h a c h a il
’
’
e
’
n
’ ’ ’
.
Th i t an t é b u sh i n e d e na i g h e a a r a m a t h a i r t h e id m i s e
’
u r n n n
d an gh a a dh an di n gh s b h i m i l e am a c h u ib h e a l S c u m i dh
’
rr
’
e r
’
a
”
,
m i t e ac h a s a c h a l
’
n -
D e an ” ’
s a m t h a i D h fh o l b h
.
“
u r
’
a r.
’
i mac h Th a i ig an t e ac h Thug i c h u ige l a s a c h u ib h e i l s

. n -
.
’
a
’ ’
b h u a il i e L e an a c h i ge a l r is an e ac h s l e an a l amh sa r i s a
’ ’ ’
. u ,
c h i e il
u
g A i r f o l b h a b h a n t e ac h gus an d r a i i g e cn o c u a i n e
.
’
-
,
’
n ,
Fo sga il f o sg i l a c h u i c n a i n e s l e i g mac a n
’
s gh l a o i d h e
“ ’
, ,
a n
r i g h s t i gh Fo sga i l fo sg i l a c h o i c a i n e l e ig n i gh e a na
. a n n
’
s n
b a i t i c h a s t i gh ” D h fh o sg i l an cn o c s c h a i d h i a d a s t i gh
,
’ ’
n r . a ,
.
R i nn e mi s g e b l a th d a ca s an s l e aba b h o g d a l e a sa n s c h a i d h i
’ ’ ’
,
’
l a i dh an o idh c h e si n M o c h t h a t h an l a r n a m h a i r e a c h n u r a
e . r
’
dh
’
i r id h e s an b h a e d o l a s h e a l ga i re a e h d
e ,
Thu g e d h i se i u c h
’
.
’
r a i c h e a n an t ig h a i r f ad s t h i t e r ith e g u m f a o d a d h i h u i l e
’
e ,
u r -
s e o mb a r s t i g h fh o s l d h a h an t a o n 3 a i r n a c h u n a i c i r i a mh
a a c n
g
-
gu n am f e ar s i n fh o sgl d h 3 a d h i n e i r s an a b hi a i c e r e idh n u r a
a n -
t h i l l e a d h e ; s 11 am b i o d h i na b e an m b a th gu m p Osa dh e i
’ ’ ’
.
N u r a d h f h o l b h s an t h Oi si c h i s e a i r f o sgl a id h nan s e o m b r a i
’
e
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A E HA I N TR E A C I I . 2 87
feu m e na t r i s i n t e ma s e a c h dhi n fh aga i l ann an

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F r o m Ca th e r i n e M i lloy K il m a n y I sl a y Marc h 1 85 9
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f r o m h e r d i c t a t i o n b y H ect r Il l a cL ea n I sl ay Ma y 1 85 9
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t h e K i n g of t h e S ki e s 3 i t h a s a b i t l i k e Th e M e rma id .
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man a t B ow m o r e i n I sl a y w h o c a r c i t a g re a t man y m o r e
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. e
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q u e t of A o gh s G u a m a f ro w n i n g A n g us of who m v e r y q u e e r
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g r e a t g r y ca t a sk e d fo r m i lk an d g ot i t a d d ran k it an d b e
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,
of t h e b lood o n h e r 3 an d so sh e did .
“
No w
” s a id t h e ki n g s d a u ght e r ’
wh e n h e c o m e s i n an d “
, ,
s e e s th a t t h y foot i s c l e an h e will marr y th e e 3 b u t th o w ilt n ot

,
u
TH E W I D O W A ND II ER D A U GH T E R S . 2 89
be lo n g aliv e if thou ar t w i th h i m Wh e n h go e s t o t h e hu n ti n g . e
h i ll th o u sh a lt t a k e w i th th e e A M B A L L A N I OC v e ss e l of bal s am
, ,
(b l l n i s a tea t ) an d r u b i t a g a i n st t h e m outh of thy b i g s i st e r ;

a a ,
an d th o u sh alt put h i n to a s ac k an d gol d an d s i lv r w i th h e

er , e r,
an d thou sh alt stu ff t h e s ac k w i th b a y 3 an d wh e n h e c o m e s ho m e

t ll h i m th a t th e r e is a wh i sp fo r t h e c o w an d to l e a v it w i th
e , e
thy m oth r ; a d t h e n e x t d a y do t h e s am e w i th t h y s e c o n d
e n
sist e r ; an d o t h th i r d d a y I w i ll p t thys e lf an d t h e wh i t e
n e ,
u
g l a v e of l ig ht i n to t h e s ac k W h e n h e k n ows th a t thou ar t n ot.
w i th h i m h e will g o a ft e r th e e 3 an d wh n h e i s c o m i n g i n a t t h e
,
e
doo r S G A P th e h e a d o ff h i m w i th t h swo r d an d hold t h e

,
“
e ,
s w o r d o t h e S M I OR CH A I L L E A CH (sp i na l marr ow ) t i ll i t c ools b e

n
”
,
fo r e t h h a d g o e s o ag a i n
e e u .
T h e g i r l did a s s h e w s told ; an d h e took t h e th r e e sist e r s

a
a li v e an d h i s gold an d h i s swo r d i n t h e s ac ks with t h e h a y o n

, ,
h i s b c k t o t h e m oth e r an d s a id e ac h t i m e S 0 A C H A I LL E A C H
a
”
, ,
S I N A G U B S OP D O N B H O H e r e car li n th e r e thou h a st a wh i sp
’
”
, ,
fo r t h e c o w .
O t h e th i r d d a y h e w e n t ho m e an d wh e n h e l a y dow n an d
n ,
fou n d th a t sh e w a s n ot th e r h e w e n t to t h e poo r wo man s hou s e e,

’
,
an d t h y ou n g e st d a u g ht r c hopp e d h i s h e a d off a s h e w e n t i n a t
e e
t h doo r 3 an d th e n h e w e n t bac k t o t h e ca stl e an d st a y e d i n i t

e s
with t h k i n g s d a u g ht e r
e
’
.
3 d Th i s is man i fe stly t h e s am sto r y a s

. Th e histo r y of M r e .
Gr e n w o o c
e i n M r P e t r B u c h an s u n pu b lish e d M S Th e s c e n e
. e
’
.
of th a t sto r y i s l a i d i n t h \ V e s t I sl s 3 it is br ou g ht dow n to
e e rn e
a m u c h l a t e r p e r i od th an t h e G a e l i c sto r y 3 an d t h e l an gu a ge i s
n ot th a t of p e a s an ts .
I t i s t h s am e a s t h e Ol d Dam e an d h e H e N o r s e T al e s
e r n , ,
No . pu b l i sh e d 1 8 5 9 an d i t r e s e mb l e s bi ts of oth e r t a l e s i n
,
t h e s am e c oll e c tio n I t i s t h e s am e a s F i t c h e r s V o g e l G r i mm
.
’
, ,
N o 46 3 an d Ol d R i n k R an k 1 9 6 I t i s i n F r e nc h a s Barb e
.
, .
B l e u ; i n E n gl i sh a s Blu b ar d ; an d acc o r d i g to t h e n ot s i n
e e n e
G r i m m s th i r d volu m i t i s v e r y old an d v e r y w i d ly S p r e a d
’
e, e .
Of a ll th e s e t h e N o r s e an d G a e l i c r e s m b l e ac h oth r m ost e e e .
T h e s am e i d e a p e r v a d e s a n u m b r of oth r G a l i c sto r i s e e e e ,
nam e ly t h a t of a p e opl e l i v i g u n d e r g r ou n d who a ss m d t h e

, n ,
u e
sh a p e of v ar ious cr e a tu r e s an d l i v e d b y hu n t i n g 3 poss ss e d g old

,
e
an d s i lv e r an d swo r ds ; carr i d off wo m n an d c h i ld r e n ; a t e

, e e
so m e m u r d e re d oth e r s an d k e pt a l ar d e r of d e a d g n tl e wo m e n
, ,
e ,
who m i t app e ar s th a t th y carr i e d o ff marr i e d an d m u r d e re d

e , ,
.
XL II .
T H E T ALE O F T H E S O L D I E R .
F r o m J oh n M a cDo n al d, t ra v e l li n g ti n k e r .
H E R E w a s a n Ol d s o ldi e r o nc e a n d he l e ft t h e ,
a rm y He w e n t t o t h e t o p o f a hill th a t was at
.
t h e upp e r e n d o f t h e t o w n la n d a n d h e said ,
“
W e ll m ay it b e that t h e m is c hi e f m ay c o m e a n d
,
tak e m e with hi m o n his b a c k t h e n e x t t i m e th a t I

”
,
c o m e agai n i n sight o f this t o w n .
Th e n h e was walki n g till h e c am e t o t h e h o u s e o f

a g e n tl e m a n that was th e r e J o h n ask e d t h e ge n tl e
,
m a n if h e w o ul d ge t l e av e to stay i n his h o u s e that

n ight .
“
.
”
W e ll th e n said t h e g e n t l e m a n
,
si nc e ,
“
th o u a r t a n Ol d s o ldi e r a n d hast t h e l oo k o f a m a n o f
,
c o u r ag e w i th o u t d r e ad o r f e a r in thy fa c e th e r e is a
, ,
c astl e at t h e sid e o f y o n d e r w oo d a n d th o u m ay e st ,
stay i n it till day T ho u shalt hav e a pip e a n d b a cc y

.
”
,
a c o gi e full o f whisky a n d a b i b l e t o r e ad
,
.
W h e n J o h n g o t h i s supp e r h e t oo k hi m s e lf to t h e
,
c astl e h e se t o n a g r e at fir e a n d wh e n a whil e o f t h e
,
n ight had c o m e th e r e c a m e tw o taw n y w o m e n i n a n d

, ,
a d e ad m an s kist b e tw e e n th e m Th e y th r e w it at
’
.
t h e fi r e sid e a n d th e y sp r a n g o u t
,
J o h n aro s e an d .
,
w ith t h e h e e l o f his f oo t h e d r o v e o u t its e n d a n d h e ,
d ra gge d o u t a n o ld h o a r y b o da c h a n d h e s e t hi m si t ,
ti n g i n t h e g r e at c hai r ; h e gav e hi m a pip e a n d b a cc y ,
a n d a c o gi e o f whisky b ut t h e b o da c h l e t th e m fall o n
,
T H E TALE OF TH E S O LDIE R . 2 91
t h e fl oo r .
“ ”
P o o r m a n said J o h n t h e c o ld is o n “
”
, ,
th e e . J o h n laid hi m s e lf st r e t c h e d i n t h e b e d a n d ,
h e l e ft t h e b o da c h t o t o ast hi m s e lf at t h e fi r e si d e 3 b ut
ab o ut t h e cr o wi n g o f t h e c o c k h e w e n t away .
Th e g e n tl e m a n c a m e w e ll e a r ly i n t h e m o rn i n g .
“ hat r e st didst th o u fi n d J o h n
T
“ ”
G oo d r e st said J o h n thy fath e r was n o t t h e m a n “
,
that w o uld f r ight e n m e ” .
“
R ight g oo d J o h n th o u shalt hav e t wo hu n d r e d
,
”
,
pa ml a n d l i e t o n ight in t h e c astl e
‘ ’
.
”
,
“
I a m t h e m a n that will d o that said J o h n 3 a n d that ,
n ight i t was t h e v e r y lik e Th e r e c a m e th r e e taw n y .
w o m e n a n d a d e ad m a n s kist with th e m a m o n gst th e m

,
’
.
Th e y th r e w it u p t o t h e sid e o f t h e fi r e pla c e a n d th e y ,
t oo k th e i r s o l e s o u t (o f that ) .
J o hn a r o s e a n d with t h e h e e l o f his f oo t h e br o k e
,
t h e h e ad o f t h e kist a n d h e d r agg e d o u t o f it t h e Ol d
,
h o a r y m a n 3 a n d as h e did t h e n ight b e f o r e h e s e t h i m
S itti n g i n t h e b ig c hai r a n d gav e hi m pip e a n d b a cc y
” !
, ,
a n d h e l e t th e m fall O h p oo r m a n said J o h n c o ld
“
.
,
”
,
is o n th e e Th e n h e gav e hi m a c o gi e o f d r i n k a n d h e
”
.
,
l e t that fall als o O h p oo r m a n th o u a r t c o ld

.
“
.
”
,
Th e b o da c h w e n t as h e did t h e n ight b e f o r e 3 b ut “
,
said J o h n t o hi m s e lf if I stay h e r e this n ight a n d

,
“
,
that th o u sh o uldst c o m e th o u shalt pay m y pip e a n d

”
,
b a cc y a n d m y c o gi e o f d r i n k
,
.
Th e g e n tl e m a n c a m e e a r ly e n o ugh i n t h e m o rn i n g ,
a n d h e ask e d What r e st didst th o u fi n d last n ight

“
,
”
,
Joh n G oo d r e st
"
said J o h n it was n o t t h e “
”
, ,
h o a r y b o da c h thy fath e r that w o uld put f e a r o n m e

, ,
.
Oc h said t h e g e n tl e m an if th o u s ta y e s t t o n ight ,
“ -
th o u shalt hav e th r e e hu n d r e d p zmd ‘

.
’
“ ’ ”
I t s a b a r gai n said J o h n .
,
W h e n it w a s a whil e o f t h e n ight th e r e c a m e f o u r
2 92 WES T HIGHLAND T ALES .
!
’
taw n y w o m e n a n d a d e ad m a n s kist with th e m
,
a m o n gst th e m 3 a n d th e y l e t t hat d o w n at t h e sid e Of

John .
J o h n a r o s e a n d h e d r e w his f oo t an d h e d r o v e t h e
,
h e ad o u t o f t h e kist a n d h e d r agg e d o u t t h e Ol d h o a r y
,
m a n a n d h e se t hi m i n t h e b ig c h a i r He r e a c h e d hi m .
t h e pip e a n d t h e b a cc y t h e c up a n d t h e d r i n k b ut t h e
, ,
o l d m an l e t th e m fall a n d th e y w e r e br o k e n .
”
,
“
O c h said J o h n b e f o r e th o u g o e st this n ight t h o u
, ,
”
shalt pay m e all th o u hast br o k e n 3 b ut w o r d th e r e
c a m e n o t f r o m t h e h e ad o f t h e b o da c h Th e n J o h n
”
.
t oo k t h e b e lt o f his a b e r sga i c a n d h e ti e d t h e
“
,
b o da c h t o his sid e a n d h e t oo k hi m with hi m t o b e d

,
.
W h e n t h e h e ath c o c k cr o w e d t h e b o da c h ask e d hi m t o
-
l e t h i m go .
“ ”
P ay what th o u hast br o k e n fi r st said J o h n I “
,
w ill t e ll th e e th e n
” said t h e o ld m a n th e r e is a c e lla r
, , ,
o f id r i n k u n d e r b e l o w m e i n wh i c h th e r e is p l e n ty o f
, ,
dr i n k t o b a cc o a n d pip e s 3 th e r e is a n o th e r littl e
, ,
c ha mb e r b e sid e t h e c e lla r i n whi c h th e r e is a c ald r o n

,
full o f g o ld 3 a n d u n d e r t h e th r e sh o ld o f t h e b ig d oo r
th e r e i s a cr o c ky full Of silv e r Th o u sawe st t h e w o m e n .
that c am e with m e t o n ight -
”
I saw said J o h n .
,
well th e r e th o u hast f o u r w o m e n f r o m wh o m I
'
“
,
t oo k t h e c o ws a n d th e y i n e x t r e m ity 3 th e y a r e go i n g
,
w ith m e e v e r y n ight thus pu n ishi n g m e 3 b ut go th o u ,
a n d t e ll m y so n h o w I a m b e i n g w e a r i e d o u t L e t hi m .
g o a n d pay t h e c o ws a n d l e t hi m n o t b e h e avy o n t h e
,
p oo r Th o u thys e lf a n d h e m ay divid e t h e g o ld an d
.
silv e r b e tw e e n y o u a n d m a rr y thys e lf m y o l d gi r l 3 b ut
,
m i n d gi v e pl e n ty o f g o ld o f what is l e ft t o t h e p oo r o n
, ,
H a v e r s ac k .
T H E T ALE OF TH E S O LDIE R . 2 93
wh o m I w a s t o o ha r d a n d 1 will fi n d r e st i n t h e w o rl d
”
,
o f w o r lds .
Th e g e n tl e m a n c a m e a n d J o h n t o ld h i m as I hav e
,
t o ld th e e b ut J o h n w o uld n o t m a rr y t h e o l d gi r l o f
,
t h e h o a r y b o da c h .
A t t h e e n d o f a day o r tw o J o h n w o uld n o t stay

l o n g e r 3 h e fill e d his p o c k e ts full o f t h e g o ld a n d h e ,
ask e d t h e g e n tl e m a n t o giv e pl e n ty Of g o ld t o t h e p oo r .
He r e a c h e d t h e h o us e (w e n t h o m e ) b ut h e was w e a r y ,
i n g at h o m e a n d h e had r ath e r b e b a c k with t h e r e gi

,
m e n t He t o o k hi m s e lf Off o n a day o f days a n d h e

.
,
r e a c h e d t h e hill ab o v e t h e t o w n f r o m whi c h h e w e n t
away 3 b ut wh o sh o uld c o m e t o hi m b ut t h e M is c hi e f .
H o th I b o t h I J o h n th o u hast c o m e b a c k 2 ’
! ”
,
“
H o th o n thys e lf q u o th J o h n I c a m e ; w h o a r t
, ,
“
th o u 2
“
I a m t h e M is c hi e f 3 t h e m a n t o wh o m th o u gav e st
thys e lf wh e n t h o u w a s h e r e last ”
!
.
Ai ai said J o h n it s l o n g si nc e I h e a r d
,
“ ’
t e ll o f th e e b ut I n e v e r saw th e e b e f o r e T h e r e i s
,
.
glam o u r o n m y e y e s I will n o t b e li e v e that it is th o u

,
at all 3 b ut m ak e a s n ak e o f thys elf a n d I will b e li e v e ,

’
th eef
Th e M is c hi e f did this .
M ak e n e w a li o n o f r o a r i n g ” .
“
S pit fir e n o w s e v e n m il e s b e hi n d th e e a n d s e v e n ,
m il e s b e f o r e th e e ” .
”
W e ll said J o h n S i nc e I a m t o b e a s e r va n t with
, ,
’
th e e c o m e i n t o m y a b e r sga i c a n d I will c a rr y th e e 3
,
‘
,
b ut th o u m ust n o t c om e o u t till I ask th e e o r e ls e t h e

”
,
’
b a r gai n s br o k e .
Th e M is c hi e f p r o m is e d a n d h e did this
,
.
”
N o w said J o h n I a m g o i n g t o see a br o th e r o f
“
, ,
m i n e that is i n t h e r e gi m e n t b ut k e e p th o u q ui e t
” .
,
S o Ho w J o h n w e n t i n t o t h e t o w n ; a n d o n e y o n
,
d e r a n d o n e h e r e w o uld cr y Th e r e is J o h n t h e
, ,
“
’
d e sa i r t a i r .
Th e r e was g r ippi n g o f J o h n a n d a c ou r t h e ld o n ,
h i m ; a n d so it was that h e was to b e ha n g e d ab o ut

m id day o n t h e m o rr o w a n d J o h n ask e d n o fav o u r b ut
-
t o b e fl oo r e d with a b ull e t .
Th e Co i r n e a l sa i d
“
S i nc e h e was a n Ol d s o ldi e r
,
“
,
a n d i n t h e a rmy so l o n g that h e sh o u l d hav e his

”
,
aski n g .
O n t h e m o rr o w wh e n J o h n was t o b e sh o t a n d t h e ,
s o ldi e r s f o u r s o m e r o u n d all ab o ut hi m ,
“
W hat is that th e y a r e sa y i n g l said t h e M is c hi e f ’
. .
“
Le t m e a m o n gst th e m a n d I w o n t b e l o n g s c att e r i n g
th e m ” .
Guist cu i st said J o h n .
said t h e Co i r n e a l
’
W hat s th a t sp e aki n g t o th e e C l .
’ ”
O h 1 i t s b ut a whit e m o us e said J o h n .
”
,
’
“
B la c k o r whit e said t h e Co i rn e a l d o n t th o u l e t “
'
, ,
h e r o u t o f t h e a b e r sga i c a n d th o u shalt h a v e a l e tt e r
‘ ’
o f l oo si n g a n d l e t s se e th e e n o m o r e
’ ” .
,
J o h n w e n t away a n d i n t h e m o uth o f n ight h e w e n t

,
i n t o a b a rn wh e r e th e r e w e r e tw e lv e m e n t h r e shi n g .
”
O h lads said J o h n h e re s f o r y o u my o l d “ ’
, ,
a b er s a i c
g a n d tak e a whil e th r e shi n g it it is s o ha r d
”
, ,
that it i s taki n g t h e ski n o ff m y b a c k .
Th e y t oo k as m u c h as tw o h o u r s o f t h e wat c h at t h e
a b e r s a i c with t h e tw e lv e fla i l s 3 a n d at last e v e ry b l o w
g
th e y gave it it w o uld l e ap t o t h e t o p o f t h e b a rn a n d it
, ,
wa s c asti n g o n e o f t h e th r e sh e r s n o w a n d agai n o n his

b a c k W h e n th e y sa w that th e y ask e d hi m t o b e o u t
.
,
AN SA I GI I DE A R . 2 95
o f that hi m s e lf a n d his a ge r sga i c 3 th ey w o uld n o t b e li e v e

,
b ut that t h e M is c hi e f w a s i n it .
Th e n h e w e n t o n his j o u rn e y a n d h e w e n t i n t o a ,
s m ithy wh e r e the r e w e r e tw e lv e s m iths st r iki n g th e i r

g r e at ha mm e r s .
H e r e s f o r y o u lads a n o l d a b e r sga i c a n d I w ill

“ ’
, , ,
giv e y o u half a cr o w n a n d tak e a whil e at it with t h e

- -
tw e lv e g r e at ha mm e r s 3 it i s so ha r d that it is taki n g
t h e ski n o ff m y b a c k
” .
B ut that was fu n f o r t h e s m iths 3 it was g oo d sp o r t

f o r th e m t h e a b er sga i c o f t h e s o ldi e r 3 b ut e v e r y
s a il c it it was b o u n di n g o th e to f th e
“
ot t
g g p o
”
,
s m ithy Go o u t o f this thys e lf a n d it

“
said th e y ;
”
.
, ,
w e will n o t b e li e v e b ut that t h e B r a mm a n is i n it
“ ‘
.
S o th e n J o h n w e n t o n a n d t h e M is c hi e f o n his b a ck ,
a n d h e r e a c h e d a g r e at fu rn a c e that w a s th e r e .
W h e r e a r t th o u g o i n g n o w J o h n
“
said t h e ,
M is c hi e f .
”
P ati e nc e a littl e a n d th o u lt se e that said J o h n
“ ’
” ”
.
, ,
L e t m e o ut
“
said t h e M is c hi e f a n d I will n e v e r
”
, ,
put t r o ub l e o n th e e i n this w o r ld .
N o r i n th e n ex t 2
“
said J o h n '
.
“ ’”
That s it said t h e M is c hi e f
”
.
,
S t o p th e n said J o h n
“
,
till th o u ge t a s m o k e
,
“
a n d so sayi n g J o h n c ast t h e a b e r sga i c a n d t h e D o n as

,
i n t o t h e midddl e o f t h e fu rn a c e a n d hi m s e lf a n d t h e ,
fu rn a c e w e n t as a gr e e n fla m e o f fir e t o t h e ski e s .
A N S A I G H DE AR .
Bl IA
-
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2 96 W ES T H I G H L A ND T ALES .
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AN S A I GH D E A R . 2 97
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d a c h Rinn . D on a s
C u ir a ni s s m u ga i d e an t e in e se a ch d
an so
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in n,b e n a go b h a i n a bu m h a i t h a n s p o r s d h o i b h a b a sga i c a n
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TH E TALE OF TH E S OLDIER . 2 99
i nn te
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J o h n M c D l d n d s e n t J a n u a ry 1 8 6 0
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a a
t o l e a rn wh a t s h i v e rin g m e n t (Gri m m ) th o u gh i t h a s o n l y a a ,
v e ry f e w o f t h incid n t s wh i c h a r e in t h e G e r m n v e rsi n
e e a o .
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t o b e a g e n u in e t ra di t i o n th o u gh I h a v e b u t o n e G e l ic v e rsi o n
,
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,
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a ,
th o u gh I m e t th e ir c o m r a d e ft e r w rds a a .
F o t h e p e di g r e e o f Gri m m s v e rsi o n s e e v o l iii p 1 5 e di t i o n

’
r ,
. .
,
.
,
1 85 6 .
X L III .
THE S H ARP G R E Y S H EE P .
F r o m J o h n D e w a r l a b o u re r
, , Gl e n d a r u a il , Co wa l .
H ER E w a s a k in g a n d a qu e e n a n d th e y h a d a ,
d au ght e r a n d t h e qu e e n f o u nd d e a th a n d t h e k in g
, ,
m a rri e d a n o th e r A nd t h e l a s t qu e e n w a s b a d to t h e
.
d a u ght e r o f t h e fi rs t qu e e n a n d sh e u s e d t o b e a t h er
,
a n d pu t h e r o u t o f t h e d o o r Sh e s e n t h e r t o h e rd t h e
.
s h e e p a n d w a s n o t g i v in g h er Wh a t s h o u l d s u ffic e h e r
, .
A nd th e r e w a s a s h a rp (h o rn e d ) g r e y s h e e p in t h e fl o c k
t h a t wa s c o m in g w i th m ea t t o h e r .
Th e qu e e n w a s t a k i n g w o nd e r th a t sh e w a s k e e p in g
a l i v e a n d th a t sh e w a s n o t g e tt in g m e a t e n o u gh f r o m
h e rs e lf a n d sh e t o l d i t t o t h e h e n w i f e Th e h e n w i fe
,
.
th o u ght th a t sh e w o u l d s e nd h e r o w n d a u ght e r t o
w a t c h h o w sh e wa s g e tt in g m e a t a n d Ni M h a o l ,
* ’
C h a r a c h t h e h e n w i f e s da u ght e r w e n t t o h e rd t h e
, ,
’
s h e e p w i th t h e q u e e n s d a u ght e r Th e s h e e p w o u l d.
n o t c o m e t o h e r so l o n g a s N i Mh a o l C ha ra c h wa s
th e r e a n d N i M h a o l C h a r a c h w a s s ta yin g a l l t h e da y
,
w i th h e r ; Th e qu e e n s d a u ght e r w a s l o n gin g fo r h e r
’
m e a t a n d sh e s a id
, S e t th y h e a d o n m y k n e e a n d I
w i ll dr e ss th y A nd N i M h a o l C h a ra c h se t h e r
h ea d o n t h e k n e e o f t h e qu e e n s d a u ght e r a n d sh e
’
s l e pt
.
Bal d sc a bby th in g . 1 Fa sga b h a i dh

’‘
.
TH E S H AR P GRE Y S H EE P 3 01
Th e s h e e p c a m e w i th m e a t t o t h e q u e e n s d a u ght e r ’
b u t t h e e y e th a t w a s i n t h e b a c k o f t h e h e a d o f t h e b a l d
’
b l a c k s k in n e d g ir l t h e h e n w ife s d a u ght e r w a s o p e n a n d
-
, , ,
s h e sa w a l l th a t w e n t o n a n d wh e n sh e a w o k e s h e w e n t
,
h o m e a n d t o l d i t t o h e r m o th e r a n d t h e h e nwi f e t o l d i t
,
t o t h e q u e e n a n d wh e n t h e q u e e n u nd e r s t o o d h o w t h e
,
.
gir l w a s g e tt in g m ea t n o th i n g a t a l l w o u l d s e r v e h e r
,
b u t th a t t h e s h e e p s h o u l d b e k i ll e d .
’
Th e s h e e p c a m e t o t h e qu e e n s d a u ght e r a n d s a id to
h er
“
T h e y a r e g o i n g t o k i ll m e b u t s t e a l th o u m y s k in
,
a n d g a th e r m y b o n e s a n d r o ll th e m in m y s k i n a n d I
”
,
w i ll c o m e a l i v e a ga in a n d I w i ll c o m e t o th e e a ga in
,
.
’
Th e s h e e p w a s k i ll e d a n d t h e q u e e n s d a u ght e r s t o l e
,
h e r s k in a n d sh e g a th e r e d h e r b o n e s a n d h e r h o o f s a n d
,
sh e r oll e d th e m in t h e S k in b u t sh e f o r g o t t h e l i ttl e
h o o f s Th e s h e e p c a m e a l i v e a ga in b u t sh e w a s l a m e
.
, .
’
S h e c a m e t o t h e k in g s d a u ght e r w i th a h a lt i n g s t e p a n d ,
sh e s a id T h o u dids t a s I d e sir e d th e e b u t th o u h a s t
“
”
, ,
f o r g o tt e n t h e l i ttl e h o o f s .
A nd sh e w a s k e e p in g h e r in m ea t a ft e r th a t .
T h e r e w a s a y o u n g p rinc e w h o w a s h u n t in g a n d
c o m in g o ft e n p a s t h e r a n d h e sa w h o w p r e tty sh e w a s
, ,
’
a n d h e a sk e d ,
\V h o s S h e
“
A nd th e y t o l d h i m a n d ,
h e t o o k l o v e fo r h e r a n d h e w a s o ft e n c o m in g t h e w a y ;
,
’
b u t t h e b a l d b l a c k s k inn e d g ir l t h e h e n w if e s d a u ght e r
-
, ,
t o o k n o t ic e o f h i m a n d sh e t o l d i t t o h e r m o th e r a n d
, ,
t h e h e nw ife to l d i t t o t h e qu e e n .
Th e q u e e n w a s w is hf u l t o g e t k n o wl e d g e w h a t m a n
i t w a s a n d t h e h e n w i f e s o u ght t i ll sh e f o u nd o u t w h o
,
h e (w a s ) a n d sh e t o l d t h e q u e e n
,
Wh e n t h e q u e e n
.
h e a rd w h o i t w a s sh e w a s w is hf u l t o s e nd h e r o w n
’
d a u ght e r i n h is w a y a n d sh e br o u gh t in t h e fi r s t q u e e n s
,
d a u ght e r a n d s h e s e n t h e r o w n d a u ght e r t o h e rd i n h e r
,
3 02 W E S T H IG H LAND T ALES .
pl a c e ,
and sh e m a k in g t h e d a u ght e r o f t h e fi rs t
wa s
qu een d o t h e c o o k in g a n d e v e ry s e r v ic e a b o u t t h e ho u s e .
’
Th e fi rs t q u e e n s d a u ght e r w a s o u t a t u rn a n d t h e ,
p rinc e m e t h e r a n d h e ga v e h e r a p a ir o f g o l d e n s h o e s
, .
A nd h e wa s w is hf u l t o se e h e r a t t h e s e r mo n b u t h er ,
m u i m e w o u l d n o t l e t h e r go th e r e .
B u t wh e n t h e r e s t w o u l d go s h e wo u l d m a k e r e a dy ,
a n d sh e w o u l d
go a ft e r th e m a n d sh e w o u l d si t wh e r e
,
h e m i ght se e h e r b u t sh e w o u l d ris e a n d go b e f o r e t h e
,
p e opl e wo u l d sc a tt e r a n d sh e w o u l d b e a t t h e h o u s e
,
a n d e v e ry th in g in o rd e r b e fo r e h e r m u i m e w o u l d c om e .
B u t t h e th ird t i m e sh e w a s th e r e t h e p rinc e w a s w is hf u l
to go w i th h e r a n d h e sa t n ea r t o t h e d o o r a n d wh e n
, ,
sh e w e n t h e w a s k e e p in g a n e y e o n h e r a n d h e r o s e a n d
,
w e n t a ft e r h e r S h e w a s r u nnin g h o m e a n d sh e l o s t
.
,
o n e o f h e r s h o e s i n t h e m u d 3 a n d h e g o t t h e s ho e a n d ,
b e c a u s e h e c o u l d n o t se e h e r h e s a id th a t t h e o n e w h o
h a d t h e f o o t th a t w o u l d fit t h e s h o e wa s t h e w i f e th a t
wo u l d b e h is .
Th e qu e e n w a s Wis hf u l th a t t h e s h o e w o u l d fit h e r
o w n d a u ght e r a n d sh e pu t t h e d a u ght e r o f t h e fi rs t
,
qu e e n in h idin g so th a t sh e s h o u l d n o t b e s e e n t i ll sh e
,
s h o u l d t ry i f t h e s h o e s ho u l d fit h er o w n d a u ght e r .
Wh e n t h e p rinc e c a m e t o t ry t h e s h o e o n h e r h e r ,
f o o t wa s t o o bi g b u t sh e w a s v e ry a nxi o u s th a t t h e s h o e
,
s h o u l d fit h e r a n d sh e s p o k e t o t h e h e n w i f e a b o u t i t
, .
Th e h e n w i f e cu t t h e p o in t s o f h e r t o e s o ff th a t t h e s h o e
m i ght fit h e r a n d t h e s h o e w e n t o n h e r wh e n t h e p o in t s
,
o f t h e t o e s w e r e cu t .
Wh e n t h e w e ddin g da y c a m e t h e d a u ght e r o f t h e fi rs t
-
qu e e n w a s s e t in h idin g in a n o o k th a t w a s b e h ind t h e
fir e .
Wh e n t h e p e o pl e w e r e a l l ga th e r e d t o ge th e r , a bird
c a m e t o t h e w ind o w a n d h e cri e d ,
A C H A ORA B H I OR A C H, c u ms . 3 03
’
Th e
b lo o d s in t h e s h o e a n d t h e p r e tty f o o t s in t h e
“ ’
,
n o o k a t t h e ba c k o f t h e
On e o f th e m s a id Wh a t is th a t cr e a tu r e s a yin g ?
“ ”
,
’
A nd t h e q u e e n s a id It s n o m a tt e r wh a t th a t cr e a tu r e
is s a yin g , i t is b u t a n a s t y b ea k y l yin g cr e a t u r e ” .
, ,
Th e bird c a m e a ga in t o t h e w ind o w 3 a n d t h e th ird t i m e

h e c a m e t h e p rinc e s a id — VV e w i ll go a n d se e wh a t h e “
”
,
i s sa yi n g .
A nd h e r o s e a n d h e w e n t o u t a n d t h e bird cri e d ,
Th e b lo o d s in t h e s h o e a n d t h e p r e tty f o o t s in t h e
’ ’
”
,
n o o k th a t is a t t h e b a c k o f t h e fir e .
He r e t u rn e d in a n d h e o rd e r e d t h e n o o k a t t h e
,
b a c k o f t h e fir e t o b e s ea rc h e d A nd th e y s ea r c h e d i t .
,
a n d th e y f o u nd t h e fi rs t q u e e n s d a u ght e r th e r e an d
’
,
t h e g o l d e n s h o e o n t h e o n e fo o t T h ey c l e a n e d t h e .
b l o o d o u t o f t h e o th e r s h o e a n d th e y t ri e d i t o n h e r , ,
a n d t h e s h o e fitt e d h e r a n d i t s l i k e w a s o n t h e oth e r
,
f o o t Th e p rinc e l e ft t h e d a u ght e r o f t h e l a s t q u e e n
.
,
a n d h e m a rri e d t h e d a u ght e r o f t h e fi rs t q u e e n a n d h e ,
t o o k h er f r o m th e m w i th h i m a n d sh e w a s ric h a n d ,
l u c k y a ft e r th a t .
A C H A OR A B H I OR A CH , GE LAS .
B HA Ri gh a g u s B a n igh a n a g s b h a n igh e a n a c a A g u s t h u a i
r n ,
u . r
a B h a r i gh b as a g s ph o s a
n ,
Ri gh h o i l e g s b h B h a ig h
u n -
a n e ,
a u a nr
m a d h e i r e a d h d o n ri n i gh e a n n a c nd B h a r ig h a g s b h i d h i
a e n ,
u o
b h i l o rr a g s a a c u ir a m a c h a i
u n d ru s C h i r i a bh a r a o u u
ga a , g .
c ao rach i g s c h a r b h i t a b h a t dh i dh
’ ’
c h ail l e a c h n an ,
a u o r na
f h gh n a d h d h i
o A g s b h a c a o r a b h i o a h gl s a t c d a b h a
’
. u r c
’
a
’
s n r u
wo rds in G a e l ic h a v e a s o u nd th a t m i gh t b e
Th e an i mi t a
t i o n o f t h e n o t e o f a sin g in g bird t h e v o we l s o nds a u re u i an d
a n d th e r e a r e m a ny s f t c o ns o n a n t s o .
3 04 WE S T H IG H L AND T ALE S .
’
t i gh i n n l e b i a d h a h i o n su idh
-
. Bh a a B h a n r i gh g a b h a il i o n
a
ga n t a s g n r o b h i f an a c h b e o a g u s n a c h r o b
u , b i f a o t u i n n b i a d h mi
’
s l e c ir n a i p e f e in ; a g u s d h innis i d o c h a il l e c h n a n c e a rc e ’
a .
S m u a i n i c h c a i ll e a c h n a n c e a rc gu n c i r e a dh i a n i gh e a n fe in a dh
’
u
f h a i e a c h d a i n n e i a m a a b h a i f a o t i n b i dh
r A gu s ch aid h n i
r n a .
m h a o l c h a r a c h n i gh e a c h a i l l e a h n a n c e rc a b h u a c h i l l e a c h d
n c a . a
C h a t i ge a dh a c h a o ra d a
’
n an c ao r a ch l e n i h e an n a B n r i h a
g g .
m h a o l c h a r a c h a n sin s b h a n i
’ ’
h i o n su i d h f h a d s b h a a
’ ’
-
u i n ,
m h a o l c h a r a c h a fa a c h f a d l a l a th a
’ ’
B h a n i gh e n n a
n an e . a
B a n i gh g a b h a il f a d a i l a rs o n a b i a dh a g u s t h u b h a i r t i ri n i
’ ’
r ,
m h a o l c h a ra c h C u ir d o c h e a n a i r m o g h l un a g u s fa sga b h a idh n
”
.
mi th u A gu s c h u i r i m h a o l c h a r a c h a c e a nn a i gl n i gh i n
. n
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r u n n
n a B a r i gh a g s c h o i d i l i Th a i n ig a c h ao r a l e b i a d h a d h ’
n u .
i o n su i d h ni
gh i n n na B a n r igh .
Ach b ha an t -
s ui l
cinn ni gh e a n m h a o l c h ra c h
a bh
’
a n n a n c ul a
n i h ea n c h a il l e a c h n a n c e a rc f o sg il t e s ch u n n aic i n a b h a do l
’
a
g ,
ai a gh a i d h
r A g u s a n n a ir a d h u i sg i d h f h a l b h i dh a c h i d h
.
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a ,
a g u s d h innis i e d a m t h a i r a g u s c h a i dh c a i ll e c h n a n c e a rc
’ ’
a ,
a
a g u s d h innis i d o
’
B h a n r i gh e N u a ir a t h u i g a B h a n r igh c i a
’
n .
’
m ar b h a a n n i gh e a n a fa o t u i b i a dh c h a n fh o gh a d h n i a i r bi
’
nn n
d h i a c h gu n r a c h a d h a c h a o ra a m h a r b h d h Th a i n i g a c h a o ra a .
a dh io su i d h n i gh i n n n a B a r i gh a g s t h u b h a i t i ri
’
nn Th a n u r ,
“
i a d a d o l gu m m h a r b h a d h ; a c h g o i d t h u sa m o c h o i c i a gu s
’
r nn
m h a n a g s r 01 n a m c h r o i c i o n i a d a g s th i g m i
’
t u is m o c h
’
r na u n u
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,
b e o a g u s t h ig m i a d i o s u i d h a ris C h a id h a c h o r a a
'
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n . a
_
m h a r b h a dh a g s gh o i d i gh n a n Ri g h a c r o i c i n a g u s t h u s i
,
u n ea n r
a e n am h a n a g u s a c r o d h a i n a gu s r o l i ia d sa ch r ici n ; a ch
’
,
o n
d h i o c h u im h i c h i n a c o dh a i n b h e a ga Th a i i g a c h a o r a b e o
r n . n
a ris a c h b h a i c r up a c h Th a i i g i d h i o n su i d h n ig h e a n a n R i gh
’
. n
,
s c e u m c r up a c h a i c e s t h b h i r t i ri th e Rinn t h u m a r a dh
’ ’ ’
u a .
i a rr m i o r t , a ch d h i c h u imh n i c h t h u na c r o dh ain b h e a ga .
” Is
bha i cu m a il b i a dh ri th e an d e ig h s in . B h a P r i o n n sa og ann a
bha se al ga d h ,
’
s a
’
t ig h i n n t ric se a c h a d o rr a agu c h u n n aic s e ch o
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,
b o i dh e a ch
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s b ha i ,
’
s fh a r a i d e,
“
Co i a gu s
? dh
’
innis i d h a.
A gu s gh a b h g a o l d i A g u s b h a e t i gh i n n b i d h e a t a a n
e
’
.
’
n
r a th a d A c h t h u g i g h e a n m h a l c h a r a c h n i gh e a
. n c h a il l e a c h o n
n a n c e a rc a n a ir e d h a gu s d h i n nis i d a m a t h a i e A g u s a
’ ’
r .
h a i d h c a i ll e a c h n a n c e a rc a g u s d h inni s i e d o n B h a n r i gh
’ ’
c Bh a .
’
B h a n r i gh t o i l a c h fio s fh ao t u i n n c o a m fe a r a b h a n n
e Agu s ’
.
d h i a r r c a i ll e a c h n a n c e a rc g u s a d fh a i r i m a c h c o e a g u s d h
’ ’ ’
n u ,
innis i d o n B h a n r i gh N u a i r a c h u a l a a B h a r i gh c o b h a n n
’
.
’
n
’
A C H A ORA B H I O R A C I I , G H LA S . 3 05
bha i t o i l e a ch a n i gh e a n fe in a c h u ir
’
n a rat h ad ,
g u s t h u g i s t igh
a
n i gh e a n na g s h ir i a
ce u d B h a n r i gh , a u c u n i gh e f e in a b h a
an u
c h a il l a c h d e a h ai t e a g u s b h a i t o i t i r igh e n a c d
n
’
, r a n a n eu
B h a n r i gh c h oc a i e c h d a gu s n h ni l e s i r b h i s a d h a a mh t i o m
a r a a -
e e n
ch io l l a t i gh e B h a n igh e a n a c e nd B h n igh a m c h sg i b a g s
n . n a r a r o ,
u
ch o i i c h a m P r i o n s o rr a a g u s th g e d h i p id h i d o b h b a n
nn n a u
’
a r r
g ,
oi r. A g s b h a e t o il a c h a fa i c i
u ig a t se rm i h cha
e nn a n -
a o n ,
ac
l e i ge a d h m u i m e l e a th a d o l a n
a A c h n ir a d h f h l b h d h ac h n .
’
n a
’
a a e
d h e a a d h i s e d e a s a g u s d h fh l b h a d h i h a n d e i g h a g u s s h u i d h i b h
’ ’
n ,
a
,
i fa r a m fa i c ib h e i ; a c h d h ei e a dh i a g s d h f h a l b h a d h i m u n ’
r u
’
a gu s b h ith ea d h i a i
s g o i l e a d h a n sl a gh
g a t i gh a g u s a 1 n i l e
’
u , n n 1
,
ni th a n o r d gh m u n t i g a dh a m i m e A c h a i a n t r e s n a i a
u e u . r a r
b ha i a b h a a m P r i o n s t o i l e c h f a l b h l e a th a
nn g s s h u i dh e
n a a ,
a u
dl u th do d o r u s a g u s n n a ir a (1 1 fh a l b h i s e b h a e s a n a c m
’
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a il s u i l o rr a a g u s d h e iric h e a g u s d h f h a l b h e a s a d i h
’ ’
,
g Bh a , e .
i se r i dh d h a c h a i dh a g s c h i l l i h a d a brog a n s a p h l l
’ ’ ’
u ,
u a -
on o ,
a gu s t h u i es n a b h ro
a r
g Agu s a c h i o n n n c h b ra i d h a
a . a
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u r nn a
g u m b e a n t e a ig a n r o b h o a s a f h r e a g r a d h a
’
fa i c in n t h u b h a rt e
d i
b h r o g h a b h e a n a b h i t h e a d h a ig e s a n B h a a B h a n r ig h t o il e a c h .
’
in
g u f r e a g r a d h a b h r o g a n n ig h i n n a i c e f e , a g u s
c h u ir i
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e ye s a n d s l e pt w i th t w o a t a t i m e
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g o a t s a n d k i ll e d th e m b o th a n d a fte r th a t th e y w e r e fla i n a n d
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b o rn e t o t h e k e ttl e T h e n l a id T h o rr t h e go a t s k ins
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e , . .
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D au l n o y .
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t h a n t o t h e En gl is h s t o ry a d m y b e c o m p a r e d w i th p a r t o f
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e ,
r e s e m b l e e a c h o th e r ; t h e g o l d e n s h o e is s o m e t i m e s t r a ns f e rre d
t o a m n wh ic h 1 t a k e t o b e s o m e c o n f u si o n in t h e m e m o ry o f
a ,
t h e p e rs o n w h o t e ll s t h e s t o ry .
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c o rn a n d sh e w i ll n o t l e a v e a s t ra w A nd th e y e n ga g e d .
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sa w b e f o r e h i m a n d h e h el d h i s h a nd a n d l e t d o w n t h e
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d e e r t o t ry t o c a t c h h e r .
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h a d h a pp e n e d . Th e n e x t d a y wh e n h e a i m e d t h e ,
wom a n w a s f r e e t o t h e wa is t b u t t h e r e s t w a s s t i ll d e e r ;
,
a n d o n t h e th ird S h e w a s f r e e 3 a n d sh e t o l d t h e h u n t e r
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th a t sh e w a s t h e k in g o f L o c hl in s d au ght e r e nc h a n t e d ,
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a w a y l i ft in g s p o i l .
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h i m h e sa t h i m d o w n a n d a t e a n d dr a n k ; a n d wh e n h e
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h a d e n o u gh h e w e n t u nd e r a TOGS A I D (h o g s h e a d ) .
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r o bb e rs c a m e h o m e a n d th e y k n ew th a t s o m e o n e h a d
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pu te . T h e n t h e l e a d e r s a id Wh y w i ll y o u dis p u t e
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a n d qu a rr e l Z t h e m a n th a t h a s d o n e th is is h e r e u nd e r
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S o th e y took o u t I a in t h e fish e r s s o n a n d fo u r o f
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3 09
th e m k i ll e d h i m ; a n d th e n th ey h a d th e ir f o o d a n d
s l e pt a n d in t h e m o rnin g th e y w e n t o u t a s u s u a l
, .
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,
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u nd e r t h e m o u th o f t h e h o g s h e a d 3 a n d w h e n t h e
r o bb e rs c a m e h o m e th e r e w a s m o r e o f th e ir f o o d e a t e n
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.
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w e r e o ff a ga in T h e n t h e d e e r c a m e a n d sh e s h o o k
.
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,
w a s a l i v e a s w e ll a s b e f o r e 3 in a b u rs t o f s w e a t .
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wh e n t h e r o bb e rs c a m e h o m e t h e c a pta in o rd e r e d t h e ,
f o u r w h o h a d go n e o u t t o b e s l a in 3 a n d n o w th e r e w e r e
’
ei ght d e a d 3 a n d f o u r m o r e k i ll e d I a in t h e fish e r s so n ,
a n d l e f t h i m th e r e O n t h e m o rr o w t h e d e e r c a m e a s
.
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n . l d r e m in o a e e ou a
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J o h n a d 2 4 ro bb e rsn
‘
25 .
1. J o h n k i ll e d by 4 m e n 2 4 t o 0, an d h a s Zd ‘
l i fe .
310 W ES T H IG H LAND T AL ES .
O n th a t da y t h e d e e r c a m e a n d Ia in f o ll o w e d h er to ,
t h e wh i t e h o u s e o f a w ind o w wh e r e th e r e l i v e d a n o l d ,
b a g a n d G i ll e C a o l d u b h a s l e nd e r d a r k l a d h e r s o n
, , , ,
a n d t h e d e e r s a id M e e t m e t o m o rr o w a t e l e v e n in
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y o nd e r c h u rc h a n d Sh e l ef t h i m th e r e
, .
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NIM H s p i k e o f h u r t in t h e o u t sid e o f t h e d o o r p o s t ;
, ,
a n d wh e n h e c a m e t o t h e c h u rc h h e f e ll a s l e e p a n d t h e ,
b l a c k l a d w a s w a t c h in g h i m T h e n th e y h ea rd t h e .
s w e e t e s t m u sic th e y e v e r h e a rd c o m in g a n d t h e fi n e s t ,
l a dy th a t e v e r w a s c a m e a n d t ri e d t o wa k e n h i m ; a n d
wh e n sh e c o u l d n o t sh e w r o t e h e r n a m e u nd e r h is a r m
, ,
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N I GHE A N R IGH R I OGHA OHD BAILLE T o TH UI N N t h e ,
d a u ght e r o f t h e k in g o f t h e k in gd o m o f t h e to w n u nd e r
W a v e s 3 a n d sh e s a id th a t Sh e w o u l d c o m e t o m o rr o w -
a n d S h e w e n t a wa y Wh e n sh e w a s g o n e h e a w o k e
.
,
a n d t h e s l i m b l a c k l a d t o l d h i m wh a t h a d h a pp e n e d ,
b u t did n o t t e ll h i m th a t h e r n a m e w a s w ri tt e n u nd e r
h is a r m .
O n t h e n e x t da y i t w a s t h e s a m e t h e s w e e t e s t o f ,
m u sic w a s h e a rd a n d t h e l a dy c a m e a n d sh e l a id h is
, ,
h ea d o n h e r k n e e a n d dr e ss e d h is h a ir 3 a n d wh e n Sh e
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d th e a ,
n .
3 Th e 2 0 h a v e a l l e a rn e d d e a th a d k i ll e a c h o th r a n d J h n
.
,
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r m a ins h a v in g h a d 2 l i v e s in a ddi t i o n t o t h e l wh ic h h e
e ,
fi rs t h a d wh ic h m a k e s u p t h e u s u a l m ys t ic n u m b r 3 A nd
, e .
s o 3 l i v e s dis p o s e o f 2 4 .
Or th is A liv D d e. ea .
J o h n a d 2 4 r o bb e rs n 25 .
1 J o h n k i l l e d o nc e by 4 m e n
. 2 4 t o O a n d h a s 2 d l i fe ,
.
2 .J o h n a d t h e 4 by 2 e a c h 1 0 m e n 2 0 t o 4 a n d h s 3d l i fe
n , . a .
3 T h r e a e t e g u i lt y a d t e n w h o s h u l d k i l l th e m 3 th e y k i ll
. e r n n o
e a c h o th e r a d s o t h e 3 l i v e s dis p o s e o f t h e 2 4
,
n .
T h is h o w e v e r i s b u t a g u e ss
, , .
TH E WID OW S ’
S ON . 31 1
O n t h e th ird da y sh e s a id sh e w o u l d n e v e r c o m e
a g a in a n d s h e w e n t a wa y h o m e 3 a n d wh e n S h e w a s
,
go n e h e a w o k e .
N J o h n M a cP h i e
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( w s a id I did Sh e n o t c o m e
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o , , ,
in a c h a ri o t w i th wh i t e h o rs e s Z
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D o th o u pu t i n wh a t I t e ll th e e s a id t h e n a rr a t o r .
,
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D id sh e p u t t h e b o x in h i s p o ck e t C l
Ye s S h e did 3 n o w g o o n th e r e i s n o o n e in U is t
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w h o c a n t e ll th is s t o ry a s I ca n ; I h a v e k n o w n i t fo r
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m o r e th a n six ty y e a r s ) ”
( M a c C r a w h a d s a id th a t t h e o l d w o m a n g a v e t h e l a d
a g r e a t p in t o s t ic k in h is c o a t ; th a t h e w e n t t o m e e t
t h e l a dy o n a h i ll a n d th e n h e s l e pt
,
Th en ca m e t h e .
”
l a dy dr e ss e d a l l in wh i t e in a c h a ri o t C A R B A D dra w n “
, ,
by f o u r m i lk w h i t e s t e e ds a n d sh e l a id h i s h e a d in h e r
-
l a p a n d dr e ss e d h i s h a ir a n d t ri e d t o w a k e n h i m b u t in
, ,
va in T h e n Sh e dra gge d h i m d o w n t h e h i ll b u t h e
.
,
s l e pt o n ; a n d sh e l e f t h i m b u t bid t h e b l a c k r o u gh
,
s k inn e d l a d t e ll h i m t o b e th e r e o n t h e m o rr o w .
Wh e n Sh e w a s g o n e h e a w o k e a n d t h e l a d t o l d h i m,
.
O n t h e m o rr o w h e w e n t a s b e f o r e a n d t h e l a d s t u c k t h e
,
p in in h i s c o a t a n d h e Sl e pt th e n c a m e t h e l a dy w i th
,
a s o rr o wf u l f a c e a n d s h e w a s d r e ss e d a l l in g r e y a n d
, ,
h e r c h a ri o t w a s dr a w n by g r e y s t e e d s 3 a n d sh e
did a s b e f o r e b u t c o u l d n o t r o u s e h i m O n t h e n e x t .
d a y h e w o u l d h a v e n o n e o f t h e bi g p in ; b u t t h e Ol d
w i f e ga v e t h e l a d a n a ppl e a n d wh e n t h e y sa t o n t h e
,
h i ll th irs t s t r u ck h i m a n d t h e l a d ga v e h i m t h e a ppl e
, ,
an d h e ate it a n d S l e pt a g a in
,
T h e n c a m e t h e l a dy
.
dr e ss e d a l l in b l a ck w i th f o u r b l a c k s t e e d s i n h e r
,
c h a ri o t 3 a n d sh e l a id h i s h e a d in h e r l a p a n d d r e ss e d
h i s h a ir a n d sh e pu t a rin g o n h i s fi n g e r a n d sh e w e pt ;
, ,
a n d a s sh e w e n t a w a y s h e s a id He w i ll n e v e r se e m e
”
,
a g a in fo r I m u s t
, go h o m e )
312 W E S T H IGHLAND T ALES .
\Vh e n t h e l a d a w o k e (s a id J o h n M a c P h i e ) , Bh a e
f a l b h gu s an rob h d u b h a dh air a b h o n a n , t o l a dh air a
c h a s a n n e o i l d u b h a d o r a eb a n a
, o i dh c h e a t i gh i n n n e o il
si th e S e a m h a n l a t h a ga f h a ga i l g r
u s an
o b b e o in b h e ga
’
sh l e i b h a
an t ga b h a i l an am b u n ga c h p r e a s a b f h a i sge
-
dh a i b h c h ei l e
na .
He w a s g o in g t i ll th e r e w a s b l a c k e nin g o n h is
s o l e s h o l e s in h is f e e t t h e d a r k b l a c k c l o u ds o f t h e
, ,
ni ght c o m in g t h e q u i e t p e a c e fu l c l o u ds o f da y l e a v in g
,
h i m t i ll t h e l i ttl e m o u n ta i n birds w e r e b e t a k in g th e m
,
s e lv e s a b o u t t h e r o o t o f e a c h b u s h th a t w a s n e a r e s t t o
th e m ; a n d h e w e n t t i ll h e r e a c h e d t h e h o u s e o f a
w i f e w h o s a id
,
Al l h a i l !
s o n Of t h e g r e a t fi s h e r in
,
“
E i r i n n I k n o w th y j o u rn e y a n d th in e e rr a nd 3 c o m e in
,
a n d I w i ll d o wh a t I ca n f o r th ee a n d h er e ca me i n a
(
l ot f qu eer l a ngu a ge wh i ch I co u l d n o t ca tch ) S O h e
o .
w e n t in a n d o n t h e m o rr o w sh e s a id
,
I h a v e a sis t e r ,
w h o d w e ll s o n t h e r o a d 3 i t is a wa lk o f a y e a r a n d a
d a y b u t h e r e a r e a p a ir o f Ol d br o w n s h o e s w i th h o l e s
,
in th e m p u t th e m o n a n d tho u w i lt b e th e r e in a n i n
,
s ta n t ; a n d wh e n th o u a r t th e r e t u rn th e ir t e e s to t h e ,
k n o w n a n d th e ir h e e l s t o t h e u n k n o w n a n d th e y w i ll
, ,
c o m e h o m e 3 a n d s o h e did .
Th e s e c o nd sis t e r did t h e v e ry s a m e ; b u t Sh e s a id ,
“
I h a v e a th ird sis t e r a n d S h e h a s a so n w h o is h e rd
, ,
t o t h e birds o f t h e a i r a n d s e t s th e m a s l e e p p e r h a p s h e
”
, ,
c a n h e lp th e e 3 a n d th e n S h e g a v e h i m a n o th e r p a ir o f
S ho e s a n d h e w e n t t o t h e th ird sis t e r
, .
Th e th ird s a id sh e did n o t k n o w h o w t o h e lp h i m
f a r th e r b u t p e r h a p s h er so n m i ght wh e n h e c a m e
”
, ,
h o m e ; a n d h e wh e n h e c a m e p r o po s e d th a t t h e c o w
, ,
s h o u l d b e k i ll e d ; a n d a ft e r s o m e t a lk th a t wa s d o n e , ,
a n d th e m ea t wa s co o ke d a n d a b a m a d e o f t h e h id e
g , ,
r e d sid e o u t ; a n d J o hn t h e fish e r s s o n
’
wa s pu t
, ,
’
TIIE W ID OW S S ON . 313
i n w i th h is so n , bu t he left th e do g an d th e fa l c o n .
He h a d no t b een l o ng
wh e n t h e C r e ve e i n t h e b ag
*
n a c h c a m e f o r Sh e , a n is l a nd a n d sh eh a d a n e s t in ,
ra is e d t h e r e d b a g 3 b u t S h e h a d n o t g o n e fa r w h e n
S h e dr o pp e d i t in t h e s e a T h e n t h e o th e r o n e c a m e .
,
a n d s h e g r i pp e d t o i t fi r m l y w i th h e r c l a w s
; and at
l a s t th e y l e ft t h e b a g o n t h e is l a nd w h e r e a l l t h e birds
o f t h e a ir w e r e w o n t t o Sl e e p ? He c a m e o u t o f t h e
b a g ; a n d h e w a s f o r a d a y a n d y e a r l i vin g o n w h a t h e
‘
h a d a n d o n t h e birds wh i c h h e k i ll e d w i th h i s g u n ;
,
b u t a t l a s t th e r e w a s n o th in g m o r e t o e a t a n d h e ,
th o u ght h e w o u l d di e th e r e T h e n b e s e a rc h e d h is .
p o c k e t s f o r f o o d a n d f o u nd t h e b o x wh ic h t h e l a dy
,
h a d pu t th e r e 3 h e o p e n e d i t a n d th r e e c a m e o u t a n d , ,
th e y s a id E cge gu dj e e ge i m a s t e r g o o d w h a t s h a ll
“
”
, , , ,
w e d o ? a n d h e s a id Ta k e m e t o t h e r e a l m o f t h e “
”
,
k in g u nd e r t h e w a v e s 3 a n d in a m o m e n t th e r e h e w a s § .
This w o rd i s n k n w n t o m e I t w a s x pl in d t o m n a
u o . e a e ea
bird l i k e a l a r g e a gl e e .
i M a C r a w s k i pp e d l l t h e Ol d w o m e n a n d t o o k h i m t o nc
'
c a a e
t o a o l d m n w h o w s h e rdi g
n a ,
co w n d s id ha w l d ra th r n a ,
a a e o u e
d a ny th in g e l s e b u t h i s w i f e m a d e h i m d o i t
o ,
He w nt h o m . e e
w i th h i m a n d a ft r m u c h c h a ff e rin g b o ght t h e c w f a s m c h
,
e u o or u
g o l d a s w o u l d go fr o m h e r n o s e t o h e t i l T h e n h a d l l th t r a . e n a a
h e h a d w e r e p u t in t o t h h id e w i th t h e m e t 3 d w i th t h e w ind
e a an
Off t h e s t r a nd ( t r a i gh ) h e h d h i m s e lf th r o w n in t o t h ea Th e
a e s .
g r e a t birds p o nc e d o t h e e d b g a d c rri e d h i m t o th ir n s t
u n r a ,
n a e e ,
wh e r e h k i ll e d t h e y o n g o n e s a d r o ll e d o v r t h e r o c k in t t h e
e u ,
n e o
sea . H w a s l i ft d a g a in by t h e birds
e d l nd e d in Lo e h l i
e an a nn .
i Th e e x pl a n a t i o n o f th s e s o nds w s th a t i t w a s i f th y
e u a as e
”
,
w e r e a s k in g Th e s o u nds m e a n n o th in g th a t I k n o w i a y
. n n
l a n g u a ge .
§ M a c C w s a id th a t t h e b o x h d b e n g i v n t o h i m by h is
ra a e e
g ra nd fa th r It fi rs t a pp a r e d in Lo h l a 3 d h
e . eth t w a s c nn an e a
w i th in s id G o o d m a s t e r g d m a s t r wh a t S h a l l w d o
a ,
“
,
oo e ,
e
T h e h u n t e r h a d th e n b e n r e c g ni z e d by t h e k in g s d a u ght r 3 so
’
e o e
h e o rd e r e d a p a l a c e t o b e b u i lt .
2 2 1
31 4 W ES T H IGHLAND T ALES .
He w e n t u
p t o t h e ho u s e of a w e a v e r 3 a n d a ft e r h e
h ad be e n th e r e fo r s o m e t i m e , t h e w e a v e r c a m e h o m e
w i th fl e s h a n d o th e r th in g s f r o m t h e gr e a t t o w n 3 a n d
,
h e ga v e h i m b o th m e a t a n d l o d g in g .
O n t h e mo rr o w t h e w e a v e r t o l d h i m th a t th e r e
w a s t o b e a ho rs e r a c e in t h e t o w n 3 a n d h e b e th o u ght
h i m o f t h e b o x a n d o p e n e d i t ; a n d th r e e c a m e o u t
,
a n d s a id E e ge gu dj e e ge Ma s t e r g o o d wh a t s h a ll
“
, , ,
w e d o Z a n d h e s a id Brin g m e t h e fi n e s t ho rs e th a t
“
”
,
e v e r w a s s e e n a n d t h e g r a nd e s t dr e ss a n d gl a ss s ho e s ;
, ,
a n d h e h a d th e m a ll in a m in u t e N o w h e who wo n .
’
t h e r a c e s w a s t o h a v e t h e k in g s d a u ght e r t o w i f e .
’
T h e n h e w e n t a n d w o n a n d t h e k in g s da u ght e r sa w
, ,
h i m ; b u t h e n e v e r s ta y e d ; h e w e n t b a c k t o t h e
”
w e a v e r a n d th r e w th r e e m a m h a n d sfu l l o f go l d “
,
in t o h is a p r o n a n d s a id th a t a g r ea t g e n tl e m a n wh o
, ,
w o n t h e r a c e h a d g i v e n h i m t h e g o l d ; a n d th e n h e
,
b r o k e t h e w ea v e r s l o o m a n d to r e t h e c l o th to bi t s
’
.
,
N e x t d a y th e r e w a s a d o g r a c e ; a n d h e go t a fi n e r
dr e ss a n d a Spl e ndid do g by t h e h e lp o f t h e b o x a n d
, , ,
w o n a n d th r e w h a n dsfu l l o f gol d to t h e w e a v e r a n d
, ,
did m o r e m isc h i e f in h is ho u s e .
O n t h e th ird da y i t w a s a f a l c o n ra c e a n d h e did t h e ,
v e ry s a m e 3 a n d h e w a s t h e m a n w h o w a s to m a rry t h e
p rinc e ss b u t h e wa s n o wh e r e to b e f o u nd wh e n t h e r a c e
,
w a s ov e r .
T h e n (a s h a pp e ns i n pl e n ty o f oth e r s t o ri e s ) t h e
wh o l e k in gd om w a s ga th e r e d a n d t h e w inn e r o f t h e ,
p ri z e wa s n o wh e r e t o b e f o u nd At l a s t th e y c a m e t o .
’
t h e w e a v e r s h o u s e a n d t h e h u n t e r s b e a rd w a s g r o w n
’
ov e r h is f a c e a n d h e w a s dir ty a n d t ra v e l s ta in e d 3 a n d
,
-
h e h a d gi ve n a l l t h e go l d t o t h e w ea v e r a n d s m a s h e d ,
e v e ry th in g 3 a n d h e w a s s o dir t y a n d u gl y a n d go o d ,
fo r n oth i n g th a t h e w a s t o b e h a n ge d
,
B u t wh e n h e .
’
TH E WID OW S S ON . 315
wa s u nd e r th e
ga ll o w s h e w a s t o m a k e t h e ga ll o w s .
s p e e c h S E A R M OI N NA C R OI C II R 3 a n d h e p u t u p h is a r m
,
-
,
’
a n d t h e k in g s d a u ght e r sa w t h e n a m e wh ic h sh e h a d
w ri tt e n th e r e a n d k n e w h i m 3 a n d S h e c a ll e d o u t
, ,
H o l d y o u r h a nds f o r e v e ry o n e in t h e k in gd o m s h a ll
,
d i e i f th a t m a n is h u r t
” A nd th e n sh e t o o k h i m by .
t h e h a nd a n d th e y w e r e t o b e m a rri e d
, .
T h e n sh e dr e ss e d h i m gr a nd l y a n d a sk e d h o w h e ,
h a d f o u nd h e r o u t 3 a n d h e tol d h e r 3 a n d sh e a s k e d
wh e r e h e h a d f o u nd t h e b o x 3 a n d h e s a id wh e n h e w a s ,
i n e x t r e m i ty i n th e is l a nd ; a n d th e n sh e t o o k h im by
t h e h a nd b e f o r e h e r f a th e r a n d a l l t h e k in g s a n d S h e , ,
s a id S h e wo u l d m a rry t h e fish e r s so n fo r h e i t w a s w h o ’
h a d f r e e d h e r f r o m S p e ll s * .
“ ”
Oh k i n gs s a id sh e i f o n e o f y o u w e r e k i ll e d “
, ,
H e r e a cc o rdin g t o M a c Cr a w h e b u i lt a p a l a c e 3 a n d o e o f
, ,
n
t h e ri v a l s s t o l e t h e m g ic b o x n d c a rri e d o ff t h e p rinc e ss a d
a ,
a n
t h e p a l c e t t h r e a l m o f r a t s 3 n d wh e n t h e w id o w s s o n s w
’
a o e a a
t h a t t h p a l a c e w a s g n e h w s v e ry s o rro wfu l a n d w n t d o w n
e o e a ,
e
t o t h e s h o r e 3 a n d th e r e h e m e t w i th a o l d ma w h o to o k p i t y n n,
o n h i m a n d o ff e r e d t o h e lp h i m
, H e th r e w a r o d in t o t h e s e a . ,
a d i t b e c a m e a b o a t ; a n d h e s a id H e r s f o r th e e a h e c a t ’
n e -
”
, ,
a n d h e w i ll s a i l w i th th e e 3 an d t h e c a t s t a t t h e h l m a n d a e ,
th e y h o is t e d t h e th re e t a ll t o w e rin g s a i l s e t c e t c ( Th e l d ,
.
,
. o
d h W h e n th e y r a c h e d t h e r e a l m
p a ssa g e esc r ip ti v e of t e vo y g )
a e . e
o f ra t s t h e fi rs t r a t th a t t h e c t sa w h e c u ght ; a n d t h e r a t
,
a a
s a id T h in e is m y l yin g d o w n a d risin g u p 3 l e t m e g a d I n o n
”
,
w i ll s e r v e th e S o t h e c a t l e t h i m go a d t h e m a n s a id
e. No w n
“
”
,
s t e a l f o r m e t h e sn u ff b x th a t t h e m a n in t h e c a s tl
-
o h s e a .
”
T h a t s a id t h e r a t is e a sy fo r i t i s o t h e w ind o w l e d ge 3 n
, , ,
a d t h e r a t s to le t h e b o x
n Th n th e m p n d i t a d th y
. e an o e e ,
n e
s id G o d m a s t r go o d m a s t e r wh a t S h a ll w e d o a d he
‘ ’
“ n
a o e , ,
s a id T ke m d m y w i f a d th a t c a s tl b a c k t o Lo c h l
“ ann
,
a e an e, n 3 e,
a d b e k n o c k in g a c h o th e r s h e ds a b o t t i ll w e ri v fo th t
’
n e a u ar e, r a
o u br o u g h t i t h r e
” S O th e y w r e a l l c a rri e d b a c k t o Lo c h l a n
e e n
y . ,
a d th e n t h e ri gh t w e ddin g w a s h l d
n e .
316 W ES T HIGHLAND T ALES .
t o da y , t h e
-
r e s t w o u l d fl y ; b u t th is m a n pu t h is t ru s t
i n m e a n d h a d h is h e a d o u t o ff th r e e t i m e s B e ca u s e
, .
h e h a s d o n e s o mu c h f o r m e I w i ll m a rry h i m r a th e r,
th a n a n y o n e o f t h e g r e a t m e n w h o h a v e c o m e t o m a rry
m e ; f o r m a ny k i n g s h a v e t ri e d to f r e e m e f r o m t h e
’
s p e ll s a n d n o n e c o u l d d o i t b u t I a in h e r e t h e fish e r s
, ,
so n
T h e n a gr e a t w a r S h i p wa s fitt e d u p a n d s e n t fo r t h e ,
’
Ol d c a r l in w h o h a d d o n e a l l t h e e v i l a n d f o r h e r b l a c k ,
s l i m so n 3 a n d s e v e n fi e ry fu rn a c e s w e r e s e t i n o rd e r ,
a n d th e y w e r e b u rn t a n d t h e a s h e s w e r e l e t fl y w i th
,
t h e w ind 3 a n d a g r e a t w e ddin g w a s m a d e a n d I l e ft “
”
,
l e f t th e m in t h e r ea lm .
T h is sto ry fi rs t t o l d t o m e o n t h e 2 d S e pt e m b e r 1 8 5 9 b y
wa s
M a c C ra w a s w e w a lk e d a l o n g t h e r o a d
, H e s a id th a t h e h a d
.
l e a rn d i t a s a c h i l d f ro m a n o l d w i fe in N o r th Uis t wh o s e c o t
e ,
t a g e w a s t h e r e s o r t o f a l l t h e c h i l dr e n f o r m i l e s a n d m i l e s H e .
h a s o ft n g o n e h i m s e lf six o r s e v e n m i l e s in t h e sn o w a n d h e
e ,
u s e d t o s i t w i th d o z e ns o f th e r b a irns a b o u t h e r fir m u t e a n d
o e,
m o t i o n l e ss f o r t h e b e s t p a r t o f t h e ni ght T h e c h i l dr e n br o u gh t
.
o ff e rin g s o f t o b a cc o wh i c h th e y go t f ro m o l d r p e o pl e a s b e s t
,
e ,
t h y c o u l d a d f o r e c h bi t t h e o l d w o m a n g a v e a s t o ry
e n a He .
”
,
n e v e r h e a rd h e r l i k e .
Th e s t o ry l a s t e d f o r s e v e r a l m i l e s a n d m y c o m p a ni o n s a id t h a t
,
h e h a d fo rg o tt e n m u c h o f i t H e h a d f o rg o tt e n n e a rl y a l l t h e
.
m e a s u r e d p r o s e ph r a s e s w i th wh ic h a s h e s a id t h e s t o ry w a s
, ,
g a rnis h e d a n d h e s a id h e h a d o t h e a rd i t f o r m a ny y e a rs
,
n .
It s e e m e d t o r e s e m b l e t h e s t o ry o f A l a ddin in s o m e incid e nt s ,
b u t m y c o m p a ni o n s a id th a t h e h a d n e v e r h e a rd o f t h e A r a bi a n
N i ght s H e s a i d th a t in Kinr o ss a n d P e r th sh ir e i t i s t h e c u s t o m
.
f o t h e b i n d s a n d f a m l a b o u r er s t o ss e m b l e a n d r e p e a t s t o ri e s
r r ‘
a
in bro a d S c o t c h wh ic h c l o s e l y r s e m b l e th o s e t o l d in t h e is l a nds
,
e ,
b u t wh ic h a r e n o t g a rnis h e d w i th m e a s u r e d p r s e H e th in k so .
th a t a s th e re r e m a ny H i ghl a nd s e r v a n t s i n t h e c o u n t ry th e y
a ,
t e ll t h e h e a ds o f th e ir s t o ri e s a d t h e n o th e rs r e p e a t th e m i n
,
n
L o wl a nd S c o t c h T h is m a y b e a n d in l i k e m a nn e r t h e H i ghl a n d
.
,
s e r v a nts m a y p ic k u p a n d c a rry h o me a n d r e p e a t in G a e l ic
, ,
— ’
TII H WID OW S S ON . 31 7
scr a p s o f s c h b o o k s s t h e A r a bi n N i g h t s St i ll a s s u c h s t o ri e s
u a a .
,
d o r e s e m b l b o o k s q i t e b y o nd t h r e a c h O f t h e p pl
e u e th e eo e, e
r e s e m b l nc e wh ic h th is b o r e t o t h e A r a bi n N i ght s m y b e d u
a a a e
t o c o mm o n o ri g in .
On t h e 5 t h I a s k e d M a c P h i e i f h e k n e w t h e s t o ry He di d ; .
a d I go t h i m t o t e ll i t t w ic e o v e r
n It w v a in t a tt m pt t o . as o e
m a k e h i m dic t t e f o r h br o k e d o w n dir c t l y h w
a ,
e s t o pp d e e as e ,
or h i s p a c e a lt e r d ; d I c o l d n t w ri t G a e l ic
e an t l l e v n tsu o e ,
a a e ,
fa s t e n u gh t o d o a y g o o d ; s o I t o k n o t e s in En gl is h T h e
o n o .
M a g ic B o x w s in b o th v e rsi o ns b u t t h e t r a ns p o r t o f t h e c a s tl
a , e
t o a f o re i g n c o u n t ry a n d b a c k by t h e h e lp o f t h e b o x w a s o t
, ,
n
in o l d M a e P h i s s t o ry e
’
.
T h e r e is a l n g s t o ry a b o t t h c o u n t ry o f r a t s o f wh ic h I
o u e ,
h a v e o n l y h rd p a r t a s y e t
ea .
B I OR N I M H s p i k e o f h u r t a n d t h e bi g p in m a y b e t h e th o rn
”
, , ,
o f s le e p r e fe rre d t o in t h e in t ro d c t i o n t o N o rs T a l e s a s m e u e ,
n
t i o e d in t h e V o l s u n g T a l e
n .
T h e t o w n u nd e r t h e w a v s i s c o mm o n in G a e l ic s t o ri e s ; t h e
e
ph ra s e p r o b a b l y a r o s e f r m t h e sin k in g o f h i ll s b n th t h e
o e ea
h o ri z o n a s a b o a t s i l s a w a y f r o m t h e s h o re I n a n o th e r s t o ry
a .
i t i s s a id T h o g e u d Ei l a n —th e y ra is e d a n I s l a
,
e — wh e n nc
th e y w e re a pp ro a c h in g o e n .
Th e b a g o f s k in w i th t h e m a insid e i s r m a r k a b l y l i k e a t r a n ,
e
di t i n o f t h e s k in b o a t s in wh ic h t h e o l d in h bi t a n t s o f C l e d o ni a
o a a
u s e d t o in v a d En gl nd
e a .
Th e g r a t birds b e l o n g t o p o p l a r t a l e s o f m a ny l nds a d
e u a ,
n
a re c o m m o n in G a e l ic I h a v o n e s t o ry in wh ic h t h h e ro i s
. e e
c a rri e d in t o a dra g o n s n s t a d d o e s m u c h t h e s a m e a s th is o e
’
e ,
n n
did .
XLV .
MA C —
A—R U S GAI CH .
F ro m J o h n D e wa r A p ri l ,
1 86 0.
H ER E (a t ) s o m e t i m e a t e n a n t a n d h e w a s ri gh t
T
was ,
b a d t o h is s e r va n t s a n d th e r e w a s a p r a n k y m an
,
w h o w a s c a ll e d G i ll e N e u m h M a c a — R u sga i c h (h o l y l a d
-
so n o f S k inn e r ) a n d h e h e a rd t e ll o f h i m a n d h e w e n t
, ,
to t h e f a ir a n d h e took a s t r a w in h is m o u th to s h e w
, ,
th a t h e w a s f o r ta k in g s e r v ic e .
Th e d o u r t e n a n t c a m e t h e w a y a n d h e a sk e d M a c a,
-
R u sga i c h i f h e wo u l d t a k e s e r v ic e 3 a n d M a c a R u sga i ch - -
s a id th a t h e wo u l d ta k e i t i f h e c o u l d fi nd a g o o d
m a s t e r 3 a n d M a c a R u sga i ch s a id
- -
“
Wh a t s h a ll I h a v e t o d o i f I ta k e wi th th e e 3 ’
A nd t h e d o u r t e n a n t s a id T ho u w i lt h a v e to h e rd
“
”
,
t h e m o u n t a in moo r .
A nd M a c a R u sga i ch s a id I w i ll d o th a t
- -
“ ” .
,
A nd t h e t e n a n t s a id A nd th o u wi lt h a v e t o h o l d
,
“
th e
A nd M a c a R u sga i ch s a id I w i ll d o
- -
th a t ” .
,
“
A nd th o u w i lt h a v e e v e r so m a ny o th e r m a tt e rs to
do ”
.
A nd M a c a R u sga i ch s a id
- -
W i ll th e s e m a tt e rs b e
“
”
,
h a rd to d o 2
A nd t h e o th e r s a id T h e y w i ll n o t b e (so ) I w i ll
,
“
,
Cr a nn , a t re e .
M A C A R US GA I C H
- -
. 319
bu t a sk
th e e to d o t h e th in g th a t th o u a r t a b l e t o do 3
b u t I w i ll pu t in t o t h e c o v e n a n t th a t i f tho u d o s t n o t
”
a ns w e r th o u m u s t
, pa y m e t w o w a g e s .
A nd Ma c a R u sga i ch s a id -
I w i ll pu t in t o t h e
-
,
“
c ov e n a n t i f th o u a s k e s t m e to d o a ny th in g b u t t h e
,
th in g wh ic h I a m a b l e to d o tho u m u s t g i v e m e two
”
,
wa g e s .
A nd th e y a g r e e d a b o u t th a t .
A nd t h e d o u r t e n a n t s a id I a m p u ttin g i t in to t h e ,
“
c ov e n a n t tha t i f e i th e r o n e o f u s t a k e s t h e r u e th a t a ,
th o n g s h a ll b e ta k e n o u t o f h is s k in f r o m t h e b a c k o f
”
,
h is h e a d t o h is h e e l .
A nd Ma c a R u sga i c h s a id M ind th a t tho u h a s t s a id

- -
“
”
,
th a t ol d c a r l e
, .
A nd h e t o o k s e r v ic e w i th t h e h a rd t e n a n t a n d h e ,
we nt h o m e t o h im .
Th e fi rs t wo r k th a t M a c a R u sga i e h wa s bidd e n to - -
d o w a s t o go to t h e m e ss to c a s t p ea t s a n d M a c a
, ,
-
R u sga i c h a s k e d f o r h is m o rnin g m e a l b e f o r e h e s h o u l d
Th e fo ll o w in g w a s e m it t e d by t h e c o ll c t o r a n d ins e rt e d by e ,
h i m in h is r e v is e o f t h e G a e l ic T h e r e w a s (a t ) s o m e t i m e a
t e n a n t a n d h e w a s ri ght b a d t o h is s e r v a nts 3 a n d wh e n t h e t i m e
,
o f s e r v ic e w a s n e a r l y e nd e d h e u s e d t o fi x a p r t e xt f o r q u a r
,
e
r e l l i n g w i th th e m H e w o u l d c a s t o u t w i th t h e m
. d s e nd th e m an
a w a y w i th o u t th e ir w a g e s A nd h e s e n t a w a y m a ny o f h is s e r
.
o
v a n t s in th is w a
y A nd th e re w a s a p r a n k y m a n wh o s e n m e
. a
w a s S in t s s e r v a n t s o n o f t h e fl e e c e (Gi l l e n e a o m h M a c a R s
a ,
r - -
u
g a ic h ) a n d h e s a i d th a t h e w o u l d ta k e s e r v ic e w i th t h e d o u r
,
t e n a n t a n d th a t h e w o u l d g i v e h i m t r i k a b o u t
, th a t h e w o u l d c ,
*
b e a s f a r n o rt h a s t h e d o r t e n a n t m i ght b e s o u th
u M c a Rus ,
a - -
g a ic h w e n t t o t h e fa ir o f P e e v is h fa ir a n d h e t o k a s t ra w in h is o
”
,
m o u th t o s h e w th a t h e w a s f o t a k in g s e r v ic e
,
r .
*
Th e o ri gin a l m e a nin g
G a l ic ph ra s e is t o t k e a t rn
o f the e a u
o u t o f a m a n — u n tw is t h is t u rns
,
Th e e x p r e ssi o n th e n c n v e ys .
o
t h e id e a o f a m a n w indin g c o i l s a b t a n o th e r ; a d o w i th m o r e n ne
'
ou
cra ft u n w indin g th e m 3 a n d t h e n e x t ph r a se is a s m e ta ph o ric a l .

32 0 W ES T H IGHLAND T ALES .
o , so th a t h e n e e d n o t c o m e fo r i t a n d h e o t a s mu ch
g g ,
m e a t a s th e y u s e d t o a ll o w t h e s e r va n t s a t o n e m ea l ,
a n d h e a t e th a t 3 a n d h e a s k e d f o r h is d inn e r s o th a t ,
h e n e e d n o s t o p a t m id da y a n d h e go t t h e a ll o w a nc e
-
wh ic h th e r e w a s f o r dinn e r a n d h e a t e th a t 3 a n d h e
,
a s k e d f o r h is s u pp e r s o th a t h e n e e d n o t c o m e h o m e a t
,
ni ght a n d th e y ga v e h i m th a t a n d h e a t e th a t 3 a n d h e
, ,
w e n t wh e r e h is m a s t e r w a s a n d h e a s k e d h i m
, ,
“
Wh a t a r e th y s e r v a n t s w o n t t o d o a ft e r th e ir
s u pp e r
A nd h is m a s t e r s a id t o h i m It i s th eir wo n t to pu t “
”
,
o ff th e ir c l o th e s a n d g o t o l i e d o w n .
A nd M a c a R u sga i c h w e n t wh e r e h is b e d wa s a n d h e
- -
u t o ff h is c l o th e s a n d h e w e n t t o l i e d o w n
p ,
.
Th e m is t r e ss w e n t wh e r e t h e m a n o f t h e t o w n (t h e
m ast e r ) wa s a n d sh e a s k e d h im Wh a t s o r t o f a ,
“
s e r v a n t h e h a d go t th e r e th a t h e h a d ea t e n th r e e m e a l s
”
,
a t o n e m ea l a n d h a d go n e t o l i e d o wn z
,
A nd t h e
m a s t e r w e n t wh e r e M a c a —R u sga i c h w a s a n d h e s a id to
-
him ,
V
“
\ h y a r t th o u n o t a t w o r k 2
A n d Ma c a— -
R u sga i c h s a id It is th a t th o u th ys e l f
,
“
’
s a ids t t o m e th a t i t w a s th y s e r va n t s w o n t wh e n th e y ,
h a d go t th e ir s u pp e r to pu t o ff th e ir c l o th e s a n d go t o
”
,
l i e d o wn .
A nd t h e m a s t e r s a id A nd wh y d ids t th o u e a t t h e
“
”
,
th r e e m e a l s t o ge th e r ?
A nd M a c a R u sga i c h s a i d It is th a t t h e th r e e m e a l s
- -
“
”
,
w e r e l i ttl e e n o u gh t o m a k e a m a n c o n t e n t .
A nd t h e m a s t e r s a id G e t u p a n d go t o th y w o rk
“ ” .
,
A nd M a c a — -
R u sga i c h s a id I wi ll ge t u p b u t I m u s t
,
“
,
'
ge t m e a t a s I n e e d o r m y w o r k w i ll a cc o rd I am b u t
!
.
,
t o do a s I a m a bl e S e e a r t t h e n t a k in g t h e r u e o l d
.
,
carl e 2
M A C A R U S GA I C I I
- -
. 32 1
“ ”
I a m n o t I a m n o t s a id t h e c a rl e a n d M a c a -
, , ,
R u sga i c h g o t h i s m e a t b e tt e r a ft e r th a t .
A nd th e r e w a s a n o t h e r d a y a n d t h e c a rl e a s k e d
M a c a R u sga i c h t o go t o h o l d t h e pl o u gh i n a d a l e th a t
- - '
w a s d o w n f r o m t h e h o u s e a n d M a c a R u sga i c h w e n t ,
- -
a n d h e r ea ch e d
a wa y , (t h e pl a c e ) w h e r e t h e p l o u gh
w a s a n d h e c a u ght t h e s t i lt s in h is h a nds a n d th e r e h e
,
s to o d .
A nd h is m a s t e r c a m e wh e r e h e w a s a n d h is m a s t e r ,
s a id t o hi m .
\ Vh y a r t th o u n o t m a k in g t h e r e d l a n d l A nd
“ ' 9
.
M a c—a R u sga i c h s a id
-
It is n o t m y b a rga in t o m a k e a
,
“
t h r a i v e b u t t o h o l d t h e pl o u gh 3 a n d th o u s e e s t th a t I
,
a m n o t l e tt in g h e r o a wa y
”
g .
A nd h is m a s t e r s a id A d ve rsi ty a n d c a l a m i ti e s b e
“
” !
,
u p o n th e e
A nd Ma c a R u sga i ch s a id A d v e rsi ty a n d c a l a m i t i e s
!
- -
b e o n th ys e lf o l d c a r l e A r t th o u t a k in g t h e r u e o f
”
,
'
t h e b a r ga in th a t th o u m a d e s t Z
”
Oh I a m n o t I a m n o t s a id t h e Ol d c a r l e .
, ,
*
A n o th e r w t e ll in g th is p a r t — Th a i i g a t t h a a c h
ay o f n n u a n
do io s a id h s d h fh a r a id e d th c i so n n a c h e il t h u a
’ ’
nn , ai r e a r-
d e a n a m h a d e a g dh n Ag u s T h u b h i r t M a e a R g i h ris c h
r a : a - -
us a c ,
a
n e m o b h a r g n s a d e a r ga dh a d h e a n a m h a c h a n cr nn h m il
a ,
a a e u a ,
’
s t h a th u f icin n a c h il m i e l e i gid h l e th a f l b h ; a m
a a n e a a n
’
b it h in d e a rga d h a t al a mh ch a b a m a e m il a h o i
’
n a n ,
a r u a c r nn
b h it h in n .
Th e fa r m e r c a m e t o h i m a d a sk e d h i m wh y a t th u n o t n ,
r o
m a k in g t h e r e d l a nd ? A nd M c a R u sg i c h s a id i t w a s t my
a - -
a ,
no
b a rg in t o d o t h e r e dd e nin g b t t o h o l d t h e pl gh 3 a d th u
a ,
u ou n o
s e e s t th a t I a m n o t l tt in g h e go a w y If I w r r e dd e nin g
e r a . e e
t h e l a nd i t w o u l d n o t b e h o l din g t h e pl o u gh th a t I w o l d b e
,
u .
I n s o m e dis t ric t s t h e fa r me rs c a ll t h e pl o u gh e d l a nd t h e r e d
,
l a nd a n d t h e u n pl o u gh e d l a nd W h i t e l a nd
, .
J OH N D E W A R .
32 2 WE ST H IGHLAND T ALES .
“
Bu t
i f tho u w i lt g i v e m e a n o th e r r e wa rd fo r i t I
”
,
w i ll m a k e a pl o u gh in g s a id Ma c a —R u sga i c h -
.
”
,
Oh I wi ll g i v e I wi ll g i v e i t I s a id t h e c a r l e 3 a n d
“
, ,
th ey m a d e a b a r ga in a b o u t t h e t h r a i v e .
A nd th e r e wa s a d a y a n d t h e h a rd t e n a n t a s k e d
,
M a c a —R u sga i ch to go t o t h e m o u n t a in m o o r to l o o k i f
-
h e c o u l d se e a ny th in g w r o n g a n d M a c a R u sga i c h w e n t
,
- -
u p t o t h e mo u n t a in A nd wh e n h e sa w h is o w n t i m e
h e c a m e h o m e a n d h is m a s t e r a s k e d h i m
”
, ,
W a s ea c h th in g ri ght in t h e mo u n t a in ? a n d M a c a
“ -
R u sga i c h s a id
”
,
Th e m o u n ta in h i m s e l f w a s a l l ri ght .
A nd t h e h a rd t e na n t s a id T h a t is n o t wh a t I a m
,
“
a s k in g 3 b u t w e r e t h e n e i gh b o u rs
’
c a ttl e o n th e ir o w n
s id e
An d Ma c—a R u sga i ch s a id
-
If th ey w e r e th e y w e r e
,
“
,
a n d i f th e y w e r e n ot l e t a b e It is m y b a rga in t o h e rd
-
.
t h e m o u n t a in a n d I w i ll k e e p t h e m o u n ta in wh e r e i t
,
7,
i s.
A nd t h e c a rl e s a id A d v e rsi ty a n d c a l a m i t i e s b e
,
“
u p o n th e e tho u b o
, y
A nd h e s a id A d v e rsi ty a n d c a l a m i t i e s b e On th ys e l f
,
“
,
o l d ca rl e A r t th o u ta k in g t h e ru e th a t th o u h a s t m a d e
su c h a b a r ga in
” !
I a m n o t I a m n o t s a id t h e d o u r t e na n t 3 I w i ll
,
”
gi v e th e e a n o th e r r e wa rd fo r h e rdin g t h e c a ttl e .
A nd M a c a R u sga i ch s a id
- -
If I ge t a n o th e r r e wa rd
,
“
,
’
I wi ll ta k e i n h a nd i f I see t h e n e i gh b o u rs c a ttl e o n
th y gr ou nd th a t I wi ll t u rn th e m ba c k a n d i f I s e e th y ,
c a ttl e o n t h e n e i gh b o u rs g r o u nd I w i ll t u rn th e m b a c k
’
to th in e o wn g r o u nd 3 b u t tho u gh s om e o f th e m s ho u l d
b e lo s t I w i ll n ot t a k e in h a nd t o fi nd th e m ; b u t i f tho u
,
A ga ins t , o r at th e mo u n ta in .
M A C A R U S GA I C H
- -
. 32 3
a s k e s t m e t o go t o s e e k th em I w i ll go a n d i f I ge t
”
, ,
th em I w i ll brin g th e m h o m e .
“
A nd t h e d o u r t e n a n t h a d fo r i t b u t t o a g r e e wi th
M a c a R u sga i ch a n d to g i v e M a c a R u sga i ch a n o th e r
- -
,
- -
r e wa rd fo r h e rdin g h is c a ttl e .
N e x t d a y t h e c a r l e h i m s e lf w e n t t o t h e h i ll a n d h e ,
c o u l d n o t se e h is h e i f e rs 3 h e s o u ght f o r th e m b u t ,
c o u l d n o t fi nd th e m He w e n t hom e a n d h e s a id t o
.
,
Ma c -
a -
R u sga i c h ,
“
Th o u mu st
go th ys e lf to s e a rc h fo r t h e h e i f e rs ,
M a c a R u sga i c h I c o u l d n o t fi nd th e m th is da y ; a n d
- -
g o tho u t o s e a rc h f o r th e m a n d s ea rc h f o r th e m u n t i l
”
,
th o u fi nd th e m ?
A nd Ma c a R u sga i ch s a id A nd wh e r e s h a ll I go to
- -
,
“
s e e k th e m
Th e Ol d c a r l e s a id GO a n d s e a rc h f o r th e m in t h e
,
“
pl a c e s wh e r e th o u th in k e s t th a t th ey a r e 3 a n d s e a rc h
f o r th e m in pl a c e s wh e r e th o u d o s t n o t s u pp o s e th e m
to b e
”
”
.
—
M a c a R u s a i c h s a id W ll th n I wi ll do th a t “
e e
g
-
.
, , ,
Th e rl e w e n t in t o t h e ho u s e 3 a n d Ma c a
old ea
'
R u sga i ch go t a l a dd e r a n d s e t i t u p a ga ins t t h e h o u s e 3
,
h e w e n t u p u p o n t h e h o u s e a n d h e b e ga n a t p u ll in g ,
t h e th a t c h Off t h e h o u s e a n d th r o w in g i t d ow n ,
And .
b e f o r e t h e c a r l e c a m e o u t a ga i n t h e th a t c h w a s a b o u t ,
t o b e a ll b u t a v e ry l i ttl e Off t h e h o u s e a n d t h e r a ft e rs ,
b a r e ; a n d M a c a R u sga i ch w a s p u ll in g t h e r e s t a n d
- -
th r o win g i t d o w n .
Th e Ol d c a r l e s a id A d v e rsi ty a n d c a l a m i ty b e u p o n
,
“
th e e b o y 3 wh a t m a d e th e e ta k e t h e th a t c h o ff t h e
,
ho u s e in th a t w a y
Ma c a — R u sga i ch s a id
-
It is b e c a u s e th a t I a m s ea rc h
”
,
in g fo r t h e h e i fe rs in t h e th a t c h o f t h e h o u s e .
Th e o l d c a r l e s a id Ho w a r t th o u s e e k in g t h e h e i fe rs
,
“
32 4 WES T H IG H LAND T ALES .
in t h e th a t c h o f th e h o u s e wh e r e th o u a rt s u r e th a t
”
,
th e y a r e n o t .
Mac -
a -
R u sga i c h
s a id B e c a u s e th o u th ys e lf s a ids t
,
“
t o m e t o s e a rc h fo r th e m in pl a c e s wh e r e I th o u ght th a t
th e y w e r e 3 a n d a l s o in pl a c e s wh e r e I did n o t s u pp o s e
th e m to b e ; a n d th e r e is n o pl a c e wh e r e I h a v e l e ss
n o ti o n th a t th e y m i ght b e in th a n in t h e th a t c h Of t h e
h o u se ” .
A nd th e c a r l e s a id “
A d v e rsi t y an d c a l a m i ty be u po n
”
,
th e e ,
lad .
Ma c -
a -
R u sga i c h
s a id A d v e rsi ty a n d c a l a m i ty b e u p
,
“
o n th ys e lf o l d c a r l e 3 a r t th o u t a k in g t h e r u e th a t th o u
,
d e sir e ds t m e t o s e a rc h fo r t h e h e i f e rs i n pl a c e s wh e r e I
did n o t s u pp o s e th e m t o b e
“ ”
I a m n o t I a m n ot s a id t h e c a r l e Go n o w .
“
, ,
a n d s e e k th e m in pl a c e s wh e r e i t is l i k e l y th a t th e y
ma y b e
” .
”
I w i ll d o so s a id M a c a R u s a i ch a n d M a c a g 3
- -
R u sga i c h w e n t t o s e e k t h e h e i f e rs a n d h e f o u nd th e m , ,
a n d br o u ght th e m h o m e
!
.
T h e n h is m a s t e r d e sir e d M a c a R u sga i ch t o go t o - -
u t t h e t h e th a t c h o n t h e h o u s e a n d t o m a k e t h e h o u s e
p ,
a s w a t e r t i ght to k e e p o u t r a in a s h e w a s a b l e
-
Ma c a .
-
R u sga i c h did s o a n d th e y w e r e pl e a s a n t f o r a wh i l e
,
a ft e r th a t .
Th e d o u r t e n a n t w a s g o in g t o a w e ddin g a n d h e ,
a s k e d M a e a R u sga i ch wh e n t h e e v e ni n g s h o u l d c o m e t o
- -
u t a s a dd l e o n t h e h o rs e a n d t o go t o t h e h o u s e o f t h e
p ,
w e ddin g t o t a k e h i m h o m e 3 a n d h e s a id t o h i m ‘
“
Wh e n i t is n e a r t h e tw e lfth h o u r c a s t a n o x ey e o n ,
t h e sid e wh e r e I a m a n d I w i ll k n o w th a t i t is n e a r t h e
,
t i m e t o go
*
D a m h s h u i l— a n o x e y e To c a s t a n e x e y e a t . an y one
m e a ns a cc o rdin g t o D e w a r t o l o o k w i t h a w ry f a c e
, , ,
an d o pe n
I I Ac — 3b 5
)
.
A R U S GA I C I I
'
-
-
.
“ ”
I w i ll d o th a t s a id Ma c —a R u sga i c h -
.
,
\ Vh e n t h e t e n a n t w e n t t o t h e w e ddin g M a c a R u s ,
- -
ga ic h w e n t t o p u t t h e s t o t s i n t o t h e f a n g a n d h e t o o k a ,
k ni f e a n d t o o k th e ir e y e s o u t a n d h e pu t t h e e y e s i n ,
h is p o c k e t : a n d w h e n t h e ni ght c a m e M a c a R u sga i c h ,
- -
u t t h e s a dd l e o n t h e h o rs e a n d h e w e n t t o t h e w e d d in g
p ,
h o u s e t o s e e k h is m a s t e r a n d h e r e a c h e d t h e w e ddin g
,
h o u s e a n d h e w e n t in t o t h e c o m p a ny a n d h e sa t t i ll i t
, ,
w a s n e a r u p o n t h e tw e lfth h o u r .
A nd th e n h e b e ga n a t th r o w in g t h e e y e Of a s t o t a t
t h e ca rl e a t t h e e n d o f ea c h w h il e a n d a t l a s t t h e o l d ,
c a r l e n o t ic e d h i m a n d h e s a id t o h i m
, ,
“
Wh a t a r t th o u d o in g
A nd M a c —a R u sga i e h s a id -
I a m c a s t in g a n o x ey e ,
“ -
On t h e sid e th a t th o u a r t fo r th a t i t is n o w n e a r u p o n
”
,
t h e tw e lfth h o u r .
A nd t h e o l d c a r l e s a id D o s t th o u th in k th ys e lf th a t
,
“
th o u h a s t g o n e t o t a k e t h e e y e s o u t o f t h e s to t s
A nd M a c a R u sga i c h s a id It is n o t th i n k in g i t I a m
- -
a t a l l ; I a m s u r e Of i t T h o u d ids t a sk m e th ys e lf t o
.
c a s t a n o x ey e t h e sid e th o u m i ght e s t b e w h e n i t w a s
n e a u p o n t h e tw e lfth h o u r a n d h o w c o u l d I d o th a t
r
,
u n l e ss I s h o u l d h a v e t a k e n t h e e y e s o u t Of t h e s t o t s
A nd t h e t e n a n t s a id A d v e rsi ty a n d c a l a m i ti e s b e
,
“
u p o n th e e th o u b o
”
, y .
A nd M a c a R u sga i c h s a id A d v e rsi ty a n d c a l a m i ti e s “
!
- -
o n th ys e lf o l d c a rl e
, A r t t h o u t a k in g t h e r u e th a t
th o u dids t a sk m e t o d o i t
“
I am n o t I am no t ,
s a id t h e c a r l e 3 a n d th e y w e n t
h o m e t o g e th e r a n d th e r e w a s n o m o r e a b o u t i t th a t
,
ni ght .
th e y e s w id e a d s t a re t p e rs o n — a s a si gn l Th e idi o m
e ,
n a a a . ,
t o c a s t a n e y e i s c o mm o n t o G a e l ic a d En gl is h 3 a n d s o i s t h e
,
n
e x p r e ssi o n t o c a s t a s h e e p s e e
’
, y .
32 6 WES T H IGH LA ND T ALES .
A nd t h e e n d o f a da y o r t w o a f t e r h is m a s t e r a s k e d ,
a s k e d Ma c a R u a i c h t o
g go u p to t h e ga t e s a t t h e t o p
- -
a n d m a k e a s h e e p fo o tp a t h
"e
”
.
I w i ll d o th a t s a id M a c— a R u s a ich 3 a n d
g , he -
w e n t a n d h e p u t t h e s h ee p in t o t h e f a n g a n d h e c u t
, ,
th e ir f e e t o ff a n d h e m a d e a s ta ir w i th t h e s h e e p s l eg s
,
’
,
a n d h e w e n t b a c k wh e r e h is m a s t e r w a s a n d h is m a s t e r ,
sa id t o h i m ,
D ids t tho u th a t
A nd Ma c a R u sga i ch s a id - -
I did T hou m a y e s t go “
.
”
,
th ys e lf a n d se e .
A nd t h e m a s t e r w e n t t o se e t h e s h e e p fo o tp a th th a t
M a c a —R u sga i ch h a d m a d e a n d wh e n h e a rri v e d a n d
~
, -
’
sa w t h e s h e e p s l e g s in t h e p a th h e w e n t in to a r a g e , ,
a n d h e s a id A d v e rsi t y a n d c a l a m i t i e s b e u p o n th e e
“
, ,
b o y 3 wh a t m a d e th e e c u t t h e l e g s o ff t h e s h e e p
A nd M a c a R u sga i ch s a id D ids t tho u n ot a sk m e “
’
- -
thys e l f t o m a k e a s h e e p footp a t h ; a n d how s ho u l d I

m a k e a s h e e p f o o tp a th u n l e ss I s ho u l d cu t t h e l eg s o f
t h e s h e e p ? Se e !
A r t th o u ta k in g t h e r u e th a t tho u
dids t a sk m e t o d o i t o l d c a r l e ,
I am n o t I am no t s a id h is m a s t e r
,
.
Wh a t h a v e I to do a ga in s a id M a c a R u sga i ch - -
.
“ ”
It is s a id h is m a s t e r to c l e a n a n d t o w a s h t h e “
”
, ,
ho rs e s a n d t h e s ta b l e b o th w i th o u t a n d w i th in ,
.
S TA I R, a c a u s e wa y in a we t b o g
pat h or .
C H A S A fo r t h e f e e t o r o f t h e f e t CH A OR A C H o f s h e e p
, ,
e . ,
.
A cc o rdin g t o D e w a r a p a th m a d e o v e r a b o g wh e n a ga t e
, ,
h a pp e ns t o b e wh e r e t h e g r o u nd is s o ft o r wh e r e p e a t m o ss is ,
.
I f s h e e p b e o ft e n dri v e n th r o u gh s u c h a g a te t h e p a thw a y s o o n ,
g e t s s o ft so t h a t t h e s h e p sin k in i t It is re p a ir e d by c u tt in g
,
e .
bru s hw o o d o r h e a t h e r a n d l a y in g i t o n t h e s o ft pl a c e w i th a .
”
,
c o v e rin g o f g r a v e l a n d i s c a ll e d St a i r c h a s a c a o r a c h
,
.
I k n o w t h e k ind o f r o a d m e a n t b u t I n e v e r h e a rd t h e n a me ,
.
J F C
. . .
M A C A R U S GA I C II
- -
. 32 7
A nd M a c a R u sh ga i ch w e n t a n d h e c l e a n e d o u t t h e
- -
s ta b l e a n d h e wa s h e d t h e w a ll s o n t h e o u t sid e a n d h e
, ,
wa s h e d t h e s ta bl e o n t h e insid e 3 h e w a s h e d t h e h o rs e s ,
a n d h e k i ll e d th e m a n d h e t o o k th e ir insid e s o u t o f
,
th e m a n d b e w a s h e d th e ir insid e s a n d h e w e n t wh e r e
, ,
h is m a s t e r w a s a n d h e a s k e d h i m w h a t h e w a s t o d o
,
a ga in 3 a n d h is m a s t e r s a id t o hi m t o u t t h e h o rs e s i n
p
wh a t c o nc e r n e d th e m (h a rn e ss ) in t h e plo u gh a n d t o ,
t a k e a wh i l e a t pl o u gh in g .
M a c a R u sga i c h s a id
- — Th e h o rs e s w o n t a ns w e r m e ” ’
, .
“
Wh a t a i l s th e m s a id h is m a s t e r .
“ ”
T h e y w o n t w a lk fo r m e s a id M a c a R u sga i c h
’
- -
.
”
,
"
Go a n d t ry th e m s a id h is m a s t e r
6
.
,
A nd M a c a —R u sga i c h w e n t Wh e r e t h e h o rs e s w e r e
-
a n d h e pu t a m o rs e l o f o n e Of th e m in t o h i s m o u th a n d ,
h e w e n t b a ck wh e r e h is m a s t e r w a s a n d h e s a id T h ey “
”
, ,
h a v e b u t a b a d ta s t e .
“ ”
Wh a t a r t th o u s a yin g ? s a id h i s m a s t e r .
Th e m a s t e r w e n t wh e r e h is h o rs e s w e r e a n d ,
wh e n h e sa w th e m a n d t h e insid e ta k e n o u t o f th e m
, ,
a n d w a s h e d a n d c l e a n e d h e s a id Wh a t is t h e r e a s o n
“
”
, ,
o f th is ?
“ ”
It i s s a id M a c a —R u sga i ch -
th a t th o u th ys e lf “
, ,
dids t a sk m e t o c l e a n a n d t o wa s h b o th t h e h o rs e s a n d
t h e s ta b l e b o th w i th o u t a n d Wi th in a n d I di d th a t ,
.
Ar t th o u t a k in g t h e r u e s a id M a c a R u sga i c h - -
.
“ ”
I h a d r a th e r th a t I h a d n e v e r s e e n th e e s a id t h e ,
ma s te r
”
.
“
\V e ll ,
th e n s a id M a c a R u sga i c h
,
-
th o u m u s t
-
“
gi v e m e th r e e w a g e s o r e l s e a th o n g o f th y sk in S h a ll
”
,
b e t a k e n f r o m t h e b a ck o f th y h e a d d o w n t o th y h e e l .
Th e d o u r t e n a n t s a id th a t h e h a d r a th e r t h e th o n g
F e nch is e i th e r t a s t e
,
or t ry in t h e G a e l ic .
to b e t a k e n o u t o f h is s k in f r o m t h e b a ck o f h is h ea d
,
to h is h ee l th a n g i v e t h e m o n e y t o a filth y c l o w n l ik e
,
Ma c—
a R u s a i eh
-
g .
A nd a cc o rdin g to l a w t h e d o u r t e n a n t w a s t i e d a n d ,
a br o a d th o n g t a k e n f r o m t h e b a c k o f h is h e a d d o w n
h is b a c k A nd h e cri e d o u t th a t h e h a d r a th e r gi v e
.
e v e n t h e m o n e y a wa y th a n th a t t h e th o n g s h o u l d b e
c u t a n y l o n g e r 3 a n d h e p a id t h e mo n e y a n d h e w a s ,
f o rc e d t o b e a wh i l e u nd e r t h e l e e c h e s a n d h e w a s a ,
d o u r m a n n o l o n ge r .
Aft e r th a t M a c— a R u sg a i c h w a s se t t o b e a s e r v a n t to
-
a g i a n t th a t w a s b a d t o h is s e r v a n t s .
M a c a R u sga i ch r e a c h e d t h e g i a n t a n d h e s a id
- -
Thy “
”
, ,
s e r va n t i s c o m e .
Th e g i a n t s a id If th o u b e s e r v a n t to m e th o u m u s t
,
“
,
k e e p e v e n w o r k w i th m e o r e l s e I w i ll br e a k th y b o n e s
,
as fin e as
S a id M a c a R u sga i eh
- -
“
Wh a t i f I b ea t th e e P ”
”s a id t h e g i a n t
,
“
If th o u b ea t e s t m e ,
th o u s h a lt
,
“
h a v e l i k e wa g e s ” .
Wh a t a r e w e go in g to
”
d o th e n ? s a id M a c—
a
,
R u sga i ch .
“
It is s a id t h e g i a n t 3 w e w i ll g o to brin g “
h o m e f a ggo t s ” .
A nd th e y w e n t a n d th e y r e a c h e d t h e wo o d a n d t h e ,
g i a n t b e ga n t o ga th e r e v e ry r o o t th a t w a s th ic k e r th a n
t h e re st a n d Ma c a—
,
R u sga i c h b e ga n t o ga th e r e v e ry
-
t o p th a t w a s s l e nd e r e r th a n t h e o th e rs .
Th e gi a n t l o o k e d a n d h e s a id ,
“
Wh a t a r t th o u d o in g so
A nd M a c a R u sga i c h s a i d
- -
I a m fo r th a t w e s h o u l d
,
“
P R ON N OI N , c o a rs e ,
u nsi fte d oa tm e a l 3 p o u nd in g s .
M A C A R U S GA I C I—I
- -
. 32 9
t a k e t h e w h o l e w o o d w i th u s ins t e a d o f l e a v in g a p a r t
o f i t u s e l e ss b e h ind u s
” .
S a id t h e gi a n t ,
IV e a r e l o n g e n o u gh a t th is w o r k 3
“
w e w i ll t a k e h o m e th e s e b u r d e ns b u t w e w i ll e t ot h e r
g
”
,
wo r k a ga in .
Th e n e x t w o r k th e y w e n t t o w a s t o c u t a s wa th e ;
a n d t h e gia n t a sk e d Ma c a R u s a i c h t o o fi rs t Ma c
g g
- -
.
a R u s a i c h w o u l d m o w t h e s wa th e a n d h e b e ga n a n d
g
-
h e w e n t r o u nd a b o u t s h o r t o n t h e inn e r sid e a n d t h e ,
g i a n t h a d t o go a l o n g e r r o u nd o n t h e o u t sid e o f h i m .
\V h a t a r t th o u d o in g s o s a id t h e g i a n t
”
.
“
I s a id M a c a R u sga i ch a m f o r th a t w e s h o u l d
,
- -
,
“
m o w t h e p a r k a t o n e o u t i n s t e a d o f tu r n in g b a c k e v e ry
t i m e w e c u t t h e s w a th e a n d w e S h a ll h a v e n o t i m e l o s t
”
,
a t al l .
Th e gi a n t sa w th a t h is mu c h l o nge r cu t wo u l d be
th a n t h e c u t Of M a c a R u sga i c h a n d h e s a id \V e a r e
- -
, ,
“
l o n g e n o u gh a t th is w o r k w e w i ll go t o a n o th e r wo r k .
”
,
W e w i ll o a n d w e w i ll th r e s h t h e c o rn
g .
A nd th e y w e n t t o th r e s h t h e c o rn a n d th e y go t t h e ,
fla i l s a n d th e y b e ga n t o w o r k
,
A nd w h e n t h e g i a n t .
w o u l d s tri k e t h e s h e a f h e w o u l d m a k e i t s p rin g o v e r
,
t h e b a u lk ( r a ft e r ) a n d wh e n
,
M a c a R u sga i c h w o u l d - -
s t ri k e i t i t wo u l d l i e d o w n o n t h e fl o o r .
H e w o u l d s t ri k e a n d M a c—a R u sga i c h w o u l d sa y t o
,
-
t h e gia n t ,
“
T h o u a r t n o t h a lf h i tt in g i t \Vi lt th o u n o t m a k e .
i t cr o u c h a s I a m d o in g
B u t t h e s t r o n g e r t h e g i a n t s t r u ck t h e h i gh e r l e a p e d ,
t h e s h e a f a n d M a c a R u sga i c h w a s l a u gh in g a t h i m 3
,
- -
a n d t h e g i a n t s a id ,
W e a r e l o n g e n o u gh a t th is w o r k 3 I w i ll t ry th ee
in a n o th e r w a y IV e w i ll go a n d t ry wh ic h o f u s c a n
.
2 2 2
ca s t a s t o n e s t r o n g e s t in t h e fa c e Of a cra g th a t is b ey o nd
t h e f a ll
” .
”
I a m w i ll in g s a id Ma c a R u sga i c h 3 a n d t h e g i a n t
- -
w e n t a n d h e ga th e r e d t h e h a rd e s t s t o n e s h e c o u l d fi nd .
A nd M a c a R u sga i ch w e n t a n d h e go t c l a y a n d h e
- -
r o ll e d i t in t o l i ttl e r o u nd b a ll s a n d th e y w e n t t o t h e ,
sid e o f t h e fa ll .
Th e g i a n t th r e w a s t o n e a t t h e f a c e o f t h e cr a g a n d ,
t h e s to n e w e n t in s pl in t e rs a n d h e s a id t o M a c a ,
-
R u sga i c h ,
DO th a t b oy .
”
,
M a c a R u sga i ch th r e w a d a dah l u m p o f t h e c l a y a n d
~ -
, ,
i t s t u c k in t h e fa c e o f t h e cra g a n d h e s a id t o t h e gi a n t
”
, ,
D O th a t o l d e a r l ,
.
A n d t h e g i a n t w o u l d th r o w a s s t r o n gl y a s h e c o u l d ,
b u t t h e m o r e p i th t h e g i a n t w o u l d s e nd w i th t h e s t o n e
h e w o u l d th r o w t h e s m a ll e r i t w o u l d br e a k
,
A nd .
M a c a R u sga i eh w o u l d th r o w a n o th e r l i ttl e b a ll o f t h e
- -
c l a y a n d h e w o u l d sa y
, ,
T
“
T hou a r t n o t h a l f th r o w in g i t “ i lt th o u n o t m a k e .
t h e s t o n e s t ic k in t h e cr a g a s I a m d o in g
A nd t h e g i a n t s a id W e a r e l o n g e n o u gh a t th is
,
“
wo r k 3 w e w i ll go a n d ta k e o u r dinn e r a n d th e n w e w i ll ,
se e wh ic h o f u s c a n b e s t th r o w t h e s t o n e o f f o rc e
p u tt in g s t o n e )
”
(
“ ”
I a m w i ll in g s a id M a c a R u sga i c h a n d th e y w e n t
- -
, ,
ho m e .
T h e y b e ga n a t th e ir dinn e r a n d t h e g i a n t s a id t o ,
Ma c -
a -
R u sga i c h ,
“
th o u e a t e s t o f br e a d a n d c h e e s e a s m u c h a s
U n l e ss
I e a t a th o n g s h a ll b e t a k e n o u t o f th y s k in f r om t h e
”
, ,
b a c k o f th y h e a d t o th y h e e l .
Ma k e s e ve n o f i t ” s a id M a c a — R u sga i c h on -
“
, ,
c o v e n a n t th a t s e v e n th o n g s s h a ll b e t a k e n o u t o f th y
M A O A R U S G A I GI—
- -
I . 33 1
s k in f r o m t h e b a ck o f th y h e a d t o th y h e e l u n l e ss t h o u
,
”
,
e a te s t a s mu ch a s I ea t .
”
Try th e e th e n s a id t h e g i a n t .
, ,
“ ”
S t o p th e n t i ll I ge t a d r in k s a id M a c a R u sga i c h 3 - -
a nd h e w ent o u t to
g e t a dri n k a n d h e go t a l e a th e r n ,
b a g a n d h e p u t t h e b a g b e tw e e n h i s s h i r t a n d h is Sk in
, ,
a n d h e w e n t in wh e r e t h e g i a n t w a s a n d h e s a id t o t h e
”
,
g i a n t T ry t h e e n o w
, .
Th e t w o b e ga n t o e a t t h e b r e a d a n d t h e c h e e s e a n d ,
M a c a R u sga i c h w a s p u tt in g t h e br e a d a n d t h e c h e e s e
- -
in t o t h e b a g th a t h e h a d in u nd e r h i s s h ir t b u t a t l a s t ,
t h e g i a n t s a id
”
,
“
It is b e tt e r t o c e a s e th a n b u rs t .
“
It is b e tt e r e v e n t o b u rs t th a n t o l e a v e g o o d m ea t ”
,
s a id M a c a R u sga i c h - -
.
”
I w i ll c e a s e s a id t h e gi a n t .
,
Th e s e v e n th o n g s S h a ll b e t a k e n f r o m t h e b a c k o f
”
th y h e a d t o th y h e e l s a id M a c —a R u sga i c h -
.
”
,
I w i ll t ry th e e y e t s a id t h e gi a n t ,
.
”
T h o u h a s t th y t w o c h o ic e s s a id M a c a R u sga i c h - -
.
,
Th e g i a n t go t c u rds a n d cr e a m a n d h e fill e d a c u p ,
f o r h i m s e lf a n d a n o th e r c u p f o r M a c a — R u sga i c h -
.
”
L e t s t ry w h o o f u s is b e s t n o w s a id t h e g i a n t
’
.
”
,
I t s n o t l o n g t i ll th a t i s s e e n s a id M a c —a R u s a i ch
’
g
- -
.
”
,
L e t s t ry w h o ca n s o o n e s t drin k wh a t i s in t h e c u p
’
.
A nd M a c a R u sga i c h dr a n k h is fill a n d h e p u t t h e
- -
r e s t in t h e b a g a n d h e w a s d o n e b e f o r e t h e g i a n t .
”
,
A nd h e s a id t o t h e g i a n t T h o u a r t b e h in d ,
.
Th e g i a n t l o o k e d a t h i m a n d h e s a id C e a sin g is “
, ,
b e tt e r th a n b u rs t in g ”
”
.
“
B e tt e r is b u rs t in g i t s elf th a n t o l e a v e go o d m e a t ,
s a id M a c a R u sga i c h - -
.
W e w i ll go o u t a n d t ry wh ic h o f u s c a n th r o w t h e
s t o n e o f f o rc e t h e f u r th e s t b e f o r e w e the
”
d o mo r e s a id
, ,
g ia n t .
“ ”
I a m w i ll i n g s a id M a c— a R u s a i ch A nd th e y
g
-
.
,
w e n t o u t wh e r e t h e s t o n e w a s b u t t h e g i a n t w a s so ,
f u ll th a t h e c o u l d n o t s t o o p t o l i f t i t .
“ ”
L i ft th a t s t o n e a n d th r o w i t s a id t h e gi a n t .
,
“
Th e h o n o u r o f b e g innin g t h e b e g innin g is t o b e
”
th in e o w n s a id M a c — a R u sga i c h -
.
,
Th e g i a n t t ri e d t o l i ft t h e s t o n e b u t h e c o u l d n o t
,
s to o p M a c a R u sga i c h t ri e d t o st e e p a n d h e s a id
- -
”
.
, ,
“
S u c h a b el l y a s th is S h a ll n o t b e h ind e rin g m e ,
a n d h e dr e w a k ni f e f r o m a s h e a t h th a t w a s a t h is S id e ,
a nd h e
pu t t h e k ni f e i n t h e b a g th a t w a s in f r o n t o f
h i m a n d h e l e t o u t a l l th a t w a s w i th in a n d h e s a id
”
, , ,
“
T h e r e is m o r e r o o m w i th o u t th a n w i th in a n d h e ,
l i ft e d t h e s t o n e a n d th r e w i t a n d h e s a id to t h e g ia n t
”
, ,
D O th a t .
“ ”
C a ns t th o u n o t th r o w i t f u r th e r th a n th a t ? s a i d
t h e gi a n t
”
.
“
T h o u h a s n ot th r ow n i t a s fa r a s th a t s a m e s a id ,
a—
Ma c— R u sga i c h .
“ ”
Ov e r h e r e th y k ni f e I s a id t h e gi a n t .
M a c a —R u sga i c h r e a c h e d h i s k ni f e t o t h e g i a n t
-
Th e .
g i a n t t o o k t h e k ni f e a n d h e s ta bb e d t h e k ni f e in to h is
,
b e ll y a n d h e l e t o u t t h e m e a t 3 a n d t h e gi a n t f e ll t o
,
e a r th a n d M a c a R u s a i c h l a u gh e d a t h i m a n d t h e g i a n t
g
- -
, ,
f o u nd d e a th .
M a c a —R u sga i c h w e n t in t o t h e g i a n t s ho u s e a n d h e
’
-
,
g o t h is g o l d a n d si lv e r th e n h e w a s ric h a n d th e n h e
, ,
w e n t h o m e f u ll y pl e a s e d .
S GE U L A c I I D -
M I L\ C A R U S GA I C H
- - -
. 3 33
S G E U LA C H D M H A O A H
‘
u U SGA I C .
B HA u airei
g in n T u a t h a n a c h a n n s b h a e r o d h o n a
’
s h e i r b h is ic h , ri
a g s u t ra a b h io dh a n ti
o m se i r b h i s a c a d l u t h a i r a b h i t h a i
-
g
g h e i b h i dh
c r io i c h e , e l e i s ge u l gu c o n n sa c h a d h a d h e a n a m h r iu t h ,
ch
t h il e a d h e a m a r i u t h a , s c h u i r e a d h e a i r fa l b h i a d
gu n a n
t a a sd l
u r A g s e h u i e a i fa l b h m o r n d a sh i r b h i h i e h a i r
a . u r r a o e s
a d o i gh s i
n A g s b h a f a r p t il a n d o b i m Gil l e o m h
n . u e ra a n
’
a u na
M c R sg i c h s c h l i o m a d h i r s t h b h i r t e g
’
a a u a
g b h adh ua e r a u a u n a
- -
, ,
e a san tu a ra s da l a ig an t u a t h a n a c h d h o irb h , s gu n t u g a d h e c ar
man se a ch a s,
gu m b i t h e a dh e s n a ch o fad a m a th u a th , is a
b h i o dh an t u a t h a n a c h d o irb h m a d h e a s . C h a i dh M a c -
a - R u sga i e h
ch n u fa i g h i r na f e il l g r o i g, S g h a b h e s r ab h na b h e u l , m ar
mh a r r a d h gu n r o b h e l o s m u i n n t e a ra s
’
ch o g h a b h a ila .
Th a i n i g a n Tu a t h a n a c h d o i r i b h an rath a d a u d h fh a r r a i d
’
g s e
do M ac R u s ga i c h ga b h a d h e m u i n n t e a r a s , s t h u b h a i r t M a c
’ ’
-
a -
a
a - R u s ga i c h
ga gh a b h a d h D a m f a i g h e a d h e m a i g h i s t e a r m a
’
s th
t h u b h a ir t Mac -
a -R u s
ga i c h Ga -
dé a b h io d h s a g u m ri dh eanamh
”
,
ma gh bb a s a
gu t S t h u b h a i r t a n t u a t h a n a c h d o ir i b h ,
mi a ? ’
”
Bi t h idh a g u t r i s a m o n a d h a b h u a c h a i l l e a c h d , s t h u i r t M a c
’
a -
R u sg a i c h , “ ” ’
Ni
m i si n , s t h u i r t a n t u a t h n a c h ,
’
S b i t h id h
a gu t ris a c h ra n n a e h u ma il ,
”s ’
t h u ir t Ma c -
a -
R u s ga i c h , Ni mi
si n .
” b i t h id h na t h u ib h i r e d o g no t h a ich e a n e il e a gu t ri
dh e an amh
”s Mac R Am bi n a
ga i c h ,
’
i de a c h c , t h u irt
“
cu -
a -
us
gn o t h a i c h e a n s i n d u il l i c h a d h e a n a m h s
’
t h u irt am fe a r e i l e,
Ch a b h i , c h a n ia rr m e o r t a d h e a n a m h a e h
’
is ru d a s u rr a i n n
’
du it a dh ea n a mh . A ch cu i r i dh m i
’
sa ch u m h n a n t , m a r f r e a ga i r
”s ’
t h u i rt
m f e u m t h u d a t h u a r a sd a l ph a i gh d h o m h s a ,
’
t h u , gu a
Mac -
a -
R u sg a i c h C u i r i dh m is e a n n sa c h u m h n a n t m a d h i a rr a s
’
mi
’
tu o rm ru d air b h ith e a dh e a n a m h a eh ru d a s u r r a in n a
d h e a n a m h , g u m f e u m t h u sa d a t h u a r a s d a l
’
a t h o ir t do m h sa 3
”
’
s c h Oi r t i a d m e a sin ni .
Ag s thu b hai
u rt a n t u a t h a n a c h d o i rb h , Tha m is e a c ir a
u nn
’
sa
ch u mh n a n t m a gh a b h a s a h a o n -
a ir bi th a ga i n n a n t -
a i t h re ae h a s,
gu
’
n t e id i a l l a t h o b h a i r t a s a c h r a ic io n n o ch i l l a c h inn gu
’ ”
s h ai l s ’
t h u b h a i rt Ma c -
a B u s g a ic h , Cu i m h n i c h g u n (l u b h a irt
,
”s t u a r a sda l a l g a n T u a t h a n a c h
gh a b h e
’
thu s in a b h o da ic h ,
d h o ir b h ,
’
s c h a id h e da c h a id h
’
a i o n n s a id hd .
Se
’
c h ia d o ha ir a cha id h i a r r a i d h a ir Ma c -
a - R u sg a i c h a dh e an a mh ,
dho l dh ia rr Ma c
’
t h il g e a d h m Oi n e ,
’
mh o n a d h
’
e a do n a s -
a
3 34 W E S T HIGH LAND T ALES .
R u sg a i c h a b a dh m a i d n e m a m f a l b h a d h
h i ’
-
e,
’
s na ch ru ig e a d h e
a l s ea t ig h i n n d a c h a i dh a ir a sh o n ,
’
s fh u a i r e na b h a ia d a
l u a t h sa c h a d h d o b h i a dh a i r s e i r b h e i si c h a i
g aon t r a,
’
s i th e
dh
’
s in ,
’
s dh ia rr
’
e a d h inn e ir
’
s n a ch ru i ge a d h e a l e a s s t d a ig a
m e a dh o n l a t h a ,
’
s fh u a i r e an l u a t h sa c h a a bha a ir s o n a dh i n n e i r ,
s dh ith
’
e si n ,
’
8 dh iarr
’
e a sh u ip e i r na c h
’
s ru i ge a d h e a le s a
t i gh in n d a c h a id h a ig an o idh c h e ,
’
s th g i a d
u s in da ,
’
s dh i t h
’
e
’
s in c h a i dh fa r ro b h m h a i gh i s t e a r , ’
dh fh a r r ai d
’
3 s e an a s e
d e th , Ci o d
’
S ab h a i s t do n a se r i b h e is ic h a
gu t sa a dh e a n a dh an
d e i gh a n su ipe i r
’
S t h u b h air t a m h a i gh i s t e a r ris Is ab h a i s t
”s
,
d o ib h an ao da c h a chu i r di u b h ’
s do l a l u id h ,
’
dh fh a l b h M a c
’
r o bb le aba
’
a -
R u s ga i e h f a r an a ,
’
s c h u ir e dh e t h a o da c h
’
s c h a idh
e a l u id h .
Ch a id h b h a n a m h a igh i s t e f a a n r o b h f e a r a b h a i l e s dh
a ar r ,
’ ’
fh ar ra i d i d e th G u dé a n o r s a g i ll a fh a i r e
,
-
si u d
g n se e u an ,
u
’
d i th
’
e n a t ri t ai t h a dh a o
r t ra s gu n d e a c h a idh e a
ean
’
n ,
’ ’
m h a ig h i s t e a r f a r h M ac
’ ’
l u idh s c h a id h a an ro b -
a -
R u s ga i c h , s
t h u b h airt e r is, Ga r so n nach e il th u a ig o h a ir ? ’

s t h u b h ai r t
Mac -
a
-
R u sg a i c h , Th a g u n d u b h a i r t t h u
“
-
fe in m , gu m b e a
r iu
’
b ’
ab h a i s t d o
’
(1 s h e i r b h e i s i c h s a d h e a n a m h -
’
nu a ir gh e i b h e a d h i a d
’
ipe i r , da ch diu b h l u idh ,
’
a n su an ao a ch u ir s do l a s t h u b h a ir t a
a m h a i gh i s t e a r ,
’
S c ia a ir so n a dh
’
i th th u na t ri t ra
’
n ma r
c h o m hl a ’
s t h u irt M ac -
a - R u s a i ch
g Th a g u n,
’
ro bh na t rI
‘
t rai t h e a n b e a g gu l e o i r gu d in e a u d h e a n a m h s at h a c h ,
’
s t hu b h a i rt
am m a i gh i s t e a r , Eiric h s ra c h ’ ’ ”
t o h a ir s ’
t h u b h a ir t Mac a
gu
-
,
R u s ga i c h , e ir i dh a c h f e u m a i dh m i m o b h i a dh fh a o t a i n n m a r is
cu b h a i dh d h o m h h a ir d a e i r c h a n e il o r m a
,
a ir n e o bid h m
’
o
’
r ,
’ ’
dh ea m h a c h m a r is u r a i n m i f e nc h a b h e i l t h u a ga b h a i l a n
na r n
” ”
,
a i e a ch a s a b h o d i c h
r C h a n e i l c h n e i l o rs a a m b o d a c h
a ? ’ ’
,
a
’ ’
, ,
s fh u i r M a c a R sga i c h a b h i a dh n a b f h e a
’
a d h e i h sin
’
a u g rr n
- -
.
8 b h a l a t h a e il a n s d h i a r r a m b o d a c h a i M a c a R u s ga i c h
’ ’ ’ ’
n r - -
e a d h o l a e h u m a il a m n d a i l a b h a s h i o s b h o n t i gh
’ ’
c h ro i a nn r ,
s d h fh a l b h M a c a R u sg a i c h s a i i g e f a r a n r o b h a n cr a nn
’ ’ ’ ’
- -
s r n ,
a l a m b n s s h a s e a n n sin
’
8 t h a in i g
’
b h e i e a i r n a u a id e a
r n n n a e .
a m h a i gh i s t e a r f a r a r o b b e s t h i r t a m h a i gh i s t e a r i s Ci a
n
’
u r
”
, ,
a ir so n n a ch s t h u b h a ir t
’
il t h u a d a a m h n t r e a b h dh
’
e ? e n a a
M a c a R u sg a i c h
- - C h a n e m o b h rga n t re a b h a d h a dh e a a m h
.
’
a n ,
a ch mi a e h u m ail a c h o i s t h a t h u a f a i c in n cha n eil m i a

r nn
’ ’ ’
”
, ,
l e i ge o l l e a th f a l b h s t h b h a i t a m h a i gh i s t a r N a h u ire
’
a ,
u r e . . -
’
s na h u ir e a n d a n o rt
’
s t h u b h a ir t Mac a - R u sga i c h Na h
!b h
- -
.
nir e a g s u na li -
u ir e a n d a n o rt fh e in a b h o da i c h a e il th u a
S GE U L A c HD I I H I c A R U S GA I c I I
v
.
-
- - -
. 33 5
g ab h a i l b h rg n a rinn t h
a n a ir e a ch a is O I c h n il d o
’
n a a u a
’
e
”
,
c h a n i l t h i t a m b o d c h a c h m b h e i t h u d h m h d is
’
e u r a
“
a r o ua
”
, ,
a sh o n i mi t r b h o rs Ma a R g i h
’
e il a i r n O b h ei ea a, a c- -
u s a c . r,
” ”
,
o rs a m bo d ach S rinn i d b rg a n u m n t e a b h d h
’
b h ei r, a . a a r a r a .
Mac
’ ’
S b ha l ath a dh ia rr
’
an n s an t u a t h a n a c h d o i r ib h a ir -
a
B u s ga i c h , e a dho l ris a m h o n a dh , a sh e al t u in n ain fa i c i d h e 111
a ir bi th a ir a n d o c h a ir ,
’
s ch a idh Ma c -
a -R u s
ga i e h a mh o n a dh , ris
’
s an u a ir a ch u n n a ic e a t h io m f in e t h a in ig e d a c h a id h , s d h
’
fh a r r a i d a m h a i gh i s t e a r d the
“
A u r o bb ga e h u i c e a rt a n n sa
’
”
,
m h o n a dh Mac
’
th u ir t R u s ga i e h Bha am mo n a dh
‘
S 2 -
a -
. e
f h e i n e ca rt
” s
’
t h u irt an t u a t h a n a c h do irb h , Ch n a
’
e si n a th a
,
m is e a f a r r a id ach an ro bh cro dh n an co i m h e a r s n a ic h air a n t ao b h

fe in ’
s t h u b h a irt Mac -
a -
R u sg a i c h . Mo b ha bha , ,
’
s m ar
b h l e i g e a r d a, m o b h a r ga n s a mo n a dh b h u a c h a il l e a c h d ,
’
ro Se a a
is e a m ”s m
gl e id h i d h m m o n a d h , fa r b h e il
’
s a e, t h u b h a ir t a
b d c
o a h Na h . nir e s -
na h -
u i re a n da n o rt a b h a l l a ich , ”s ’
t h u ib h
a ir t e s a n N a h nir e dan fe in b h o da i c h ,
’
h u ir e a n
“
,
-
s na -
o rt a a
b h e il t h u a ga b h a il a n a ir e a c h a s gu n d o
’
rinn t h u a l e i t h id d o
b h a rg n C h n e il c h a n
a rs a t u a t h a a c h d o i b h
a
’ ’
e il ,
”o a n
‘
n r
, ,
b h i r m i d h i t d a is i l e a i s o n a n c o dh
e b h u ch il le c h
u u e r r a a a a c
’
s thu bh i t M a c R sg i c h a r M a gh i b h m is e d is i l e s -
u a ,
e ua e ,
g a b h a i d h m i o s l a i m h m o c h i m i c r o d h n a n c o i m h e a rs n a i c h a i r a
gh r u n n d a ga ds a , g u n t l l m i a i r a n a i s i a d a g u m a c h i m i d o i s
’
,
c h r o d h sa a i r gr u n n d n a n c o i m h e a r s n a i c h t i l l i d h m i a i r a n a i s i a d
th u n d o gh r u n n d fe in g e d d o t h e i d c u i d di u b h a
,
a ch a ,
ch a c h ll
gh a b h m i o s l a i m h a m fa o t a i n n , a c h m a d h i a r r a s t u o r m d o l
’ ’
gu n
i a r r a i d h t h e id m i m o gh e ib h m i i a d b h e i r m i d a c h a i d h
’
ann, s
i ad .
”
’
S ch a ro bb ai
g an t u a t h a n a c h dh o i r b h a ir a c h c o rd a d h ri Mac
a -
R u s ga i c h ,
’
s
.
i
d is e l
u a e a t h o b h a irt do Mac -
a -
R us
ga i e h ,
’
s dua is
e ile a t h o ir t da a ir so n an c ro dh a b h u a c h a il l e a c h d . A gu s b ha
’
iad r e id h r e g ra t h u n n n a d h e i g h sin .
An a t h l a t h a c h aidh a i n o a b d c h fe in ris e a m h o n a dh , a g s u ch a
b ’
u r ra in n d
’
a na h -
a i g h e a n a ig f h a ic i n n . D h ia r r e a ir a n so n , a c h
b m fa o t u i n n C h a idh d a c h a id h 3 s t h u b h a i r t
’
d
’
eh a u r r a in n a a . e
e ri Ma e -
a -R u s I s f h e u d a d i t fe in
ga i c h , r u d o l a d h i a r r a id h a i r
a Mh i c a R b i m is e m
’
i h eh
’
so n na 11 a i gh e an g u - -
us a c ,
a r ra n n a
fao tu i nn an di gh a g s ra c h t h u s g u
n ,
i a idh
u s ia a an a rr ,
rr ia d g n s
g u m f a i gh t h u i a c
Th u b h a i r t M a d a - R u sg a i c h , Ag s c i t eu
’
a an t e id m isc ga
’
n
i a r ra i dh
3 36 WES T HIGH LAND T ALES .
Th u b h a i r t am b o d ch a , R a ch a gu s ia r r i a d a nn s n a h a i t -
e a ch a n a n n sa n sa o il t h u i a d a b h it h , a g u s i a r i a d a n a n a it e c h a n
r n a
an n is n a c h sa o il th u iad a b h it h .
”
Th u b h a i r t M a c -
a -
R u Sga i e h , N i m is e m a r sin ma t a -
.
”
Ch a idh am b o d a c h a st i gh d o ’
n t i gh a g s fh u ,
u a r i Mac -
a - R u sg
a ic h fara , s c h n i r e ris a t i gh e
C h a i d h e a n a i d a i r a n t i gh
n . r ,
a g u s t h Oi s i c h e i r s p i o n a dh a t u b h a d h fa r a n t a i gh s g a t h i l gid h
a n ,
1 l e a t h a d a gu s m a d t h a i n i g a m b o d a c h a m a c h a i t h i sd b h a
’ ’
e ,
n r ,
a n t b h a dh gu a c h
u o b h e ga f a a t a i gh s a c b i r l o m a g u s
r a n r n ,
n a a ,
M a c a R u sga i c h a s pi o a d h s a t il g i d h l e l e a t h a d a c h o rr
- -
n .
Th u b h a i t m b o d a c h r N a h u n a d h s a h n r ch o i de a n o r t a
a ,
-
r n -
b h a l l a i c h c i a dé a th u g o r t a n t u b h a d h a t h o i r t f ar a n t a i gh m a r
-
si n
Th u b h a i r M a c R u sga i c h , Th a g u m b h e il m i a g i r r a i dh
’ ’
-
a -
na n
t u b h adh t a i gh
” T h u b h a irt a m o a h , b d c c ia
a i gh e a n a n n a n an .
m ar a tha thu g i a r r a idh n a n a

’ ’
ai
gh e a n ann an t bb a n
u a t a i gh ,
a m b h e i l t h u c in n t e a c h
’
n ch e il i a d 2
‘ ”
fa r a
Th u b h a i r t M a c -
a R u s ga i c h
-
. Th a g u n d o i a r r t h u f h e i n o r m ,
an ia r raid h far an sa o il in n i a d a b h ith A g u c u id e a c h d m i gu n
. s’
i ar r a i d h an n an a i t ea ch a n fa r na ch s a o il i n n ia d a b h i th . A gu s
ch a
’
n e il a i te a ir bi th fa r an h i gh a t h a do s h a o il s i n n a ga m s a iad
t u bb a n t a i gh ”
a b h i th an n , n a an n a n .
Th u b h airt am bo da c h N a h u a dh a g s n a -
nr u h -
u r c h o id e a n o r t
”
,
Th u b h a i r t M a c R u s a ich Na h u n r a dh
“
a b h al l a ich .
-
a -
g ,
-
s na
h -u r c h o id e a n o rt fe in a b h o d a i ch . A m bh e il
’
th u ga b h a i l a n
a
a i r e a ch a s g u n d ’
i arr th u o rm na h -
a i gh e a n i a r r a i d h fa r a h n c
iad b h ith ? ” Ch a n e il , c h a
’
e il , t h u b h a i rt m
s a o il i n n a n a
b o d a c h ra c h anis e a gu s i a rr i a d a n n a n a i t e a c h a n fa r a m b h e il
” ”
,
a co l t a c h gu
’
m fa o t i a d a b h i t h a n n N i m is e m a r si n o rs a .
,
M ac -
a - R u s ga i c h .
D h fh a l b h M a c
’
R u s ga i c h
-
a -
a db i a r r a i d h na n ai
gh e an Fh u a i r .
s th u g d a ch a i dh i a d A n sin m h a i gh s t i r a i r
’
e i a d, e . ,
dh iarr a
M ac -
a - R u s ga i c h ,
e a d ho l a ch u ir an t u b h a dh air an t i gh s e ,
a
dh e a n a m h an t a i gh , ch o d i o n a c h g u u i s ge a e h u m a i l a m c h is a a
b u rrai n n d
’
a. Rinn M a c a R u s ga i c h sin , a g u s b h a i a d
- -
r e idh r e
r a t h u nn n a d h e igh si n .
g
B ha an tu a th a n a ch d o irb h a dol a d h i o nn s a i d h
’
b a n a is ,
’
s dh
’
ia rr e a ir Mac -
a - R u sga i e h , t r a t h i g e a dh am f e a s ga r , e a ch u ir
d io l l a i d air an e a ch ,
’
s e a dh l o a
’
dh i o n n s a idh t i gh n a b a i n s e n ,
gu s e a s n a t h o i r t da c h a i dh ,
’
s t h u b h h ir t e ris , A n n a ir a b h i t h i s
a dl n a i r d a -
n a ir -
dh e u g, t i l g damh shu i l -
an t ao b h a b h i th e a s mi
’
s
S GE U L AC H D M II A c A R U S ( : A I C I I - - -
. 337
a i t h n a idhm i gu m b h e i l e d l i i
’ ‘
a ir a n a m,
”
gu d o l da ch a idh Ni
”
.
m i s i n , o rs a M a c a R i i s ga i c h - -
‘
. N a ir a u d h fh a l b h a n t u a t ha n a c h
’
th u n na b n a is
a ,
c h a idh Mac -
a -
R I I s ga i c h
‘ ’
s c h n ir e na d a i mh a
s t i gh do
’
n fh a n g , a
’
gh a b h
s e s g ia n
’
s th u g e n a s ii il e a n a st a, a s
’
c h u ir e n a p h Oc n a s ua s uil e a n ,
’
n ir a t h a in i g an o id h c h e , c h u ir
Mac -
a -
R i rs ga i c h a n d i o l l a id a i r a n ea ch ,
’
s c h a idh e
gu tigh na
b a in n se a dh i a r r a i d h
’
a m h a i gh i s t e a r ,
’
a s ra ni i g e t i gh na b a i n n se ,
’
s c h a idh e a s t i gh do
’
n c h u i de a c h d
’
s sh u id h e,
gu s a n r o bb a d h ‘
air da -
n a ir -
dh e u g . A
’
s a n s in , t h Oi s i c h e air t i l g e a dh S ui l d i m h a
a ir a b h o da c h , a ig c e a nn ga e h a a t c n , a
’
s ma dh e i r e a d h th g a m u
b da ch o an a ire dh a ; a s
’
t h u b h air t e r is,
“
Gu -
dé a tha thu a
d e an a mh ? ”s ’
t h u b h air t Ma ce -
R u s ga i c h , “
Th a m i a t i l ge a dh
s hi l daim h an tao b h a th a t h u , th u n a t h a e dl u a i r a n ( l a n a ir -
dh e u g a
”
nis a ’
s t h u b h a ir t a m b o da ch A n s a i l t h u fh e i n “
o
, ,
”
g u n d e a c h a id h t h u a t h o i r t n a n s u i l e a n da i mh
’
as n a I a s th u b h
a ir
t M a c a R irsg a i c h , h a a n n ga
-
C n
’
sh a o il s i n n idir a t h a m i.
Th a m i cin n t ea ch as ; dh
’
i ar r t h u f in o m m i a t h il ge a d h s u i l
e r
da i mh an t ao b h a b h i t h e a dh t u , a n a ir a b h it h id h a dl u a i a n
u r
da -
na i r -
dh e u g,
’
s dé -
ma r a b ’
u rra n n i mi si n a dh e a n a m h , m a r
t u ga i n n n a s ui l e a n as na daimh ,
”a ’
s t h u b h ai rt an tu atha n ach ,
Na h -
u ire a
’
s na h -
u r a i n de a n o r t a b h a l l a i ch ,
”a ’
s t h u irt Ma c
de a n
’
a -
R usg a i c h , na h -
u ir e s na h -
u r a in o rt fh e i n a b h o da ich , a
dhea n amh
’
o rm a
’
b h e il t h u a ga b h a il a ir e a c h a s,
gu n d i a r r t h u
Cha n cha n ’
e il b d c h c h a id h i a d d c h a i dh
’ ’
eil,
”t h u irt a m o a
’
s a
, ,
co mh l a s c h a r o bb t u i l e m a d h i b h i n o i d h c h e si n
’
,
a e n n .
A s a i g c e a nn l t h a n a d h a n a d h e i gh s i n d h i a r r a m h a igh i s t e r
’ ’
a ,
a
a ir M a c R sg i e h e a d h o l a n air t th u n n a c a t h c h l i a t h i m h l
‘
-
a -
ii a .
a r u
l ic h s e a d h e a n a mh st i c h a s a c a o r c h
a
’
Ni mi i ” rs a '
a r -
a .
“
s n o
,
M a d a R u ga i c h s d h f h l b h e a S c h u i r e n a o i r i c h a s t igh
-
s ,
’ ’
a ,
’
a c
d o n fh n g a s g h e a r r e c a s a n d i u b h a s rinn e a s t a ir l e
’ ’ ’
a na ,
n
c a s a n n a c a o r a c h a s c h a i d h e a i a i s fa r a r o b h m h a igh i t e a r
n
’
r n a s ,
”
,
’
s t h u b h a i t a m h a i g h i s t e a r r is r A n d o rinn t h u s i d S ,
“
o
‘
7 ’
t h u b h a i t M c a R us g a i c h r R inn f a o d i d h t
a -
f in d o l gu
-
a u e
”
, ,
n s ta i r
’
fh a ici n S c h a i dh a rn m i gh i s t a r a dh f h i i
’
n . a e a c nn a
c h a s a c o r c h a rinn M a c a R i g i h a s a n u a ir
-
a a i ig e s - -
is a c ,
’
a ra n ,
’
a ch u n a ic e ca sa n n a s a n s t ir c h a id h i a
’
n cao ac h n n r an a ,
e a r
b h re s a dh s t h b h a irt e N a h ir e s n a t h u r a i d
’ ’
o t a
“
u u n can r
,
b h al l ic h gu d é a th u g o t n a c a s n a g h r d h fa r
a n r a ea ra r na
-
”
,
c ao ra A s t h b h i t M c R i g ic h N ch d i ’
th u
’ “
ch ? u a r a -
a -
is a ,
a a rr
f e in o r m s t a i r c h a s c a o r a c h dh e a m h s c i a d c m a d h a a -
a na ,
’
-
ar e n
a iu n s t a ir c h a s a c h a o ra c h m a r g e a r a i n i a c s a n farr n a n r n i a
3 38 W ES T HI GHLAND T A LES .
c a o irich 3 f e nc h a m b h e il th u g a b h a il l
a an a i re ac h as
gu nd ’
i ar r
t hu o rm a dh e a n a m h , a b h o da ich C h a n e il e il
’
cha n ’ ”
, ,
t h u b h a irt a m h a i gh i st e a r Cia -
dé a t h a a g m ri d h e a a mh a a n
r i t h isd,
“
t h u i rt Mac -
a -
R u s ga i c h . Th “ ” o rs a a m a i gh i t a r
a,
’
s e ,
nai c h s an s t p u l l a gh l a dh a s a n i gh a d h a n d a c h u id
h -
e
’ ‘
a na
’
e
”
,
a ma ch a g u s a s t igh A s d h f h a l b h M c a R us g a i c h s g h l a n
’ ’ ’
, . a - -
,
e a m ch s ni gh e n a b a l l a dh a n a i r a t a o b h a m a ch
’
n s t ap u l l
a a , n ,
s ni gh e t a o b h a s t i gh 3 ni gh e a h e ic h a s
’
s t ap l l
’
a ir a an u a n n -
m h b h e i a d s th u g s ni gh e a
’ ’
t a o b h a s t i gh a s t
’
ar a ,
t ao b h e n , n
S m h a i gh i s t e a r ,
’ ’ ’
a s ti g h a c a . c h a i dh e fa r an ro bh a s d h fh a r
r a id 6 cia -
dé a bha ai
ge ri a dh e an a m h a r it h i sd ,
’
s t h u b h air t a
m h a i gh i s t e a r ri s e a ch u ir n an e a ch ’
n an u im e a n n sa c h r a n n ,
’
s e
t h o b h a ir t t a c a i n air an t r e a b h a dh . T h u b h a ir t Ma ce -
R u sg a i c h ,
Ch a fh r e a ga i r na h .
e ic h mi .
” Cia -
dé a dh
’
a i ri c h iad o rs a
a mh a i gh i s t e a r . Ch a c h o i si c h ia d a ir mo ”
s h o n o rs a Mac -
a
,
R ii s ga i c h . Fa l b h
’
s fe nc h ia d
”t h u i r t a m h a i gh i s t e a r . A
’
s
,
dh
’
fh a l b h M a c -
a -
Ri i s ga i c h ,
’
far an ro b h na h -
e ic h ’
s ch u ir e
c rio m a n do h -
aon di u b h na b h eu l ,
’
s ch a idh e air ais fa r ro bban
a m h a i g h i st e a r ,
’
s th u b h airt e, Cha n ’ ’
e il a c h d ro ch b h l a s o rra .
Cia -
dé a tha thu ag
”
r ad h t h u i rt‘
3 a m h a i gh i s t e a r . Ch a i d h a m
m a igh i s t e a r , fa r an r o bb na h -
e ic h ,
’
s d c h u nn
ra
*
a e ia d a
’
s an
t ao b h a s t i gh a i r a t h o ir t a s ta ’
s iad n i h t e gl n t e
g a t h u b h a ir t e,
”o rs a M a c
,
Ci a -
dé is ci a l l do so Th a , -
a -
R ii s g a i c h , gu
’
n
d ’
i a r r t h u fh e i n o r m, a n da ch u id , n a. h -
e ic h a s a n ’
s t ap u l l a
g h l an a d h a g s u an n i gh e a d h an d a c h u id a ma ch ag u s a st i
gh , s
’
rinn ” A
m i s in . b h e il t h u a ga b h a il a n a ir e a c h a i s t h u b h airt
M ac -
a -
R i i s ga i c h .
“
B
’
fh e a r r l e a m n a h f h a c a m i r i a mh t h u ,c”
t h u b h a i rt am m a i gh i s t e a r Ma ” o rs a’
Mac a - B us
ta , ga i c h ,
- -
.
fe u m a i dh t u t ri tu ara s da il a t h o b h a i r t d o m h sa 3 a ir n eo th eid
i a l l d o (1
’
ch r a c io n n
i c h inn si o s g u d o
a t h o irt 0 C h l il do , s h ai l ” .
T h b h a i t a n t u a t h a n a c h d o i b h g m f h e a rr l e is i l l a b h i air
’
u r r ,
u a
c h a i c i o n b h o c h u l a c h inn
tlio bh ai t as r a
gu s h ai l n a a n t a i r
r n -
g i o d t h o i t do t h r u s d r c o l t a c h ri M c a R I s g i c h A g u s do r é ir
ar a - -
I
‘
a .
a n l a gh c h a id h a n t u a t h a n a c h d o i r b h a c h e a ga l a s i a l l l e a t h a n
,
n
’
a t h o i t o c h u l a c h in si o s a d h u i m s g h l o i d h e gu m f h e a r r ’ ’
r n r a
l e is a t i gi o d f h e i a t h o i t s e a c h d a a i a l l a gh e a d h n a
n -
a r n r a ,
n n arr
b fh id e ,s ph a i gh e a t a i gi o d s b e ig in d a b h i t h g r e is
’
a
’
n -
r ,
’ ’
n
’
a
b h e n a dh u i e d i rb h tu i le
’
f o i gh n a l i gh i c h e a n a s c h a ,
ro n o .
D ra or t ra i s wh e n .
S GE U L A c HD M HA c —
A n U S GA I OH -
. 339
N a d h e igh si n , c h a i d h Mac -
a -R usga i e h a chu i r gu b hith na
g h i l l e a ig fa m h a i r , a b h a d o n a ri a sh e i r b h e is ic h .
R a i n i g M a c a R us g a i c h - -
a m fa m h a i r
’
s t h u b h a ir t e,
“
Th a do
” Th u b h a i r t a m s g i ll
g h il l e a i r t igh i n n . fa m h a i r , Ma e d h o mh sa
t h u , fe u m a id h t u eo mh o b air a ehu m a il riu m . a ir n e o b r ist id h m i
d o c h n a i m h e a n c h o m i n ri p r o n n a n
” Th u i r t M a d a R u sga i c h . -
” ”
,
G dé M a d h f h a i rsl i c h is
’
“
u I n a
-
d h fh a i r s l i c h i s m i o t
r ? ’
”
,
t h u i rt a m fa mh a i r h e ib h t h u d o d h u a is d a ré ir
g , De a t h a .
sinn a d o l a d h e a na m h In a ta ?
o rs a M ac a - -
R u sg a i c h Tha
”
”
,
o rs am f am h air, t h e id sinn t h o b h a ir t d a c h a id h
“
a a c o n n a id h .
’
S dh fh a l b h i a d
’
s r a in ig i a d
’ ’
a ch o il l e , a s t h Oi s i c h a m fa mh a i r
a ir t r u sa dh na h -
ni l e b u n b u gh a i r b h e n a c h i l e s t h Oi i
e ,
’
s ch Mac
a-B u sg a i c h a ir n a t h u i l e b h a r r b u c h a o il e
-
a cheiln th e a r u s a d li .
h e a ll am fa mh a i r a ir
’
s t h u b h ai rt e, Cio d a t ha t h u de a na m h
m a r sin ?
”8 ’
th u b h a irt M ad a -
is
R us g a i c h , los g
“
Th a m e a u n
t o ir si n n a
’
ch il l e
e u il e l e i n n se c h b h it h
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un
d e ig h a m fa m h a i Th a sinn g l e f h d
3)
fh e u m Th u ir t
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nar . r, a a a ig
an o b a ir so b h e ir S inn d a c h a id h na h -
e a l l a c h a n so ach gh e ib h
”
, ,
sinn o b a ir e i le a r it h i sd .
’
Se a n a th o h a ir g u s an d e a c h a idh i a d d o l a b h u a in sa id h e , a s
’
’
dh ia r r am fa m h a i r a ir Ma d a-R us g a i c hs n a dh l ,
e a o a ir t h o is e a c h .
Gh e u r a ic h M a c -
a -
R ii sga ic h an s p l g s t h Oi s ic h
ea a u e
’
s c h a id h 6
’
man h u a i r t gh o i r id a ir
c an tao b h a s t ig h , a s b ha a ig a n f h a m h a ir
ri do l c u a irt a
’
fh a i de b a ir an tao b h a ma ch d t h e Gu -
dé a tha
”th u b h a i r t
,
m fa m h a i r , Th i ” t h u i rt
d h e a n a mh m a r i
s n ?
“
a a a,
Mac R ii sg a i c h ,
-
a -
m i sc a l o s gu m h u a in sinn a p h ai r i c a dh -
ao n
s pa o g h , a n a e a b h i t h it a t i l l e a dh a ir a r n ais, n a
-
ni l e n ir a
h -
a
eal , a S cha sp
t o m c h a il l t e bhi i idi r g i
gh e u r a i c h a m e a i d a n
’
a a nn .
C h u n n a i c a m f a m h a i r g u m b i t h e a d h a n s pa o g h a i g s a n m Or a n n a
’
b’
f h a i d e n a b h i o dh s p a o g h g
’
a R i i s a ic h , s t h u i rt e ,
‘ “
Th a Mh ic - -
sinn e gl e f b d a a a ig a n O h ir s o a .
” T h c i d sinn a d h i o n n sa i d h
-
O h i a r
eil t h e id sinn i l i d h sinn rh b r ’

S d h fh a l b h ia d
’
e, as bua an t -
a a . a
i o n n s a idh b u a l a d h a rb h a i r , f h u a ir i a d s u is t e a c h a n
’
dh an na ,
t h o is ic h i a d a ir Oh a ir ,
’
s dra a b h u a ilea d h am fa m h a i r a n sg u a ib ,
b h e i r e a dh e u rr l a eu m an a ird th ir a an i
s p rr r ,
’
s t ra h h u a il c a d h
Ma c -
a - R irs g a i c h an s gu a b ,
l a id h e a dh i si o s a ir an u rl r b ha u al
a i dh ,
’
s t h e i re a dh hI a c
- -
a -
R ii s ga ic h ris a f n a mh a ir ,
“
Ch a n
’ ’
e il
l e a th n ch r e rl l b a n ma r thu
‘
t h u sa ga b hu aladh, a t Oir th u u r a a
m is c 3. dea n a m h .
” A ch ma r b u l aid i r e a d h a b h u a il c a d h a m
f am h a i r ,
’
s nna a b ’
a i r de a l e u madh an s
g u a l) ,
3
s b h a Ma e -
a
‘
l ha
'
l ii sg a i c h
’
g ai r i a c h d a i c h a ir , t h u b h a ir t m fa m h a i r ,
“
a a a
“
sinn gl e i h a d a ig a n o b a i r
’
so , f e u c h a idh m i a ir d o i gh ile
e
th u . Th e i d sinn s f e u c h a i d h inn th i l
’
s c o a ga i n n i s l ai d i r i c h a
”
,
g a s clo c h
e an ao da n crei
ge , a t h a a i r t a o b h th a l l a n e a s Th a
”o rs a
.
mi t o il e a c h , Mac -
a R ii s a i c h
-
g
’
S d h f h a l b h a m fa m h a i r
’
.
’
s t h ru s e na cl ac ha n bu c h r u a id h a b ’
u r ra i n n d
’
a f h a o tu in n , a
’
s
c h a idh Mac -
a -
R u s ga i c h
’
s fh u a ir e c r ea d h ,
’
s ro t h a il e na b h uil l
b h e a ga g u s c h i d h i d a dh i o n n sa id h t a o b h a n e a s
ch ru inn
’
e, a a a
’
.
Th i l g a m f a m h a i c l a c h a a o d a n a cr a i g e s c h id h
’ ’
r c h lo ich n n n ,
a a
n a e r i o ma a n
g s t h u i rt e ri M a c R usg a i c h
’
D a n si a -
a- e n
”
, ,
b h al l a ich Th il g M a c a R ii sg a i c h d u d a n d o a n c h e d h a g s
.
- -
r a ,
u
s t i e e ri a o da n a cr a i g e a s t h u b h a i r t e ris a n f h a mh a i
n D ’
r, e an
” S t h il
,
b h o d a ich am
’
sio d fa m h air
’
a .
ge a d h ch o l ai d i r i s a b u rr a in n
e 3 a ch mar b u t mh
’
a chu ire adh am fa m h a i r da n e ar t l e is a
’
c h l o ich a t h il g e a d h e,
’
s a nn a b u m h e an b h a d h a b h r i s e a dh i a d ,
’
s
g h ai r e a d h M a c a R i i sga i c h ,
-
b a ll b a g e i l d o a n
-
’
s t h il g e a d h e e e
’
c h r ea d h s t h e i r e a dh e , C n i l t h u g l e th t h il g a d h n c h
ha ’ ’
e
’
a a e ,
a
t h a m is a
’
t o ir t h u a i a c h l o i c h s t i c e a d h a n n s chr i e m
’
a
r
g a ar a e
dea amh n
” A g u s t h u b h i t m fa m h i
. T h a sinn gl e fh a d aa r a a r,
“ ’
t h e i d sinn a s g a b h i dh sinn i r di n n e i r
’
a ig a n o b a i r s o
’
,
an a a ,
s
.
f e u c h a id h sinn c o a ga i n i s fh e r a t h il g e s ’
si n c h l o ich n a r a a
” ”
, ,
T h a m i t o il e a c h o rs M a c a R u ga i e h ’
n e art . c h a id h i d ,
a - -
s ,
s a
’
d a c h a id h . Th Oi s i c h i a d a ir a n di n n e i r , a s t h u b h a irt am fa mh a i r
ri M a c a R usga i h M a r i th t h u d o a r n s d o c h ais u i b h i r
- -
c ,
’
n a
’ ’
n e
is a d h i t h i s m is e t h e i d i a l l t h i r t a s d o c h a i c i o b h o c h ul d o
’
o r nn
c h inn gu d o s h ai l ” ”
D e a n s e a c h d d h e bh o r a M a c a R usga i c h
. s - -
, , ,
mh a
’ ’
a ir eh u gu n t e id
s sea c h d ia l l a n a t h o i rt a s a c h ra icio n n
a gu d sa , b h o ‘
eh i d do c h inn gu d s h ai l
’
m a r i th t h u u ib h i r a
’
s a
” ”o r s a
,
m is e ma m f a m h a ir .
’ " ’
dh it he as . Fe u c h ri u t ta,
St a d m a t a g u s a m f a i gh m is e d e o c h ,
”t h u i rt M a c -
a -
R u sga i c h ,
c h a i dh e a m a c h a d h gu s b lg
’ ’
s f h a o t a in n de o c h , a fh u a ir e a
l e a t h r a i ch ,
’
s ch u ir e am b al g e a da r a l ein e ’
s a c h r ai c in n ,
’
s
c h a i dh e a s t i h
g fa r an ro b b am fa m h a ir,
’
s th u irt e ri s an fh a m
ha ir F e nc h i u t a r
”
nis e Th Oi s i c h
r a in
. an d i t h is a ir it h e a dh an a
,
’
s a c h ais e A gu s b h aM a c a R u sg i c h a c u ir a n a r a in s a c h ais e
.
- -
a -
’
a s t i gh an n s b h al g a b h i g o a s t i gh f o a l ein e 3 a c h m a
a
’ ’
a
d h e i r e a dh t h u i t a m f a m h a i r I s fe a r sgu r n a sgai e
r
” Is “
r n .
“
”
,
f h e a r r sgai e f h e i n n a b i a d h m a th fh ag i l
n o rs a M a c a R u s g i h a - -
a c .
”
,
S g u i r idh m is o rs a a m f a m h a i e, Th id n a c h d ia l l a r. e a se n
Try th ys e lf n o w .
M A C A R U S GA I CI I
- -
. 3 41
t h o ir t 0 C h il l do c h inn do
”
s h ai l o rs a M a c a -R usg a i c h
gu -
”o rs a
, .
Fe u c h a i d h m i f h a t h a s t t h u am fa m h a i r Th a d o d h a
”
, .
ro
gh u i n n agad o rs a , Ma c -
a-R us g a i c h . Fh u a i r am fa m h a ir
g ru s c c,th
’ ’
s li o n e c u ma n d
’
a t h e in ,
’
s c u ma n e i l e do M h a c -
a
R us ga i c h . Fe u c h a m a id co ag a i nn is fh e a r r a d h an nis e ”o rs a
”o rs M —
,
a m fa m h a i r Ch n a
’
fh a d a gu s a m f a i c i r s i n , a a ac
R i I s ga i c h c a m id c o a a i n n i s l u a i t h a dh Ol a s
‘
. Fe u h g
’
th a n na a n
’
Sa ch u ma n ” A .
’
s d h ol ’
Mac -
a -
R ii s ga i c h ad h a o i t h n e + a i ge , s
’
c h u ir e a c h u id e ile ann
’
sa b h a l g,
’
s b ha e u l l a m h a ir t h o is e a c h
fh a m h a i r , fh a m h a i r ,
’
air a n s th u irt e ris an Th a t h u a ir d e i re a d h .
am fa m h a i r
’
Sh e a l l a ir s t h u ir t e. I s f e a r ra dh s
gu r n a
” Is ”
s g a i n e a dh . fe a r r s
gai n e a d h f h e i n n a b i a dh m a th fh aga il ,
o rs a Mac -
al l u s ga i c h . T h e i d sinn a m a c h a d h fe u c h a i n n
’
co
a ga i n n is f id e a a t h il g e a s a c h l ach n eart mu
’
n d e a n sinn t u i l e ”
”o rs a
,
o rs a a m famh ai r , Th a m i t o i l e a c h , Mac -
a -
R i I sg a i c h
‘
. A
s c h a id h ia d am m a c h fa r
r o bb a c h l o i c h 3 a c h b h a m fa m h i
’
an a a r
c h o l an s n a c h b u r i d a cr o m d h gu a t o g i l
’ ’
To g a c h l o i c h
’
r a nn a a
”
,
si g s t il g i o rs a m fa m h a i r
n a u Th a o n a i t o is e a c h t ois e a c h
a . r
”
,
gu b h it h g a d fh e i rs a M a c a R usga i c h D h fh u c h a m
a n ,
o - -
.
’
e
f mh a i r i s h b d cr o ma d h
’ ’
a c h l i c h a t h o g il
r a a h o i a ,
c c a u rra n n a ,
d h f h u c h M a c a R usga i c h ri cr o ma d h s t h u i t e Ch a b h l a
’ ’
e - -
r
”
,
’
l e i t h id so do b h a l g a cu ma i l b a cadh o r m sa . S t h a r r a in n e sg i a n
a t r u a il l a bha ri t h ao b h
’
S ch u ir e n
’
s
gia n sa
’
b halg a bha a ir a
ma ch gu s
’
b heu lo bh , a
’
s l e ig e a na bha ann sa b h alg a t h u ir t e,
t u i l e r u m a m a c h n a t h a s t i gh
Th a a c h l o ic h s
”a g u s th o g e ’
”
,
t h il g e i s t h u i r t e r i s a
,
’
fh a mh a i N c h t il g n r, D e a n s in .
“
a
a s f a id e n a S i n i ? o rs a a m f a m h a i r C h a d o t h i l g t h sa
’
thu n . u
c h o f a d a ri s i n f h e i n i
” o rs a M a c a R u s ga i c h A n n l l a n so - -
.
“
a
”
,
d a s gi n o rs a a m f a m h a i
a Sh in M c a R u sga i c h a sg i a a i ge r. a n n
- -
,
d o a f h a m h a i gh a b h a m f a m h a i r n s gi
n r, a g u s s to p s t ig h a a n, e a
a b h ru i a s l e i g e a m m a c h a m b ia d h s th i t a m f m h a i g u
’ ’
n u a r
, ,
s gh air M a c a R u s a i c h a i a g u s fh a i r a m f m h i r b a
’
la r,
g
- - r, u a a s.
C h a i d h M a c a R sg a i c h a s t igh d o th i gh a n f h a m h i r s fh u i
’
- -
u a ,
a r e
’ ’
an t Or
-
a
’
s an t -
a ir g i o d a ige . Bha e an s in b ea rta eh , s dh
fh a l b h e a n Sin d a c h a idh l a n t h o i l i c h t e .
‘
J OH N D EW A R .
GI LL E , t h e h o l y m a n a s a in t M A C
s e rva n t o f. N E U M II , a ,
.
,
th e so n o f B U SGA I C H t h e p e e l e r o r a r o u gh m a n a r l li e r
. , , ,
a .
Gil l e A eu m h is a n a m e u s u a ll y t a ns l a t e d in En gl is h N I V E N
r r ,
.
1
'
Un t i l s a t is fi d e .
Th e wh o l e m i ght b e r e nd e r e d Th e s t o ry o f S a in t s s e r v a n t ’
”
,
M c S k inn r
a e .
M r D e wa r w ri t e s
. Tr di t i o n s a ys th a t Gi ll e N u m h M a c a e
B u sg a i h dis g u is d h i m s e lf in w m a n s pp a r e l w e n t t o I o n a
’
c e o a , ,
p ss e d f o a u a d c a u s e d s o m e o f t h e sis t e rs t o b e c o m e fra i l
a r n n ,
n
sis t e rs T h r e i s a l n g t a l e a b o u t h i m a n d h i s sis t e r Sh e
. e o .
w l d ge t in t o s e r v ic e t o a tt e nd l di e s a n d M a c a R u sga i c h
ou a ,
- -
w o l d dis g is e h i m s lf in h is sis t r s c l o th e s — b u t th a t p r t o f
u u e e
’
a
t h e sg u l c h d w a s s
e a u nb e c m in g th a t I di d o t w ri t e i t
o I o n .
h a rd t h e p a r t wh ic h I did w ri t e s e a r l y a s 1 8 1 0 f ro m a n Ol d
e a
”
,
m a o f t h e n a m e o f A l e x a nd r D e w r i n A rr o c h r
n e a a .
Th s t o ry o f M a c R u sl a i g a s i t i s s o m e t i m s c a ll e d is v e ry
e e
”
, ,
w id e l y s p r a d a n d a s D e w r s a ys p r t o f i t is u nb e c o m in g
e , ,
a ,
a
“
.
I b e l i e v e i t i s p rin t d in G a e l ic b u t I h v e b e e n u n a b l e h i th e r t o
e ,
a
t o s e th bo o k — J F C
e e . . . .
A v e ry si m i l r s t o ry i s k n o w n in S u th e r l a nd
a .
2 . Ers e v e rsi o n o f J a c k t h e Gi a n t Ki ll e r
Th e .
“
Th e Op e in g o f t h e t l n n d t h e d a th s o f C o r m o r a n a n d
a e, a e
B l nd e rb o r e s t o l d in o u c h i l dr e n s b o o k s a r e n k n o w n h re 3 ’
u ,
a r ,
u e
a n d t h e wh o l e th in g s f o u nd in S u th e r l nd m o r e n
,
a r ly r e s m a ,
ea e
b l e s t h e S c a nd i n a v i a n s t o ry of t h e Gi a n t a n d t h e H e rd B o y g i v e n ,
i n T h o rp s Y l e t id e s t o ri e s (B o h s Li b e di t ) I c a nn o t ge t
e
’
u -
. u
’
. .
i t in G a e l ic (th a t is t o sa y w ri tt e n d o w n in G a e l ic ) 3 b u t a m t o l d , .
th a t i t h a pp e n e d in th is w is e
T h e g i a n t a pp e a r e d t o t h e l i ttl e h e rd b o y a n d th re a t e n e d t o
k i ll h i m 3 b t t h e b o y g v e h i m t o u nd e rs t a nd th t h e h d b e tt e r
u a a a
n o t t ry a s h e w a s v e ry s t r o n g th o gh s m a ll ; a d th a t h e w a s
, ,
u n
a n nc h a n t e r n d th a t i f t h e g i a n t a t e h i m h e w o u l d m a k e h f m
e ,
a
y i ll .
Th e g i a n t did n o t q i t e b l i e v e h i m 3 a n d t a k in g u p a s t o n e
u e
,
h e g r u nd i t t o p o w d r by c l o sin g h i s h a nd o v r i t
o e n d bid t h e e ,
a
h rd d o t h e s a m e o r h e w o u l d m a k s h o r t w o r k w i th h i m
e , e .
Th e l a d h a d a l m p f c u rds in h i s p o c k e t wh ic h h e c o n
u o ,
t i e d t o r o ll in t h e d s t t i ll i t l o o k e d l i k e a s t o n e th e n p r e ssin g
r v u ,
i t b e tw e e n h is fi n g e rs s t r e a m o f wh e y r a n th r o u gh th e m a n d
,
a ,
t h e g i a n t c o u l d n o t d o th a t .
T h e n e x t t ri a l w a s w i th t h e h e a v y h a m m e r 3 t h e g i a n t th r e w
t o a g r a t dis t nc e t e ll in g t h e w o l d b e e nc h a n t e r t h a t u n l e ss h e
e a ,
u - -
c o u l d m a t c h th a t h e w o u l d k n o c k h is br a ins o u t .
M A G A R U S G A I OI I
- -
. 3 43
I s u pp o s e s id t h b o y y o h v e n o r g a rd fo t h e h a m
,
’
a e ,
u a e r
m e r a n d d n t c a r e wh e th e r y o u v e r s e i t a g a in o r o t
’ ‘ ’
o e e 7
, n
W h t d o y o m e a n ? g r o wl e d t h e g i n t
a u a .
I m e a n th a t i f 1 t k e p t h e h a m m r i t g o e s o t f si ght
,
a u e , u o
in t h e tw in kl in g o f y a d in t o t h e s
an e e, n ea.
’
‘
I b g y o w i ll l e t t h h a m m e r a l n e th e n fo i t w a s m y
e u e o , ,
r
g r a t g r nd fa th r s h mm e r r e pl i e d t h g i n t ; a d th e y w r e
e -
a e
’
a ,
’
e a n e
b o th w l l pl e s e d w i t h t h e b a rg a in
e a .
I h e f o ll o w e d t h e h s t y p d d in g f e a t c ll e d br o s o br o c h n
'
n a -
u ,
a e r a
h e re 3 d t h e e x p e ri m e n t w i th t h b l c k p ddin g wh ic h t h e b o y
an e a u
h a d in h i s j c k e t a d w h ic h a b l o o d wh n h p i rc d i t
a ,
n Thr n e e e e . e
g i a n t t ry in g t o i m i t a t e h i m pl g d a k ni f in t o h i m s e lf a d
, ,
un e e n
di e d s m a y b e s e e n in a l l c a r f ll y c o m p i l e d b o o k s fo r t h e u s e
a e u
”
,
o f y o u n g p e rs o ns —C D . . .
XL V I .
MA C IAI N D I R BA C H .
F r o m A n g u s C a m p b e ll q u a rrym a n
, , K n o c kde rr y , Ro s e n e a t h .
T s o m e t i m e th e r e k in g a n d a q u e e n a n d th e y
A
wa s a ,
h a d o n e so n 3 b u t t h e q u e e n di e d a n d t h e k in g ,
m a rri e d a n o th e r w i f e Th e n a m e o f t h e s o n th a t t h e
.
fi rs t q u e e n h a d w a s I a in D i r e a c h He w a s a h a nds o m e
,
.
l a d ; h e w a s a h u n t e r a n d th e r e w a s n o bird a t wh ic h
,
h e w o u l d c a s t h is a rr o w th a t h e w o u l d n o t f e ll 3 a n d h e
,
w o u l d k i ll t h e d e e r a n d t h e r o e s a t a gr e a t dis ta nc e f r o m
h i m 3 th e r e w a s n o da y th a t h e w o u l d go o u t w i th h is
b o w a n d h is q u i v e r th a t h e w o ul d n o t brin g v e nis o n
,
ho me .
H e w a s o n e da y in t h e h u n t in g h i ll h u n t in g a n d h e ,
*
a t a l l 3 b u t th e r e c a m e a b l u e f a l c o n
g o t n o v e nis o n
p a s t h i m a n d h e l e t a n a rr o w a t h e r b u t h e did b u t
, ,
dri v e a f e a th e r f r o m h e r w in g He ra is e d t h e f ea th e r
.
and he u t i t in t o h i s h u n t in g b a a n d h e to o k i t h o m e ;
p g ,
a n d wh e n h e c a m e h o m e h is m u i m e s a id t o h i m .
,
“
Wh e r e is th y ga m e t o d a y ? a n d h e pu t h is h a nd in to
t h e h u n t in g b a g a n d h e t o o k o u t t h e f e a th e r a n d h e
,
g a v e i t t o h e r A nd h is m u i m e t o o k t h e f ea th e r in h e r
.
h a nd a n d sh e s a id I a m s e tt in g i t a s cr o ss e s a n d a s
, ,
“
,
s p e ll s a n d a s t h e d e c a y o f t h e y ea r o n th e e 3 th a t th o u
,
b e n o t w i th o u t a p o o l in th y s h o e a n d th a t tho u b e ,
Th e G a e l i c w o rd m e a ns r a th e r g a m e th a n v e nis o n .
MAO IAI N D I R EA CI I . 3 45
w e t, c ol d a n d s o i l e d u n ti l th o u ge t t e s t fo r m e t h e bird
”
, ,
f r o m w h ic h th a t f ea th e r c a m e .
A nd h e s a id t o h i s m u i m e I a m s e tt in g i t a s cr o ss e s
,
a n d a s s p e ll s a n d a s t h e d e c a y O f t h e y e a r o n th e e ;
,
th a t th o u b e s ta ndin g w i th t h e o n e f o o t o n t h e gr e a t
h o u s e a n d t h e o th e r f o o t o n t h e c a s tl e ; a n d th a t th y
,
f a c e b e t o t h e t emp e s t w h a t e v e r Wind b l o ws u n t i l I
”
,
r e tu rn b a c k .
A nd Ma c l a in D i r e a ch w e n t a w a y a s f a s t a s h e c o u l d
t o s e e k t h e bi r d f r o m wh ic h t h e f e a th e r c a m e a n d h i s ,
m u i m e w a s s ta ndin g w i th t h e o n e f o o t o n t h e c a s tl e ,
a n d t h e o th e r o n t h e g r e a t h o u s e t i ll h e s h o u l d c o m e
,
b a c k ; a n d h e r f r o n t w a s t o t h e fa c e o f t h e t e mp e s t ,
h o w e v e r l o n g h e m i ght b e w i th o u t c o m in g .
M a c I a i n D i r e a c h w a s g o n e t r a v e ll in g t h e w a s t e t o
,
s e e i f h e c o u l d se e t h e f a l c o n b u t t h e f a l c o n h e c o u l d
,
n o t se e 3 a n d m u c h l e ss th a n t h a t h e c o u l d n o t
, ge t h e r ;
a n d h e w a s g o in g by h i m s e lf th r o u gh t h e w a s t e a n d i t ,
w a s c o m in g n e a r t o t h e ni ght Th e l i ttl e fl u tt e rin g

.
birds w e r e g o in g f r o m t h e b u s h t o p s f r o m t u ft t o t u ft
, ,
a n d t o t h e b ri a r r o o t s g o in g t o r e s t ; a n d th o u gh th e y
,
w e r e h e w a s n o t g o in g th e r e t i ll t h e ni g h t c a m e b l ind
, ,
a n d d a r k 3 a n d h e w e n t a n d cr o u c h e d a t t h e r o o t o f a
bri a r 3 a n d w h o c a m e t h e w a y b u t AN G I LLE M A I R TE A N ,
t h e f o x ; a n d h e s a id t o h i m Th o u r t d o w n in t h e
“ ’
m o u th a Mh ic I a in D i r e a c h 3 th o u c a m e s t o n a b a d
ni ght ; I h a v e m ys e lf b u t o n e w e th e r s t r o tt e r a n d a ’
’
s h e e p s c h e e k b u t n e e ds m u s t d o w i th i t ” .
,
T h e y k ind l e d a fir e a n d th e y r o a s t e d fl e s h a n d th ey
, ,
a t e t h e w e th e r s t r o tt e r a n d t h e s h e e p s c h e c k 3 a n d in
’ ’
t h e m o rnin g G i ll e M a i r t e a n s a id t o t h e k in g s s o n Oh ’ “
,
so n o f I a in D i r e a c h t h e f a l c o n th o u s e e k e s t is by t h e
,
g r e a t g i a n t o f t h e F i v e H e a ds a n d t h e F i v e H u m p s
, ,
a n d t h e F i v e T h r o ttl e s a n d I w i ll s h e w th e e w h e r e h i s
,
2 2 3
3 46 WE S T HIGHLAND T ALES .
h o u s e is 3 a n d i t is m y a d v ic e t o th e e t o go t o b e a s h is
s e r v a n t a n d th a t th o u b e ni m b l e a n d r e a dy t o d o ea c h
,
th in g th a t is a s k e d o f th e e a n d e a c h t h in g th a t is t r u s t e d
,
t h e e 3 a n d b e v e ry g o o d t o h is birds a n d i t w e ll m a v b e
,
th a t h e w i ll t r u s t th e e wi th t h e f a l c o n to f e e d 3 a n d
wh e n tho u ge tt e st t h e f a l c o n t o f e e d b e ri ght go o d t o
h e r t i ll th o u g e t t e st a c h a nc e 3 a t t h e t i m e wh e n t h e
,
g ia n t is n o t a t h o m e r u n a w a y w i th h er b u t t a k e c a r e
,
th a t so m u c h a s o n e f e a th e r o f h e r d o e s n o t t o u c h a n y
o n e th in g th a t is w i th in t h e h o u s e o r i f i t t o u c h e s i t
”
, ,
wi ll n o t go (w e ll ) w i th th e e .
M a c l a in D ir e a ch s a id T h a t h e wo u l d t a k e c a r e o f
“
”
th a t ; a n d h e w e n t t o t h e gi a n t s ho u s e 3 h e a rri v e d h e
’
s t r u ck a t t h e d o o r .
Th e g i a n t s h o u t e d “
W h o is th e r e
”
,
“
It is m e s a id M a c I a i n D i r ea ch “
o n e c o m in g t o
”
, ,
se e i f th o u h a s h a s t n e e d o f a l a d .
Wh a t wo r k c a ns t th o u do s a id t h e g i a n t .
“
It is s a id M a c I a i n D i r e a c h ,
I ca n fe e d
“
birds a n d s w in e a n d f e e d a n d m i lk a co w o r g o a t s o r
”
, ,
sheep .
“ ”
It is t h e l i k e o f th ee th a t I w a n t s a i d t h e g i a n t .
,
Th e g i a n t c a m e o u t a n d h e s e ttl e d w a g e s o n M a c I a i n
D i r e a c h 3 a n d h e w a s t a k in g ri ght g o o d c a r e Of e v e ry
th in g t h a t t h e g i a n t h a d a n d h e w a s v e ry k ind to t h e
,
h e ns a n d t o t h e d u ck s 3 a n d t h e gi a n t t o o k n o t ic e h o w
w e ll h e w a s d o i n g 3 a n d h e s a id tha t h is t a b l e wa s so
goo d sinc e M a c l a in Di r e a c h h a d c o m e by wh a t i t w a s
,
b e f o r e 3 th a t h e h a d r a th e r o n e h e n o f th o s e wh ic h h e
n o w th a n t w o Of th o s e h e u s e d t o b fo r M y
“
g e t , g e t e e .
l a d is s o g o o d th a t I b e g in t o th in k I m a y t r u s t h i m t h e
”
fa l c o n t o f e e d 3 a n d t h e gi a n t ga v e t h e f a l c o n t o M a c
I a in D i r e a ch t o f e e d a n d h e t o o k e xc e e din g c a r e o f t h e
,
f a l c o n 3 a n d wh e n t h e g i a n t sa w h o w w e ll M a c l a i n
MAC IAI N DI B R A C H . 3 47
D i r e a ch w a s t a k in g c a r e o f t h e fa l c o n h e th o u ght th a t ,
h e m i ght t r u s t h e r t o h i m wh e n h e w a s (a w a y ) f r o m t h e
h o u s e 3 a n d t h e g i a n t ga v e h i m t h e f a l c o n t o k e e p a n d ,
h e w a s t a k i n g e xc e e d in g c a r e o f t h e f a l c o n .
Th e g i a n t th o u gh t e a c h th in g w a s go in g ri ght a n d ,
h e w e n t f r o m t h e h o u s e o n e da y 3 a n d M a c l a in D ir ea c h
th o u ght th a t w a s t h e t i m e t o r u n a w a y w i th t h e fa l c o n ,
a n d h e s e i z e d t h e fa l c o n t o o a w a y w i th h e r ; a n d
g
wh e n h e o p e n e d t h e d o o r a n d t h e fa l c o n sa w t h e l i ght ,
s h e s p r e a d h e r w in g s t o s p rin g a n d t h e p o in t o f o n e
,
o f t h e f ea th e rs o f o n e o f h e r w in g s t o u c h e d o n e o f t h e
p o s t s o f t h e d o o r a n d t h e d o o r p o s t l e t o u t a scr e e c h
,
.
Th e g i a n t c a m e h o m e r u nnin g a n d h e c a u ght M a c I a i n
,
D i r e a ch a n d h e t o o k t h e fa l c o n f r o m h i m 3 a n d h e
,
s a id t o h i m ,
I w o u l d n o t g i v e th e e m y fa l c o n u n l e ss
“
,
th o u s h o u l ds t ge t f o r m e t h e W h i t e G l a v e o f L i ght t h a t
'
”
t h e Bi g \ V o m e n Of Dh i u r r a dh h a v e ; a n d t h e g i a n t s e n t
M a c l a in a w a y .
M a c l a i n D i r e a c h w e n t o u t a ga in a n d th r o u gh t h e
wa s t e a n d t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n m e t w i th h i m a n d h e
, ,
s a id
*
“
T h o u a r t d o w n in t h e m o u th Ma c l a in D i r ea ch 3
th o u dids t n o t a n d th o u w i lt n o t d o a s I t ell th e e 3
,
b a d i s t h e ni gh t o n w h ic h th o u h a s t c o m e 3 I h a v e b u t
’
o n e w e th e r s t r o tt e r a n d o n e s h e e p s c h e e k b u t n e e ds
’
,
m u s t d o w i th th a t ” .
T h e y r o u s e d a fir e a n d th ey m a d e r ea dy t h e
,
w e th e r s t r o tt e r a n d t h e s h e e p s c h e c k a n d t h e y t o o k
’ ’
th e ir m e a t a n d s l e e p ; a n d o n t h e n e x t d a y t h e G i ll e
”
M a i r t e a n s a id ,
\V c wi ll g o t o t h e s id e o f t h e o c e a n .
T h e y w e n t a n d t h e y r e a c h e d t h e sid e o f t h e o c e a n ,
a n d t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n s a i d ,
”
D e w a r t ra ns la t e s the ph r a s e ,
“
A d o wn m o u th on th ee .
3 48 W ES T H IGH LAND T ALES .
“
I w i ll g r o w in t o a b o a t a n d go th o u o n b o a rd o f ,
h e r a n d I w i ll t a k e th e e o v e r t o D h i u rra d h 3 a n d go
,
t o t h e s e v e n g r e a t w o m e n o f D h u r ra h a n d a sk s e r
v ic e th a t th o u b e a s e r v a n t w i th th e m ; a n d wh e n
,
th ey a sk th e e wh a t th o u c a ns t do sa y t o th e m th a t ,
th o u a r t g o o d a t bri ght e nin g ir o n a n d s t e e l go l d a n d ,
si lv e r a n d th a t th o u c a ns t m a k e th e m bri ght c l ea r
, , ,
a n d s h i ny ; a n d t a k e e xc e e din g c a r e th a t th o u d o s t
e a c h th in g ri ght t i ll th e y t r u s t th e e t h e \ V h i t e G l a v e
,
o f L i ght 3 a n d w h e n th o u e t t e st a c h a nc e r u n a w a y
g
w i th i t b u t t a k e c a r e th a t t h e s h e a th d o e s n o t t o u c h
,
a th in g o n t h e inn e r sid e o f t h e h o u s e o r i t w i ll m a k e ,
a scr e e c h a n d th y m a tt e r w i ll n o t o w i th
, g
Th e G i ll e M a i r t ea n g r e w in t o a b o a t a n d M a cI a i n ,
D i r e a c h w e n t o n b o a rd Of h e r a n d h e c a m e o n s h o r e ,
at Cr e a ga n n a n d ea r ga n gi o n t h e n o r th e rn sid e o f
‘
D h i u r r a dh a n d M a cI a i n D i r e a c h l e a p e d o n s h o r e a n d
, ,
h e w e n t t o t a k e s e r v i c e w i th t h e S e v e n Bi g W o m e n
o f D h i u r ra dh He r ea c h e d a n d h e s t r u c k a t t h e d o o r ;
.
,
t h e S e v e n Bi g \V o m e n c a m e o u t a n d th e y a s k e d wh a t ,
h e w a s s e e k in g H e s a id . He c o u l d bri ght e n o r m a k e
”
, ,
c l e a r w h i t e a n d S h iny go l d a n d si lv e r o r ir o n o r s t e e l .
”
, , ,
T h ey sa i d W e h a v e n e e d Of th y l i k e ;
“
and se t
'
wa g e s o n h i m A nd h e w a s ri ght di l i g e n t fo r si x
.
w e e k s a n d pu t e v e ry th in g i n e xc e e din g o rd e r ; a n d
,
t h e Bi g \V o m e n n o t ic e d i t ; a n d th e y k e pt s a yin g t o
e a c h o th e r T h is i s t h e b e s t l a d w e h a v e e v e r h a d 3 w e
,
“
m a y t r u s t h i m t h e \V h i t e G l a v e o f L i ght
” .
T h e y g a v e h i m t h e \V h i t e G l a v e o f L i ght t o k e e p
in o rd e r ; a n d h e w a s t a k in g e xc e e din g c a r e o f t h e
T h is may b e c o m p r d w i th t h e th e ft o f t h e s wo rd in N o 1
a e . .
D E A R GA N , a fis h c a ll e d a br e am ( D e w a r ) f ro m D E A RG r e d
, , .
Pe rh a p s a fle a , f o r th e r e w e r m ys t ic a l fl e a s in J u r a — J F C
e . . . .
MAC IAI N DIR B A C H . 3 49
W h i t e G la v e of L i ght t i ll o n e da y th a t t h e Bi g W o m e n
,
were n o t a t th e h o u s e h e th o u ght th a t w a s t h e t i m e
,
f o r h i m t o r u n a w a y w i th t h e \V h i t e G l a v e O f L i ght .
H e pu t i t in t o t h e s h e a th a n d h e r a is e d i t o n h is
,
s h o u l d e r ; b u t wh e n h e w a s g o i n g o u t a t t h e d o o r t h e
p o in t o f t h e s h ea th t o u c h e d t h e l in t e l a n d t h e l in t e l
,
m a d e a scr e e c h ; a n d t h e Bi g \V o m e n ra n h o m e a n d ,
t o o k t h e s w o rd f r o m h i m 3 a n d th ey s a id t o h i m We,
“
w o u l d n o t g i v e th e e o u r Wh i t e G l a v e o f L i ght u n l e ss ,
th o u s h o u l ds t ge t fo r u s t h e Y e ll o w (B a y ) F i ll y of t h e
Kin g o f Ei r i n n .
”
Ma el a n D i r e a ch w e n t t o t h e sid e o f t h e o c ea n
a n d t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n m e t h i m a n d h e s a id t o h i m
, ,
Th o u r t d o w n in t h e m o u th M a c I a i n D i r e a ch ; th o u
“ ’
:
dids t n o t a n d th o u w i lt n o t d o a s I a sk th e e 3 I h a v e
,
’ ’
t o ni ght b u t o n e w e th e r s t r o tt e r a n d o n e s h e e p s c h e ck
”
,
b u t n e e ds m u s t d o w i th i t .
T h e y k ind l e d a fir e a n d th e y r o a s t e d fl e s h a n d
, ,
th e y w e r e s a tis fie d O n t h e n e x t da y t h e G i ll e Ma ir
.
t e a n s a id t o Ma c l a in Di r e a c h I w i ll g r o w in to a
,
“
b a r q u e a n d go th o u o n b o a rd o f h e r a n d I w i ll go t o
, ,
E i r i n n w i th th e e 3 a n d wh e n w e r e a c h E i r i n n g o th o u
t o t h e ho u s e o f t h e k in g a n d a sk s e r v ic e t o b e a s t a b l e
,
l a d w i th h i m 3 a n d wh e n th o u g e t t e s t th a t b e ni m b l e
,
a n d r e a dy t o d o e a c h th in g th a t is t o b e d o n e and ,
k e e p t h e h o rs e s a n d t h e h a rn e ss in ri ght go o d o rd e r ,
t i ll t h e k in g t r u s t s t h e Ye ll o w (B a y ) F i ll y t o th e e 3 a n d
wh e n th o u g e t t e s t a c h a nc e r u n a wa y w i th h e r ; b u t
t a k e c a r e wh e n th o u a r t t a k in g h e r o u t th a t n o bi t o f
h e r t o u c h e s a ny th in g th a t is o n t h e inn e r S id e o f t h e
ga t e e xc e pt t h e s o l e s o f h e r f e e t ; o r e l s e th y m a tt e r
”
,
w i ll n o t p r o s p e r w i th th e e .
A nd th e n t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n p u t h i m s e lf in t o t h e
f o r m o f a b a r q u e M a c l a in D i r e a c h w e n t o n b o a rd
, ,
35 0 WES T HIGH LAN D T ALES .
an d th e b a r qu e s a i l e d w i th h i m t o B irin u Wh e n .
th e y r e a c h e d t h e s h o r e Of E i r i n n M a c l a in D i r e a c h,
l e a p e d o n l a nd a n d h e w e n t t o t h e h o u s e o f t h e
,
k in g ; a n d wh e n h e r e a c h e d t h e ga t e t h e ga t e ,
k e ep e r a s k e d Wh e r e h e w a s go in g ; a n d h e s a id T h a t “
h e w a s g o in g t o s e e i f t h e k in g h a d n e e d o f a s t a b l e
l a d 3 a n d t h e g a t e k e e p e r l e t h im pa s t a n d h e r e a ch e d
-
,
t h e k in g s h o u s e 3 h e s t r u c k a t t h e d o o r a n d t h e k in g
’
c a m e o u t ; a n d t h e k in g s a id Wh a t a r t th o u s e e k
,
“
in g h e r e
W i th y o u r l e a v e I c a m e t o s e e i f y o u
’
S a id h e “
,
”
,
h a d n e e d o f a s ta bl e l a d .
Th e k in g a s k e d Wh a t c a ns t th o u d o
,
S a id h e ,
I c a n c l e a n a n d f e e d t h e h o rs e s a n d
“
,
c l e a n t h e si lv e r w o r k a n d t h e s t e e l w o r k a n d m a k e
”
, ,
th e m s h iny .
Th e k in g s e ttl e d w a g e s o n h i m a n d h e w e n t to t h e
,
s ta b l e 3 a n d h e p u t e a c h th in g i n g o o d o rd e r 3 h e took
g o o d c a r e o f t h e h o rs e s h e fe d th e m w e ll a n d h e k e pt
, ,
th e m c l e a n a n d th e ir Sk i n w a s l o o k in g S LI OM s l e e k ;
, ,
a n d t h e si lv e r w o r k a n d t h e s t e e l w o r k s h iny t o l o o k
a t 3 a n d t h e k in g n e v e r s a w th e m s o w e ll i n o rd e r b e
f o r e A nd h e s a id T h is is t h e b e s t s ta bl e l a d I h a v e
.
,
“
e ve r h a d I m ay t r u s t t h e Ye ll o w (B a y ) F i ll y to
”
,
h im .
Th e k in g ga v e t h e Ye llow (Ba y ) F i ll y t o Ma cl a i n
D i r e a c h t o k e e p 3 a n d M a cI a i n D i r e a c h t o o k v e ry
g r ea t c a r e o f t h e Y e ll o w (B a y ) F i ll y 3 a n d h e k ept h er
c l e a n t i ll h e r s k in w a s s o s l e ek a n d s l i pp e ry a n d sh e
, ,
s o s wi ft th a t sh e w o u l d l e a v e t h e o n e w ind a n d c a t c h
,
t h e o th e r . Th e k in g n e v e r sa w h e r s o g o o d .
Th e k in g w e n t o n e d a y to t h e h u n t in g h i ll a n d ,
M a cI a i n D i r e a c h th o u ght th a t w a s t h e t i m e t o r u n
a wa y wi th t h e Y e ll o w B a
y F i ll y 3 a n d h e s e t h e r i n
MAC IAI N DIR B A C H . 35 1
wh a t b e l o n g e d t o h e r w i th a brid l e a n d s a dd l e ; a n d
,
wh e n h e t o o k h e r o u t o f t h e s ta b l e h e w a s ta k in g h e r
,
th r o u gh t h e ga t e sh e ga v e a s w i t c h S GU A I S E w i th h e r
, , ,
t a i l a n d t h e p o in t o f h er t a i l tou c h e d t h e po s t Of t h e
,
ga t e a n d i t l e t o u t a scr e e c h
,
.
Th e k in g c a m e r u nnin g a n d h e t o o k t h e fill y f r o m
,
Ma c I a i n D i r e a ch 3 a n d h e s a id t o h i m I w o u ld n o t ,
“
g i v e th e e t h e Ye ll o w (B a y ) F i ll y u n l e ss th o u s h o u l ds t
,
*
e t f o r m e t h e d a u ght e r o f t h e k in g o f t h e Fra i n e
g g .
A nd Ma c l a in D ir e a c h n e e ds m u s t go 3 a n d wh e n h e
w a s w i th in a l i ttl e o f t h e S id e o f t h e s e a t h e G i ll e
M a i r t e a n m e t h i m ; a n d h e s a id t o h i m Th o u a rt ,
“
d o w n i n t h e m o u th Oh so n o f I a in D i r e a c h 3 th o u dids t
,
n o t a n d th o u w i lt n o t d o a s I a sk th e e 3 w e m u s t n ow
,
o t o F r an c e I ll m a k e m ys e lf a s h i p a n d
g w ,
i go th o u ,
o n b o a rd a n d I w i ll n o t b e l o n g t i ll I t a k e th e e t o
”
,
F r a nc e .
Th e G i ll e M a i r t e a n pu t h i m s e lf in t h e s h a p e of a s h i p ,
a n d M a c l a in Di r e a c h w e n t o n b o a rd o f h e r a n d t h e ,
G i ll e M a i r t e a n s a i l e d t o F r a nc e w i th h i m a n d h e r a n ,
h i m s e lf o n h i gh u p t h e fa c e o f a r o c k o n dry l a nd 3 a n d ,
h e s a id t o M a c l a in Di r e a c h t o go u p t o t h e k in g s
“ ’
h o u s e a n d t o a sk h e lp a n d t o sa y th a t h is s k i pp e r h a d
”
,
b e e n l o s t a n d h is s h i p th r o w n o n S ho r e
,
.
M a cI a i n D i r e a ch w e n t t o t h e k in g s h o u s e a n d h e
’
s t r u c k a t t h e d o o r3 o n e c a m e o u t t o s ee w h o w a s th e r e ;
h e t o l d h i s t a l e a n d h e w a s t a k e n in t o t h e f o r t Th e .
k in g a s k e d h i m wh e nc e h e w a s a n d wh a t h e wa s d o in g
,
h e re .
He t o l d th e m t h e t a l e o f m is e ry ; th a t a g r e a t s t o r m
“
h a d c o m e o n h i m a n d t h e s k i pp e r h e h a d w a s l o s t 3 a n d
,
F r a nc e is a lw a ys meant by th is w o rd no w — Th e F r a ng , AN
FI I R A I N G .
th e s h i p h e h a d th r o w n o n dry l a n d a n d sh e w a s th e r e
, ,
dri v e n u p o n t h e fa c e o f a r o c k by t h e wa v e s a n d th a t
”
,
h e did n o t k n o w h o w h e s h o u l d ge t h e r o u t .
Th e k i n g a n d t h e qu e e n a n d t h e f a m i l y t o g e th e r
, ,
w e n t t o t h e s h o r e t o se e t h e s h i p ; a n d wh e n th e y w e r e
l o o k in g a t t h e s h i p e xc e e din g s w e e t m u sic b e ga n o n
,
’
b o a rd 3 a n d t h e Kin g o f F r a nc e s d a u ght e r w e n t o n
b o a rd to se e t h e m u sic a l ins t r u m e n t t o g e th e r wi th ,
M a c I a i n D i r e a ch 3 a n d w h e n th e y w e r e in o n e c h a m b e r ,
t h e m u sic w o u l d b e in a n oth e r c h a m b e r 3 b u t a t l a s t
th e y h ea rd t h e mu sic o n t h e u pp e r d e c k o f t h e s h i p a n d ,
th e y w e n t a b o v e o n t h e u pp e r d e c k o f t h e s h i p a n d (so ) ,
i t w a s th a t t h e s h i p w a s o u t o n t h e o c e a n a n d o u t o f ,
si gh t o f l a nd .
’
A nd t h e Kin g o f F r a nc e s da u ght e r s a id B a d is t h e ,
“
t ric k th o u h a s t d o n e t o m e Wh e r e a r t th o u f o r g o in g
.
w i th m e
" ”
I a m s a id M a c I a i n Di r e a ch go in g wi th th e e t o
“
, ,
E i r i n n t o g i v e th e e a s a w i f e to t h e Kin g o f E i r i n n s o
, ,
th a t I m a y ge t f r om h i m h is Y e ll o w (B a y ) F i ll y t o g i v e ,
h e r t o t h e Bi g W o m e n o f D h i u r r a dh th a t I m a y ge t ,
f r om th e m th e ir Wh i t e G l a v e o f L i ght t o g i v e i t t o t h e,
G r e a t G i a n t o f t h e F i v e H e a ds a n d F i v e H u mp s a n d
, ,
F i v e T h r o ttl e s th a t I m a y ge t f r o m h i m h is B l u e F a l c o n
, ,
t o t a k e h e r h o m e t o m y m u i m e th a t I m a y b e f r e e f r o m
,
m y cr o ss e s a n d f r o m m y s p e ll s a n d f r o m t h e b a d
, ,
dis e a s e s o f t h e y e a r ” .
A nd t h e Ki n g o f F ra n c e s d a u ght e r s a i d
’
I had “
”
,
r a th e r b e a s a w i f e t o th ys e lf .
A nd wh e n th e y c a m e t o s h o r e in Ei r i n n t h e G i ll e ,
M a i r t e a n pu t h i m s e lf in t h e s h a p e o f a fin e w o m a n a n d ,
h e s a id t o Ma cl a in Di r e a c h ,
L e a v e th o u t h e Kin g Of
“
’
F ra nc e s d a u ght e r h e r e t i ll w e r e tu rn a n d I w i ll go w i th
,
MAO IAI N D I R EA CH . 35 3
t h e e t o t h e Kin g o f Ei r in n 3 I w i ll g i v e h i m e n o u gh o f
a Wi f e .
”
M a c l a in Di r e a ch w e n t w i th t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n in t h e
f o r m o f a fin e m a id e n w i th h is h a nd in t h e o x t e r Of
,
Ma c l a in Di r e a ch \ Vh e n t h e Kin g o f E i r i n n sa w th e m
.
c o m in g h e c a m e t o m e e t th e m ; h e t o o k o u t t h e
Y e ll o w (B a y ) F i ll y a n d a go l d e n s a dd l e o n h e r b a c k a n d ,
a S i lv e r brid l e in h e r h e a d .
Ma c l a i n D i r e a ch w e n t w i th t h e fill y wh e r e t h e
’
Kin g o f F r a nc e s d a u ght e r w a s Th e Kin g o f E i r i n n .
w a s ri ght w e ll pl e a s e d w i th t h e y o u n g w i f e h e h a d go t 3
b u t l i ttl e did t h e Kin g o f E i r i n n k n o w th a t h e
h a d go t G i ll e M a i r t e a n ; a n d th e y h a d n o t l o n g b e e n
g o n e t o r e s t wh e n t h e G i ll e Ma i r t e a n s p r u n g o n t h e
,
k in g a n d h e did n o t l e a v e a m o rs e l o f fl e s h b e tw e e n
,
t h e b a c k o f h i s n e c k a n d h i s h a u nc h th a t h e did n o t
t a k e o ff h i m A nd t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n l e ft t h e Kin g
.
o f Ei r i n n a p i t i f u l w o u nd e d cri ppl e ; a n d h e w e n t r u n
nin g wh e r e M a c l a in D i r e a c h w a s a n d t h e Kin g o f ,
’
F ra nc e s d a u gh t e r a n d t h e Ye ll o w (B a y ) F i ll y
,
.
S a id t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n I w i ll go in to t h e f o r m
,
“
o f a s h ip a n d o o u o n b o a rd o f h e r a n d I w i ll t a k e
, g y ,
o u t o D i u r ra dh 3 h e g r e w in t o t h e f o r m o f a s h i p 3
y
a n d M a c l a in D i r e a c h h B
p u t in t e Y e ll o w ( a
y ) F i ll y
’
fi rs t a n d h e h i m s e lf a n d t h e Kin g o f F r a nc e s d a u ght e r
, .
w e n t in a ft e r h e r 3 a n d t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n s a i l e d w i th
th e m t o D i u r r a dh a n d th e y w e n t o n S h o r e a t Cr e a ga n
,
n an d e a r ga n a t Ci ll a m b o ir e a t t h e n o r th e rn e n d o f
,
-
Di u r r a d h 3 a n d wh e n th e y w e n t o n S h o r e t h e G i ll e ,
M a i r t e a n s a id ,
L e a v e th o u t h e Ye ll o w (B a y ) F i ll y
“
h e r e a n d t h e k in g s da u ght e r t i ll th o u r e tu rn ; a n d I
,
’
w i ll go i n t h e f o r m Of a fill y a n d I w i ll go w i th th e e
,
t o t h e Bi g W o m e n o f D i u r r a d h a n d I w i ll g i v e th e m
”
,
e n o u gh o f fil l y in g -
.
Th e G i ll e M a i r t e a n w e n t in t o t h e f o r m o f a filly ,
M a c l a in D i r ea c h pu t t h e g o l d e n s a dd l e o n h is b a c k ,
a nd th e si lv e r brid l e in h is h e a d a n d h e went t o t h e
'
S e ve n Bi g W o m e n Of D i u r r a dh w i th h i m Wh e n t h e.
S e v e n Bi g W o m e n sa w h i m c o m in g th e y c a m e t o m e e t
,
h i m w i th t h e \V h i t e G l a v e o f L i ght a n d th e y ga v e i t
,
t o h im . M a c I a i n Di r e a ch t o o k t h e g o l d e n s a dd l e Off
t h e b a c k o f t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n a n d t h e S i lv e r brid l e
,
o u t o f h is h ea d a n d h e l e ft h i m w i th th e m : a n d h e
,
w e n t a wa y h i m s e lf w i th t h e Wh i t e G l a v e o f L i ght ,
’
a nd h e w e n t wh e r e h e l e ft t h e Kin g o f F r a nc e s
d a u ght e r a n d t h e Y e ll o w B a y F i ll y wh ic h h e go t f r om
,
t h e Kin g o f E i r i n n ; a n d t h e Bi g Wom e n Of D i u r r a d h
th o u ght th a t i t wa s t h e Y e ll o w B a y F i ll y o f t h e Kin g
o f B irin u th a t th e y h a d go t a n d th e y w e r e in g r ea t
,
h a s t e t o rid e T h e y pu t a s a dd l e o n h e r b a c k a n d
.
,
th e y brid l e d h e r h e a d a n d o n e Of th e m w e n t u p o n
,
h e r b a c k t o rid e h e r a n oth e r w e n t u p a t t h e b a c k o f
,
th a t o n e a n d a n o th e r a t t h e b a c k Of th a t o n e an d
, ,
th e r e w a s a lwa ys r o o m fo r a n o th e r o n e th e r e t i ll o n e
,
a ft e r o n e t h e S e v e n Bi g Wom e n w e n t u
, p o n th e ba ck
Of t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n
,
th ink in g th a t th ey h a d go t t h e
*
Y e ll o w B a y F i ll y .
On e Of th e m g a v e a b lo w o f a r o d t o t h e G i ll e
M a i r t e a n 3 a n d i f sh e ga v e h e r a n a n d h e r a c e d b a c k
, ,
w a rds a n d f o r wa rds w i th th e m th r o u gh t h e m o u n ta in
m o o rs 3 a n d a t l a s t h e w e n t b o u ndin g o n h i g h t o t h e
t o p o f t h e M ON A D H m o u n t a in o f D u i r r a dh a n d h e ,
r e a c h e d t h e t o p o f t h e fa c e o f t h e g r e a t cra g th a t is ,
th e r e a n d h e m ov e d h is f r o n t t o t h e cra g a n d h e pu t
, ,
h is t w o f o r e f e e t t o t h e f r o n t o f t h e cra g a n d h e th r e w
,
T h is incid e n t is t o l d o f a b a y w a t e r h o rs e in S u t h e r l a nd
-
.
Th e S e v n H e rds Of S o l l o c h i e
e .
”
MA O IAI N D I R EA C II . 35 5
h is a ft e r m o s t e n d o n h i gh a n d h e th r e w t h e S e v e n
,
Bi g w o m e n o v e r t h e cr a g a n d h e w e n t a wa y l a u gh in g ;
,
a n d h e r e a c h e d wh e r e w e r e M a c l a i n D i r e a c h a n d t h e
’
Kin g o f F ra nc e s d a u ght e r w i th t h e Y e ll o w B a y F i ll y
, ,
a n d t h e Wh i t e G l a ve o f L i ght .
S a id t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n I w i ll pu t m ys e lf in t h e
,
“
f o r m Of a b o a t a n d go th ys e lf a n d t h e d a u ght e r Of t h e
, ,
Kin g o f F ra nc e o n b o a rd a n d ta k e w i th y o u t h e Ye ll o w
,
B a by F i ll y a n d t h e Wh i t e G l a v e Of L i ght a n d I w i ll
”
,
t a k e y o u t o m a in l a nd .
Th e G i ll e M a i r t e a n p u t h i m s e lf in t h e s h a p e o f a
b o a t 3 M a c l a in D i r e a ch pu t t h e \ V h i t e G l a v e o f L i ght
a n d t h e Y e ll o w B a y F i ll y o n b o a rd a n d h e w e n t h i m ,
s e lf a n d t h e Kin g o f F ra nc e s d a u ght e r i n o n b o a rd
,
’
a ft e r th e m 3 a n d t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n w e n t w i th th e m t o
t h e m a in l a nd Wh e n th e y r e a c h e d s h o r e t h e G i ll e
.
,
M a i r t e a n pu t h i m s e lf in t o h is o wn s h a p e a n d h e s a id t o ,
M a c I a i n Di r e a ch
’
“
L ea v e th o u t h e Kin g o f F r a nc e s d a u ght e r t h e ,
Y e ll o w B a y F i ll y f r om t h e Kin g o f E i r i n n a n d t h e ,
\Vh i t e G l a v e o f L i ght th e r e a n d I w i ll go in t o t h e s h a p e
,
o f a Wh i t e G l a v e o f L i ght ; a n d t a k e th o u m e t o t h e
t h e g i a n t a n d g i v e th o u m e t o h i m f o r t h e f a l c o n a n d I
”
,
w i ll gi v e h i m e n o u gh o f s wo rds .
Th e G i ll e M a i r t e a n p u t h i m s e lf in t o t h e fo rm of a
s wo rd a n d Ma c l a in Dir e a c h t o o k h i m t o t h e gi a n t ; a n d
,
wh e n t h e g i a n t sa w h i m c o m i n g h e pu t t h e b l u e fa l c o n
”
in t o a M U I R LA G a n d h e ga v e i t t o M a c I a i n D i r ea ch
, ,
a n d h e w e n t a w a y w i th i t t o wh e r e h e h a d l e ft t h e
A b a s k e t s h a p e d l i k e a n e gg w i th a h o l e a t t h e m idd l e
, , .
(D e w e r ) S c h b a s k e t s w i th h e ns in th e m m a y b e s e e n n o w a
. u , ,
-
d a ys —J F C
. . . .
Kin g ofF r a nc e s d a u ght e r t h e Y e ll o w B a y F i ll y a n d

’
, ,
t h e VV h i t e Gl a ve o f L i ght
'
Th e g i a n t w e n t in w i th t h e G i ll e M a i r t ea n in h is
h a nd h i m s e lf th in k in g th a t i t w a s t h e Wh i t e G l a v e o f
,
L i ght o f t h e Bi g \V o m e n o f D i u r r a dh th a t h e h a d a n d ,
h e b e ga n a t FI ON N S A I R E A C H f e ncin g a n d a t S GU A I S E A L
, , ,
s l a s h in g w i th i t ; b u t a t l a s t t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n b e n t
h i m s e lf a n d h e s w e pt t h e fiv e h e a ds o ff t h e gi a n t a n d
, ,
h e w e n t wh e r e M a c I a i n D i r e a ch w a s a n d h e s a id t o ,
h im , S o n o f J oh n t h e U p ri ght pu t t h e s a dd l e Of g o l d
,
o n t h e fill y a n d t h e si lv e r brid l e in h e r h e a d a n d g o
, ,
’
th ys e lf ridi n g h e r a n d t a k e t h e Kin g o f F r a nc e s
,
d a u ght e r a t th y b a c k a n d t h e Wh i t e G l a v e o f L i gh t
,
w i th i t s b a c k a ga ins t th y n o s e 3 o r e l s e i f th o u b e n o t
so ,
wh e n th y m u i m e s e e s th e e sh e h a s a gl a nc e th a t is
,
so d e a d l y th a t sh e w i ll b e w i t c h th e e a n d tho u w i lt ,
fa ll a fa gg o t o f fi r e w o o d 3 b u t i f t h e b a c k o f t h e s w o rd
is a ga i n s t th y n o s e a n d i t s e d g e t o h e r wh e n sh e t ri e s
, ,
t o b e w i t c h th e e sh e w i ll f a ll d o w n h e rs e lf a s a f a ggo t o f
,
s t ic k s .
Ma c l a in D i r e a c h did a s t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n a sk e d
h i m 3 a n d wh e n h e c a m e in si ght o f t h e h o u s e a n d h is ,
m u i m e l o o k e d a t h i m w i th a d e a d l y b e w i t c h in g e y e sh e ,
f e ll a s a fa gg o t o f s t ic k s a n d M a c I a i n D i r e a c h s e t fir e
,
t o h e r a n d th e n h e w a s f r e e f r o m f e a r ; a n d h e h a d go t
,
t h e B e s t W i f e in Al b a inn ; a n d t h e Y e ll o w B a y F i ll y
w a s s o s w i ft th a t sh e c o u l d l e a v e t h e o n e w ind a n d sh e
w o u l d c a t c h t h e o th e r w in d a n d t h e B l u e F a l c o n w o u l d
,
k e e p h i m in pl e n ty Of ga m e a n d t h e Wh i t e G l a v e o f
,
L i ght w o u l d k e e p Off e a c h fo e 3 a n d M a c I a i n D i r ea ch
w a s s t e a di l y l u c k i l y o ff
, .
S a id M a c I a i n D i r e a c h t o t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n Tho u ,
“
a r t w e l c om e tho u La d o f Ma rc h t o go th r o u gh m y
, ,
g r o u nd a n d to t a k e a n y b e a s t th o u d o s t d e sir e th y s e lf
,
S GE U LA OI ID M I C IAI N D I R I C H. 35 7
to t a k e w i th th e e 3 a n d I w i ll g i v e w o rd t o m y s e r v a n t s
th a t th e y d o n o t l e t a n a rr o w a t th e e a n d th at t h e y d o ,
n o t k i ll th e e n o r a n
y o f th y r a c e Wh a t e v e r o n e o f t h e
”
, ,
fl o c k th o u t a k e s t w i th th e e .
S a id t h e G i ll e M a i r t e a n K e e p th o u th y h e rds t o ,
“
th ys e lf 3 th e r e is m a ny a o n e w h o h a s w e th e rs a n d s h e e p
a s w e ll a s th o u h a s t a n d I w i ll g e t pl e n ty o f fl e s h ,
in a n o t h e r pl a c e w i th o u t c o m in g t o p u t t r o u b l e o n th e e ;
a n d t h e F o x ga v e a b l e ssin g t o t h e s o n o f U p ri ght J oh n
,
a n d h e w e n t a wa y 3 a n d t h e t a l e w a s s p e n t .
S GE U LA CH D MI C I A I N D I R I CH .
BHA u aire i
gi n n Ri gh a g u s B a r i gh a n n s b h a a c a a o n a m h a c
nn ,
’
,
a c h s h i u b h a il a
’
B h a n ri gh a g s ph os a n ri gh b e a n e i l e B e a n
-
u .
t
’
a u i m a bha air m a c n a c i a d Bh a n ig h I a in D i e a c h Bh a e a
n r r .
’
n
gh i l l e d r e a c h m o r Bh a e
’
sh e a l ch a ro b h a ir
’
. na
ga i r s eun an
t i l ge a d h e a sh a ig h e a d a n ch l e a ga d h e . Agu s m h a rb h a dh e na
f e id h ’
s n a e arb h aich e an a i
g a s t a r m Or u a idh . Ch a ro bh l n th a a
r a c h a dh e a m a c h l e b h o gh a ’
s a dh Or l a c h n cha t u ga d h e d a ch a idh
sit h i o n n .
Bha e ao n l a th a an n
’
sa b h e in n sh e il g a ig s e al g, s ch a
’
d ’
fh u a i r
e s it h io n n a ir b h ith a ch t h a i n ig seab h ag gh o r m se a c h a d a ir
’
3 l e ig
e sa i
gh e a d ri
th e , a c h c h a d o rinn e a ch aon i te ag a c h u ir as a
s gi a t h T h o g e a n i t e a g, s
.
’
c h u ir 3 n a b h o l g s e il g i s th u g e ,
’
d a c h a idh i s a n u a ir a t h a i n i g e d c h i d h t h u b h a i r t a m h u i m e
’
a a
”
, ,
r is , C ai t e a m b h e il d o h i t h i o a din gh
’
? s ch ir e s a n as nn n
’
u
l a mh a s t i gh n a b h o l g s e il g s th u g e a m a c h n i t e a g s th u g e ’ ’
, a ,
di i’
.
S gh a b h a m u i m e a i t e g a l a i mh s S h e l l i u rr a s th b h
’ ’ ’ ’
n a n a ,
u
,
a ir t i Th m is e a c u ir m a r c h o a i b h s m a r g h e a sa i b h s m a r
’ ’ ’
,
a r s
e u s ib h a a b l i a dh a o r t sa
n n a c h bi t h u g l o b a a d b h r Oig a s
n ,
u n
’ ’
,
’
g m b i t h u g fli u c h f u a r s l c h g n s g u m f a igh t h u d h o m h sa
’
u u a a
”
, , , ,
t e u n a s a n d t h a i i g a i t e a g si n
’
a n n n .
S t h u b h a i t e s n ri a m h u im e 3 Th a m i s c a c ir m a r c h r o s n
r a u
’
s m a r gh e a s n a s m a r e u s a n n a b l i a dh a o r t s a g u m bi th t h u a d
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
n ,
s e a sa m h s a n d a rn a e as a g a d a i r a n t i gh t r s a ch a s e i le a ir a
’ ’ ’
C h a i st e a l , a gu s
g u m bi t a o d a n n ri a gh a i d h n a n si a n t a idh e a n , g a
’
b e g a o th a s h é i d e a s , gu s g u m p i l l m is e a i r m a i s .
’ ’ ’ ”
S dh f h a l b h M a c I a in D i r i c h c h o l u a th s a b u r r a i n n d a , a d h
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
i ar r a i d h an eo in a s a n d t h ’
a in i
g an i t e a g,
’
s bha
’
mh u im e , na
s e a sa m h a s a n d a rn a cha s e il
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
a s a ie c a ir a c h a i st e a l , a s a e a ei
a ir a n t i gh t gu s t ig e d h a i r a i s a g u s c u id e a c h d b h a a
r, an a e . , ,
a o d a n n ri a h a i d h n a n si n
g a b e a ird a s a s é id e a d h gh
’
h -
g th a ,
n a ao ,
gu s a n t i ge a d h e s a n a i r a i s a i t h i s d c i a a i r bi th c o f d a i s a r ,
a .
’
b h i th e a d h e
gu n t i gh i n n .
Bh a M ac I ina Dir ic h air fa l b h a

’
siu b h al na m fas a c h , a S h e al l
am f a i c e a dh e an t -
s e a b h a ig, a c h a n t -
sea b h ag cha b ’
u r ra in n d
’
a
fh a i c i n n ,
’
s mo r a n n a b u l gh a u n a s in c h a b ’
u r ra in n da a fa o t u in n .
As ’
bh a e a
’
f a l b h l e is f h e i i n a r fe a dh na fas a i c h
’
s e a
’
t i gh in n
d l ut h a ir a n o id h c h e , b h a na h -
eo in b h e a ga b h a i d e a l a c h a
’
do l o
b h ar r n am p re a s ,
o d ho s
ris d o l gu gu d o s ,
’
gu b u n n a n d
s ,
a
’
t am b i s g a d b h a c h a r o b h e s a n
, d th ain ig a ’
a do l a n n , gu s an
’
n
o id h h e d h all d h o c h p ris 8’ ’
s c h a i d h e s c h r u b a i n e a ig b
’
c r a, a u n ,
g i ll e m ai r t e i n s t h u b h i t e ris
’
c o a t h a i ig a rath d a h an
n n a c ,
a r ,
_
B e u l si o s o r t a m h ic I a in D i i c h i s o l o idh c h e a d t h ain ig ’
-
r ,
c an n
t h u ; c h a e i l a g a m fh i
’
o c hd ch o s p ag m i l t s a n
e n an n a a n u
’
o
”
,
l e a th c h e n n c o r a a e h is é igi a b h i t h d a a d h l e is
-
a a , B he oth n a e n .
a ic h i a d d h i th i a d s p Oi g m u il t s
’
s r Oi s t i d f o il
’ ’ ’
ge a l b h a n a e ,
s an
a n l e a th c h e n m h a d i n n t h u b h i r t a n g i ll e
’
s ai
’
cao a a n r a
g u a
-
, ,
m a i t e i n ri m c a ri g h
r ,
A M h ic I in D i ic h t h
a n t se ab h ag
,
a r ,
a an -
a t h a t h u a g i r a idh i g f a m h a i m ora r a c u i g cinn a

a cu ig r n n ,
n n
m i ll 8 d i t fa r a m ’
s l e i g i d h m i s c fh i c i
g m i e l
’ ’
n cu i na u n a ,
a nn u
b h e il t i gh a i g a g s s e m o h o m h a i l s a d h u i t t h u a d h o l gu
an e, u
’
c r e-
a b h it h a d gh i l l e i g a t h u b h i t h g e sga idh e l m h
n
’
s e,
’
s a u a ,
a a a
m h g c h i a t h id i
’
dhe an a a idh o t
a a s g eh
n i a t h e id e a r b
e arr r ,
a n
s bi t h r m b a th i h e in i g e s m th d h fh a o i d t
’ ’ ’
a i d h riu t , a r s na -
o s , a a -
g n a r b e r i t a t s b b a g a b h i dh s a n ir a g h i b h t h u sa ’
u e u n -
ea a ,
u a e
a n t s e a h h a i g ri b h i dh dh bi a m b a th ri th e g s gu m fa i gh ’
-
a a ,
r , n
t h fath a n n ir n c h b m f mh ai ig t i gh r u i th a i r f a l b h
‘
u ,
a a I a a r a an ,
l a th a a h t h o ir a a i r n c h b e n ib h i is a o n i t e d h i d o i
e ,
c n e, a a u r
’
n
a ir bi th d o t h a a i t o b h a s t i g h n t a i gh e a i r n e m a b h e n a s
,
na r a a ,
o a
ch a te d l t i ea
Th i t M l a in D i i c h g
’ ’
t h g dh e fh i e a i r i s dh
’
u r ae r u n u a an a r s n, a
fh a l b h e a d h i o s i d h t i gh a
’ ’
fh m h a irnn R ain ig e s b h
a il e n a .
,
ua
a ig a n d o r s u
”
.
G h l o dh a m f a mh ia CO a t h a a n n a n si n 2 Th a m is e
a r,
” ‘
,
S G EU LA C HD MIC IAI N D I R I CH . 35 9
t h u irt I a in D ir i ch
Mac fe a r a t h a t igh i a S h e a l l a m b h e il “
a
’
nn
”
,
f e u m a g a d a i r g i ll e .
D e n o h a ir a s u r i n d u i t a d h e a a m h
a o rs a a m f a m h a i
r a n n r.
“ ”
Th a o rs a M a c I a in D i i c h i s u a i d m b u l a idh s r
“
rr nn o e n
’
, ,
m c a n a b h i a d h a dh s b e n a g b h a i n a c a o i r i c h a b h i a d h a d h a
’
u a r,
”
, ,
’
s a b h l e o gh a n .
’
S e d o l e it h i d a th a a dh ith o rm,
”t h u i r t am fa m h a i r .
am f a mh a i r ma ch Mac Ia i
’
Th a i n ig a s c h u ir e t u a r a sdal a ir n
Di r i c h . As ’
bha e g ch 1 a b h a
a
’
t o b h a ir t ire r a a m b a th air a n
s ris a t o nn m b th ris
’
a ig a n f h m h a i s b h a e ra
’
a r,
n c ea c a a r an n
ag n a s th g a m f m h a i r a f h a i e c h o m th is a b h a e a
’
a ,
u a n r a
d e a n a m h s t h u b h i t e g u m b m a th a b h O d f u n a t h i i g M a e
’ ’
,
a r u r a n
I a in D i r i c h s e a c h m a r a b h a e a r o i m h e g u m b f h e a l is a o n a ,
’ ’
rr e
c h e a r e d o n a b h a e a f a o t a i n a n nis e a d it h i s d o n a gh e i b h d h
,
’
n ,
n ea
e r o i mh e Th a m o gh i l l e c o m a th s gu m b h e il d ui l a g m g u m
’ ’
a
”
, , _
f o t m i e a r b a dh ris a t se a b h a g a b h i a d h a d h
a A s th g a m n -
.
’
u
f a m h a i a n t s e a b h a g d o M h a c I in D i r i c h ri b h i a d h a d h s th u g
’
r -
a
,
e an fh a ir e sh On r a i c h t e air an t -
se a b h ag .
’
S a n u ir a a c hu n n a i c am fa m h a i r ch o m a th i s a b ha Mac I a in
Dir i ch a
’
t o ir t ir e a i r a an t g 3 b ha le
-
sea b h ai is gu m f a o t a dh
’
e a
h -
e a r b a dh ris a n u a ir a b h i t h e a dh e fh e i n b h o t i gh S th u g a m
’
n .
f a m h a i r da an t -
seab h ag ri gl e i d h , s b h a
’
M a c I a in D i i c h a t o b h r
’
a ir t a n fh a i r e s h On r a i c h t e a i r a n t se a b h a i
g
-
.
Bh a l e is an fh a m h a i r , gu
’
n ro bh g ch ma a d o l gu
’
e c rt Ag s a . u
’
d h fh a l b h e o n
’
tigh ao n l ath a 3 a S
’
s m u a in t i c h M a c I a in D i r i c h ,
g u
’
m b
’
e si n a n
gu t -
am r i th
u a i r fa l b h l e is an t -
se a b h a
g, s b h e i r
’
e a i r a n t s e a b h a i g gu f a l b h
-
ea a l th . A n u a ir a
’
s a
’
b h a e a fo s
gl a d h a n d o r u i s , a ch u n n aic a n t is -
s e a b h ag a n s o l s u
ga o i l
,
s i a
s gi a t h a n gu leu m ’
s b h ean b rr h
a -
aon da Da it e an , ai
g a o n do na
s
gi a t h a n a i c e d o a o n d o u r sa i n n e a n a n d o r u i s ,
’
s lo ig an u rs a in n
s gr e a c h a s .
’
T h a i n i g a m f a m h a i r d a c h a id h n a r i th
u ,
’
s b h e ir e
a ir Ma c I a in Dir ic h ,
’
s th u g e n a idh a n t -
seab h ag, a s
’
t h u b h a ir t
e r i s, C h a t u ga i n n s a d h u i t m o s h e a b h a g , m a r f a i g h i d h t u do mb
an c l a id h e a m h g e a l s o l u i s a t h a a i g s e a c h d m n a t h a n m Or a Dhi n
”
r a th s ,
’
c h u ir a m fa m h a i r M a c I ina Di ri ch air fa l b h .
C h a i dh Ma c I a in D i r ic h a r it h i s d t ro im h e an f h asa i c h ,
’
s c h o in
nic h a n g i ll e m ai r t e i a i s t h u b h a i t e 3 B u l si s t a Mh ic
-
n r,
’
r e o or
I in D i r i c h c h a d o rinn s c h a d e a n t h u m a r d h i a
a ,
m i s i dh ,
’
a
’
r ra s
o r t is Ol e a n o i d h c h e a d t h i ig t h a n n o ch d h n i l a g m ’ ’ ’
,
n a n u ,
c a e a
a c h a o n sp o i g m i l t ag s ao l e th c h e a n n c a o a c h is e ig i
u u n -
r nn a
”
, ,
b h i t h d e a n a m h l e is .
360 WES T H IGHL A ND T ALES .
Bh e o t h a i c h i a d ge a l b h a n , s iad
’
rinn d e is a n s zi
p
‘
g m u i lt e
’
s an
l e th c h e a n n c a o r a , s gh a b h i a d b ia d h
-
’ ’
s c h a da l . Ag s u an ath
l ath a , t h u b h a irt an g i ll e -
m ai r t e a n , t h e i d sinn g u t ao b h a
’
c h u ain .
Ch a idh i a d
’
s r ain i
g iad taob h a c h u a in ;
’
s t h u i rt an g i ll e
m air t e a n , "
Cin n i dh m e a n n a m
’ ’
is b h at a ,
’
ra c h
s t h u sa a ir b or t
o rr a ,
’
s b h eir mi
'
a nu ll g u Di u r a t h t h u ,
’
s ra c h a dh
’
i o n n s a id h
se a ch d m nath a n m o ra D h i u r a t h , s i a rr
’
s e i r b h i s, gu t h u a b h ith
n ad
’ ’
gh i l l e a c a , s t r a a d h fh a r r a i di e s i a d i o t , gu
’
d ’
-
dé is u r r a in n
du it a dh e a n a m h , a a
’
b ir
r i u t h a , g u m b h e il t h u m a th ai r gl a n a dh
iar u n n a gu s s t ai l i n n , Or a g s u a i r gi o d, a gu s gu
’
n dea n t h u gu
gl a n th o ir f h a i re
’
’ ’
,
so i ll e a r , d e ar l a c h i a d, a s an s h On r a i c h t e gu n
dean th u ga c h u i
‘
gu ce art, gu s gu n e a r b i a d
’
a n c l a i dh e a m h ge a l
so l u is r i u t,
’
s an n a ir
f th r i th a ir f l b h l e is a c h
a g h e ib h t h u a , u a ,
th o i r a n f h a i e a n t r u a il l d o n i a i r bi th
na ch be a n ‘
r ir t a o b h a a
”
,
s t ig h a t a i gh e i r n e o n i e sgr e a d s c h a t e i d d o gh o t h a c h l e a t
n ,
a
’
n .
C h inn a g i l l e m a i r t e a n n a b h at a s c h a id h M a c I a in Di r i c h
n
’
,
’
r d u rr a g i a i t ir a i g cr e a g a n n a n d e a r ga n a i g
’
ai r b O s t h ain i ,
r
t ao b h ma th t h D h i ur t h S l e u m M a c I a in D i i c h a i t ir s ’ ’
u a a ,
r r ,
c h a i d h e a gh a b h a i I m u i n t ir a s a i g s e a c h d m n a t h a m or a D h i n e n
r a th R i i g e a s b h u il e a i g a n d o ru s t h a i ig n a s e a c h d
. a n
'
a ,
n
m Or a m a c h f h a r a id i a d g u dé a b h a e a g
’ ’
m at h an n s dh ,
r -
Th u b h a i r t e a S h e a l l an r o b h fe u m
’
i a r r a i dh .
gu n t h a i n i g e, aca
g i ll e 3 d h f h a r r a id i a d d e th , c i o d a b d h e a n a mh .
’ ’
u r ra in n d
’
a ir a a
Th u i r t gu m e,
’
b
u r r a i n n d a Or 3 a i r g io d , n a i a r u n n n a s t ai l i n n ,
’ ’ ’
a gh l a n a d h , s a n d e a n a m h g u so i l l e i r ,
’
e a , d e a r r s n u id h
g Th u i r t g l .
iad
” ’
Th a d o l e i t h id a d h i t h o i r n n , s c h u i r i a d t u a r a s da l a i r .
Agu s bha e ra d h i c h io l l a c h r e S e s e a ch da in e an ,
’
S ch u ir e n a.
h -
u il e n 1 an an o r du
gh a n b h a r r a th u g n a m a t h a n m or a n
. A
’
s n
fh a ir e d h
’
a,
’
s b ha ia d ag a h r d ri c h e i l e S e s o a n g i ll e i s .
’
fhear r a bha
ga i n n a r i a mh fa o t a id h sinn a n c l a idh e a m h g e a l
”
,
so l u is e a r b a dh r i s .
T h g ia d d u
’
a an c l a idh e a m h gea l -
so l u is ri gh l e idh a n o r d u gh ,
a gu s b h a e sa n ir s h en r i c h t e a i r
’
a c h l a id h e a m h
’
a t o ir t a e a
gh e a l
shol u is gu s ao n l ath a n a c h r o b h n m a t h a n m Or a i g a n t i gh
a n .
S rn u a i n i c h e gus n a n m b e si
’
a n t a m dh as a n g u r u i th a i r
’
-
’
fal b h l e is ’
a c h l aidh e am h
gh e a l s h o l u i s ; c h u i r e
an s a n t r u a il l n
’
s th o g e air a n ir e a do l a m a c h
gh n a l a i n n e 3 a c h a
’
a b ha
’
e , u a
a ir n do r s b h ea b a rr a n t r u a il l d o a a r d d o r u s s rinn a n ’
a u ,
n n -
,
t a r d d o r u s s g e d s r i dh n mn ath a m o d a c h a id h s th u g
’ ’
- -
r a ,
u a n r ,
i a d u a id h a n c l a id h e a mh s t h u ir t i a d r is Ch a t u ga m a i d d u i t
’
, .
S GE U LA C I I D M IC IAI N DI B I C H . 36 1
na i r cl
idh e a mh ge a l s o l u i s , m a r fa i gh e a d h t u dh u i n n e
a an fh a l a i r e
b h u i d h a i g gh E i r i n n ri .
D h fh a l b h M a c
’
I a in D i r i c h gu t a o b h a c h u a i n , s
’ ’
c h o i n n i ch a n
g i ll e m ai r t e a n
-
a ir ,
’
3 t h u ir t e , Beu l riso o rt si s a Mh ic I in a
Dir ic h , c h a do rinn ’
s ch a de n a th u m ar a dh
’
ia rr a s m is
’
Or t ;
g m m u i lt e , l e th
’
ch e an n
’ ’
ch a n e il a a an n o ch d a ch a o n sp o g s ao n -
’
l e is ”
c ao r a, a ch is ei
gi n n a b h i t h a d e a n a m h . B h e o t h a ic h i a d
ge a l b h a n , s
’
r o is t i a d f e o il , gh a b h i a d b i a d h ’
s b h a i ad su b h a ch .
An a t h l a t h a t h u b h a i rt I a in D i i c h an g i ll e -
m ai r t e a n ri Mac r .
C i n i d h m is e s r a c h t h u sa a i b or t rr s t h e id ’
m b ha c
’ ’
n ann r a r u a,
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S GE U LA OHD MIc IAI N D I R I CH . 3 65
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s n i gh e a n ri gh na F r a i n ge , l ise an f h al a i r e b h u id h , a gu s an
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o f t h e sci m i t a r m a y h a v e s o m e b e a rin g o n t h e incid e n t Th e .

MA C I A I N D I R BA C H . 36 7
w ic k e d m ui m e fe ll a f a gg o t o f s t ic k s b e f or e t h e s w ord a n d t h e ,
t e mpl e o f t h e S cy th i a n s w ord g od w a s a h e a p o f fa gg o t s f ro m
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t o m e by M rs M a c Ta v i sh f ro m I s l a y
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t h e nor th w e s t e rn sid e o f t h e h i gh e s t o f t h e J u r a h i ll s
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MA C IAI N DI R E A C I I . 36 9
h i n d e r si d e A l b a is h e re a d w i ll co m e t o h e lp m e i f I b e
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T h e s e th r e e co l ours b e in g t h e m os t co mm on f a m i l y n a m e s un t i l ,
v e ry l a t e l y i n t h e is l a nd a s w e ll a s t h e dis t in g uis h in g co l ours o f

, ,
t h e l a ndsc a p e a cc o rdin g t o t h e e y e o f t h e discon t e n t e d l a dy

, .
4
. I h a v e a no th e r v e rsion o f th is wh ic h gi v e s suc h a v e ry di f ,
f e r e t v i e w o f t h e s a m e i ncid e n t s th a t I t r a ns l a t e i t g i v in g suc h
n ,
bi t s o f t h e G a e l ic a s s e e m b e s t w or th p r e s e r v a t ion .
A N S I ON N A C H T H E Fo x f ro m J o h n t h e t in k e r I n v e ra r a y
, , , ,
w ri tt e n by H e c t or Ur q u h a r t 1 85 9 , .
Bri a n t h e son o f t h e k in g o f Gr e e c e f e ll in l o v e w i th t h e h e n
, ,
w i f s d a u ght e r a d h e w ou l d m a rry no o th e r bu t sh e H is
e
’
,
n .
fa th e r s a id t o h i m on a da y o f d a ys b e f or e th a t s h ou l d h a pp e n ,
th a t h e m us t ge t fi rs t f or h i m t h e m os t m a r v e ll ous bird th a t th e r e
w a s in t h e w or l d .
T h e n h e r e w e n t Bri a n a n d h e p u t t h e w or l d und e r h is h e a d
, ,
t i ll h e w e n t m uc h fa r th e r th a n I c a n t e ll o r y o u c a n th in k t i ll , ,
h e r e a c h e d t h e h ous e o f C A I LL E A C H NAN C U A R A N t h e c a r l in o f ,
bus k i ns (A soc k a bro g u e o f un ta nn e d l e a th e r or s k in

.
, ,
co mm on l y w orn w i th t h e h a i ry sid e ou tw a rd L a t Co th urnu s ,
W e l sh Ow a r a h ; F 73 Co th urn e ) H e g o t w e ll t a k e n t o by t h e
, , .
c rl in th a t ni ght a n d in t h e m ornin g s h e s a id t o h i m It is t i m e
a
”
, ,
f or th e e t o a ris e t h e j ourn e y is fa r
, .
W h e n h e ros e t o t h e door wh a t w a s i t bu t so w in g a n d w i n
,
n o wi
g sno w h e l oo k e d h i th e r a d th i th e r a d wh a t s h ou l d h e
n n ,
n
s e e bu t a f ox dr a w in g o n h i s s h o e s a n d s t oc k in g s .
SE A B H E A TH A I C H Sh a
”
b e a s t s a id Bri a n T h ou h a ds t
”
, , ,
b e s t l e a v e m y l o t o f s h o e s a n d s t oc k in g s f or m ys e lf .
Oc h
” s a id t h e fo x i t s l on g sinc e a s h o e or a s t o c k in g w a s
’
, ,
on me a n d I a m th in k in g th a t I s h a ll p u t th e m t o u se th is d a y
i t s e lf ”.
T h ou u gl y L A D A M A b e a s t a r t th ou th in k in g t o s t e a l m y
”
,
f oo t w e bs C H A I SB E A R T a n d I m ys e lf l oo k in g a t th e e ?
”
, ,
W e ll s a id t h e f ox i f th o u w i lt t a k e m e t o b e th y s e r v a n t
“
”
, , ,
t h ou s h a lt ge t th y s e t o f s h o e s a n d s t oc k in g s .
MAC I AI N D I R EA CH . 37 1
Oh p oor b e a s t
”s a id h e, th ou w ou l ds t fi nd d e a th w i th me
”
, ,
f ro m h un g e r .
O h o th s a id t h e f ox th e r e s l i ttl e g ood i n t h e g i ll e th a t ’
w i ll no t do for h is o w ns e lf a n d for h is m a s t e r t t i m e s ”
,
Yes !
a
”
, .
y es s a id h e I don t m ind a t a l l e ve n t s th ou m a y e s t
, ,
“
.
’
,
f o ll o w
T h e y h a d no t g on e f a r on th e ir j ourn e y wh e n t h e fox a s k e d
h i m i f h e w a s g ood a t ridin g H e s a id h e w a s i f i t cou l d b e
.
,
k no w n wh a t on .
”
Co m e o n t o p o f m e a t urn o f a wh i l e s a id t h e f ox .
”
,
O t o p o f th e e p oor b e a s t I w ou l d br e a k th y b a c k
n .
”
,
H o h u th s o n o f t h e Kin g o f Gr e e c e s a id t h e f ox th ou , ,
dids t no t k no w m e so w e ll a s I k n e w th e e t a k e no c a re bu t th a t
I a m a b l e t o c a rry th e e ” .
Bu t n e v e r m ind ; wh e n B ri a n w e n t on t h e t o p o f t h e f ox ,
C U I R E A D H I A D S A D A S G A CH L O D AN A G U S S K A D A S G A C H C R E A G A N
s C H A D O G H A B H I A D TA M H N A F O I S G U S A N D R A I N I G I A D T I G H
’ ’
F A M H A I R N A N C O I G C I N N s N A N C O I G M ILL s N A N C O I G M U I N E A I L
’ ‘ ’
.
T h e y w ou l d dri v e s p r a y f ro m e a c h p udd l e sp a r k f ro m e a c h ,
p e bb l e ; a n d th e y t oo k no h lt nor r e s t t i ll th e y r e a c h e d t h e
a
h ous e o f t h e Gi a n t o f F i v e H e a ds F i v e H u mp s a d F i v e , ,
n
T h ro ttl e s .
”
H e re s for th e e s a id t h e f ox t h e h ous e o f t h e g i a n t wh o
’
, ,
h a s t h e m a r v ll ous bird A N r E U N I ON G A N TA CH
e , a d wh a t w i lt n
t h ou s y t o h i m wh e n th ou g o e s t in 9
a
W h a t s h ou l d I s a y bu t th a t I c a m e t o s t e a l t h e m a r v e ll ou s
,
bird
“
H u l h u s a id t h e f ox th ou w i lt o t r t urn ; bu t s a id“ ” n e
, ,
t h e f ox t a k e th ou (s e r v ic e ) w i th t h i s g i a n t t o b e a s ta b l e l a d
,
“
,
a d th e r e i s no sor t o f bird F 0 S H E A C H D B O NA G AN R U AD H A N T
n
S A OG H A I L und e r t h e s e v e n russ e t run g s o f t h e w or l d (f ro m

,
R O N G a j oinin g s p a r a h oo p p e r h a p s rin g ) th a t h e h s no t g o t
, , ,
a
a n d wh n h e brin g s o u t t h e m a r v e ll ous bird s a

e
y th ou F u i t l ,
i
f u i t h 1 t h e n a s t y bird th ro w i t ou t o f m y si ght I cou l d fi nd

’
”
, ,
bra v e r birds th a n th a t o n t h e m idd e ns t h o m e a .
Bri a n did th us .
S t ia
’
s a id t h e bi g o n th e n I m us t g o t o th y coun t ry
e,
t o g a th e r a p r t o f th e m
a
” .
S o fa r
th is is so m e wh a t l i k e
,
the o p e nin g o f Puss in Bo t s o ,
m ix e d u p w i th so m e th in g e l s e .
3 72 WE S T H I G H LAND T AL ES .
Bu t Bri a n w a s pl e a sin g t h g i a n t w e ll bu t o n a ni ght o f t h e

e
ni ght s Bri n s t e a l s t h e m a r v e ll ous bird a n d dr a g s h i m s e lf o u t

,
a ,
w i th i t W h e n h e w a s a g ood bi t f ro m t h e g i a n t s h ous e S t i a
.
’
,
’
s a id Bri a n t o h i m s e lf I don t k no w i f i t i s t h e ri ght bird I h a v e

’
”
,
a ft e r e v e ry t urn Bri a n l i ft s t h e co v e rin g o ff t h e bird s h e a d '
. ,
a n d h e l e t s ou t o n e scr e c h a n d t h e scr c h rou s e d t h e g i n t

e ee a .
”
,
O O s o n o f t h e Kin g o f G r e e c e s a id t h g i a n t th a t I ,
e ,
h a v e co m in g t o s t e a l t h e m a r v e ll ous bird ; t h e p ro ph e t FA I D H
w a s s a yin g th a t h w o u l d co m e t o h i s G I R D
e
” .
T h e n h e re t h e g i n t p u t on t h e s h o s th a t cou l d m a k e nin e
a e
m i l e s a t e v e ry s t e p a d h e w a s n t l on g c a t c h in g p oor Bri a n
,
n
’
.
T h e y r e t urn e d h o m e t o t h e g i a n t s h ous e a n d t h e g i a n t l id t h e ’
,
a
bin din g o f t h e th r e e s m a ll s o n h i m a d h e th re w B i a n in t o t h e ,
n r
p e a t corn e r a n d h e w a s th e r e t i ll t h e m ornin g o n t h e m orro w s

,
’
d ay .
No w
” s a id t h e g i a n t so n o f t h e Kin g o f Gre e c e th ou h a s t
, , ,
th y tw o ra th e rs ; wh e th e r w ou l ds t th ou r a th e r th y h e a d t o b e
yond e r s t a k e o r g o t o s t e a l f or m e t h e W h i t e G l a v e o f Li ght
,
th a t i s in t h e r e a lm o f B i g W o m e n
S B A I G H E I L D U I N E R I B H E A TH A a m a n is k ind t o h i s l i f e
’ ”
”
, ,
s a id Bri a n I w i l l g o t o s t e a l t h e W h i t e G l a v e o f Li ght
, .
B u t n e v e r m ind B ri a n h a d no t g on e f a r f ro m t h e g i a n t s h ous e ’
wh n t h e f ox m e t h i m
e .
O D H U I N E G U N T U R G U N T o rN S G Oh m a n w i th ou t m ind o r , ,
s e ns e th ou dids t no t t a k e m y couns e l a n d wh a t w i ll no w a ris e

a g a ins t th e e !
, ,
T h ou a r t g oin g t o t h e r e a l m o f B i g W o m e n t o
s t e a l t h e W h i te G l a v e o f Li ght th a t i s tw e n ty t i m e s a s h a rd f or
th e e a s t h e m a r v e ll ous bird o f th a t e a rl o f a g i a n t ” .
B u t wh a t h e lp f or i t no w bu t th a t I m us t I ON N S A I D H A
”
, ,
T H U B H A I R T A I R b e t a k e m ys e lf t o i t s a id p oor B ri a n
”
.
, ,
W e ll th e n , s a id t h e f ox co m e th ou o n t o p o f m e a n d I
”
, , ,
a m in h o p e s th ou w i lt b e w is e r t h e n e x t t i m e .
T h e y w e n t th e n fa r th e r th a n I c a n r e m e m b e r t i ll th e y r e a c h e d ,
C N O C A N N A N A OI N E A I R C U L G A O ITHE 8 A I R A OD A N GR E I N E t h e
’ ’
,
k no ll o f t h e coun t ry a t t h e b c k o f t h e w ind a n d t h e f a c e o f a
t h e s u n th a t w a s in t h e r e a lm o f bi g w o m e n
”
, .
“
N o w s a id t h e F ox th ou s h a lt s it h e r e a n d th ou s h a lt
, ,
“
,
b e gin a t B U R R A LA I CH b l ubb e rin g a n d CA OI N E A D H cryin g a n d , ,
wh e n t h e bi g w o m e n co m e ou t wh e r e th ou a r t th e y w i ll l i ft th e e ,
N A N A C H LA I S i n th e ir ox t e rs a n d wh e n th e y r e a c h t h e h ous e
’
w i th th e e th e y w i ll t ry t o co a x th e e bu t n e v e r th ou c e a s e o f
, ,
MA C IAI N D I R E A CH . 37 3
cryin g un t i l th ou ge t t h e W h i t e G l a v e o f Li gh t a n d th e y w i ll ,
l e v e i t w i th th e e in t h e cr a d l e t h e l e n gth o f t h e ni ght t o k e p
a e
”
,
th e q ui e t
e .
\V r t h y B ri a n w a s no t l on g b l ubb rin g a d cryin g wh e n t h e

o e n
bi g w o m e n c a m e a d th e y t oo k B ri a n w i th th e m a s t h fox h a d
,
n e
s id a n d wh n B ri a n found t h h ou s e q ui e t h e w e n t a wa y w i t h
a , e e ,
t h e W h i t e G l a v e o f Li ght a d wh e n h e th ou ght h e w a s a g ood ,

n
w a y f ro m t h e h ous e h e th ou ght h e w ou l d s e e i f h e h d t h e ri ght

,
a
s w ord H e t oo k i t ou t o f t h e s h a th a d t h e s w ord g a v e ou t
. e ,
n
B I NN a rin g , T h is a w o k e t h e bi g w o m e n a d th e y w e r e o n
. n
”
,
th ir so l e s
e W h o m h ve w h e re
. s a id th e y bu t t h e son o f
a e
”
, ,
t h e Kin g o f Gre c e co m in g t o s t e l t h e W h i t e G l v o f Li ght

e a a e .
T h y t oo k a ft r B ri a n d th y w e r e no t l on g brin g in g h i m
e e ,
an e
b c k C H E A N G A I L I A D G U O B U I N E th e y t i e d h i m round l y
a .
,
(l i k e a b a ll ) d th y th r e w h i m in t o t h e p t corn e r t i ll t h e
,
an e ea ,
wh i t m orro w s d a y w a s \V h n t h m or in g c a m e th y a s k d
e
’
. e e n e e
h im co B FH EA R R LE I s A
A B H U I L G S H EI D I D H
BH I F0 S HR A D A N
t o b e und e r t h e s pa r k s o f t h e b e ll o w s or t o g o t o s te a l AN D I A ,
GR E I N E N I G H E A N R I G H F R I LL F I O NN t h e S un Godd e ss d a u gh , ,
t e r o f t h e Kin g o f t h e g a th e rin g o f Fi o u n .
”
A m a n i s k ind t o h is l i fe s a id Bri a n I w i ll g o s t e a l t h e “
”
. , ,
S un Godd e ss .
N e v r m ind Bri a n w e n t bu t h e w a s no t l on g on t h e p a th
e .
,
A I R AN T S LI G E R wh e n t h f ox m e t h i m e .
0h p oor foo l ” s a id t h e fox th ou a r t a s FA OI N si ll y a s th o u

, ,
w e r t e v e r \ V h a t g ood f or m t o b e g i v in g th e e couns l th o u
. e e ,
BO L G S EI D I D H b g f b l o w in g Th e b e ll o w s us e d f or m e lt
, a o .
in g c pp r in t h e m in t a t T a n g i e rs n 1 8 4 1 consis t d o f tw o
o e I ,
e
s h e e p s k ins w ork e d by tw o m e T h e n e c k o f t h e h id e w a s n .
f a s t e n e d t o t h e e d o f a iron t ub e a d t h e l g s s e w n u p Th e
n n ,
n e .
e d of ea ch b a
n
g o p e n d w i th t w o fl t s t ic k s d t h e w or km e n
e a ,
an ,
by a s k i lfu l a c t ion o f t h e h nd fill e d t h e b a g w i th i a s h e r is e d a ,

a r a
i t a n d th n s qu z e d i t ou t by p r e ssin g do w n w a rd s B y w or k in g
, e ee .
t h e tw o b a g s t urn a bou t a cons t a n t s t a dy b l a s t w s k pt on a , e a e
crucib l e o n t h e f urn c e a n d t h e co p pe r w soon m lt d Th e

a ,
as e e .
G a e l ic w ord c l e a rl y p oin t s t o t h e s e o f so m e suc h a ppa r t us I u a .
b l i v so m th in g o f t h e k ind is us e d in I ndi a ; b t I s w t h e
e e e e u a
T a n g i e r m in t a t w or k .
D I A G R E I N E m y p e rh a p s b D s o G R E I N E t h e sunb a m t h e
a e ,
e ,
n a m e g i v e n t o F ionn s b a nn e r a n d h e r e a ppl i e d t o h is d a u ght e r

’
, .
37 4 WE S T H I GH LAND T ALES .
a rt no w goin g t o s t e a l t h e S n Godd e ss M a ny a b e tt e r th i e f u .
th a n th ou w e n t o n t h e s a m e j ourn e y bu t e v e r a m a n c a m n e v e r e
b a c k T h e r e a r e nin e g u rds g u a rdin g h e r a n d th e r e is no dre ss

. a ,
u nd e r t h e s e v e n russ e t run g s o f t h e w or l d th a t is l i k e t h e dr e ss
th a t i s on h e r bu t o n e o th e r dr e ss d h e r e is th a t dre ss f or th e e ,
an .
A nd m ind s id t h e f ox th a t th ou dos t a s I a sk th e e or i f th ou
a
”
, , , ,
dos t n o t th ou w i lt no t co m e t o t h e n e x t S G E U L A t a l e
,
.
N v e r m ind T h e y w e n t a n d wh e n th e y w e re n e a r t h e gu a rd
e .
,
t h e f o x p u t t h e dr e ss o n Bri a n a n d h e s a id t o h i m t o g o f or w a rd ,
s t ra i ght th rou gh th e m a n d wh e n h e r e a c h e d t h e S un Godd e ss t o

,
d o a s b e bid h i m A nd Bri a n i f th ou g e t t e s t h e r o u t I w i ll no t
.
, ,
b e f a r f ro m you .
Bu t n e v e r m ind Bri a n t oo k coura g e a n d h e w e n t on a d

.
, ,
n
e a c h g u a rd m a d e w a y f or h i m t i ll h e w e n t in wh e r e t h e S un ,
Godd e ss d a u ght e r o f t h e Kin g o f t h e G a th e rin g o f F ionn w a s

, , .
S h e p u t a l l b a i l a d g ood l uc k o n h i m a n d s h e i t w a s wh o wa s
n ,
pl e a s e d t o se e h i m f or h e r f a th e r w a s no t l e tt in g m a n co m e n e a r
,
h er .
A nd th r th y w e r e bu t h o w s h a ll w e g e t a wa y a l l a t a l l
e e e at
'
s a id s h e i n t h e m ornin g Bri a n l i ft e d t h e w indo w a n d h e p u t

, . ,
o u t t h e S un Godd e ss th rou g h i t
”
.
Th e f ox m e t th e m T h ou w i lt do y e t s a id h e
. l e a p you “
”
,
o n t op o f m e .
A nd wh e n th e y w e r e f a r f a r a w a y a n d n e a r t h e coun t ry o f , ,
bi g w o m e n
”
,
N o w Bri a n s a id t h e f ox is i t no t a g r e a t p i t y f or th ys e lf
, , ,
t o g i v e a wa y th is S un Godd ss fo r t h e \V h i t e G l a v e o f Li ght ? e
I s i t no t th a t wh ic h is w oundin g m e a t th is v e ry t i m e ? ” s a id
Bri a n .
“
It is th a t I w i ll m a k e a S un Godd e ss o f m ys e lf a n d th ou
”
,
s h a lt g i v e m e t o t h e bi g w o m e n s a id t h e f ox .
”
,
I h a d r a th e r p a r t w i th t h e S un Godd e ss h e rs e lf th a n th e e .
Bu t n e v e r th ou m ind Bri a n th e y w on t k e e p m e l on g ” .
, ,
H e r e Bri a n w e n t in w i th t h e f ox a s a S un Godd e ss a n d h e ,
g o t t h e W h i t e G l a v e o f Li ght Bri a n l e ft t h e f ox w i th t h e bi g .
w o m e n a d h e w e n t f orw a rd
,
n .
I n a d a y or tw o t h e f ox o v e r t oo k th e m a n d th e y g o t on h i m , ,
a n d wh e n th e y w e r e n e a rin g t h e h ous e o f t h e bi g g i a n t
,
I s i t no t a g re a t p i t y f or th ys e lf o h Bri a n t o p a r t w i th t h e
W h i t e G l a v e o f Li ght f or th a t filth o f a m a r v e ll ous bird ”
, ,
”
T h e r e is no h e lp f or i t s a id Bri a n .
,
MA C I AI N D I R E A CH . 375
I w i ll m a k e m ys e lf a W h i t e G l a v e o f t h e f ox
”
Li ght s a id ,
“
i t m a y b e th a t th ou w i lt y e t fi nd a u s e f or t h e \V h i t e G l a v e o f
Li ght ” .
Bri a n w a s n o t so m uc h a ga ins t t h e fox th is t i m e sinc e h e s a w ,
th a t h e h a d g o t o ff f ro m t h e bi g w o m e n
”
.
T h ou a r t c o m e w i th i t s a id t h e bi g m a n ,
It w a s in t h e .
p ro ph e ci e s th a t I s h ou l d c u t th is g re a t o a k t re e a t o n e b l o w , ,
wh ic h m y fa th e r cu t tw o h undr e d y e a rs a go w i th t h e s a m e
s w ord ” .
Bri a n g o t t h e m a r v e ll ou s bird a n d h e w e n t a w a y , .
H e h a d g on e bu t a s h or t dis t a nc e f ro m t h e g i a n t s h ous e wh e n ’
,
t h e f ox m a d e u p t o h i m w i th h is p a d t o h is m ou th .
W h a t s t h is th a t h f e l th e e
’ ” s a i d Bri a n e Oh t h e son o f .
”
, ,
t h e g r e a t o n e 1 s a id t h e f ox wh e n b e s e i z e d m e w i th t h e fi rs t
, ,
b l o w h e cu t t h e t re e a l l bu t a s m a ll bi t o f b a r k a n d l oo k th ys e lf
th e re is no t oo th in t h e door o f m y m ou th wh ic h th a t filth o f a
Bod a c h h a s no t bro k e n ” .
Bri a n w a s e xc e e din gl y sorro wf u l th a t t h e f ox h a d l os t t h e

t e e th bu t th e r e w a s no h e lp f or i t
, .
T h e y w e r e g oin g f or w a rd w a lk in g a t t i m e s a d a t t i m e s ridin g
, ,
n ,
t i ll th y c a m e t o a s p rin g th a t th e r e w a s by t h e si d e o f t h ro a d
e e .
”
N o w B ri a n s a id t h e f ox un l e ss th ou dos t s tri k e o ff m y
, , ,
h e a d w i th o n e b l o w o f t h e W h i t e G l a v e o f Li ght in t o th is s p rin g
”
,
I w i ll s t ri k e o ff th in e .
’ ”
S t i I s a id Bri a n
a a m a n is k ind t o h is o w n l i fe
” a d he n
, ,
s w e pt t h e h e a d o ff h i m w i th o n e bl o w a n d i t fe ll in t o t h e ,
w e ll ; a d in t h e w in k o f a n e y e wh a t s h ou l d ris e u p ou t o f t h e
n ,
w e ll bu t t h e s o n o f t h e Kin g th a t w a s fa th e r o f t h e S un Godd e ss 7
,
‘
T h e y w e n t on t i ll th e y r e a c h e d h is f a th e r s h ous e a d h i s ’
,
n
fa th e r m a d e a g re a t w e ddin g w i th j oy a d gl dn ss th t l a s t e d a n a e a
d y a d a y e a r a d th e re w a s no w ord a bou t m a rryin g t h e h e n

a n ,
n
w i fe d a u ght e r wh e n I p a r t e d f ro m th e m .
T h e r e c a n b e no doub t th a t th is is t h e s a m e l e g nd a s t h e e
Go l d e n Bird in Gri mm a n d i t i s e v id e n t th a t i t i s o t d ri v e d
,
n e
f ro m t h e p rin t d s t ory F ro m t h e no t e s in Gri mm s th ird v o l u m e

e .
’
,
i t a pp e a rs t o b e v e ry o l d a d v e ry w id e l y s p re a d I a m t o l d
n .
th a t e v e n no w th e re is so m e t r a c e o f a v e n ra t ion f or bir d s e
a m on g s t t h e Tur k s wh o s e cr e tl y w ors h i p p a rro t s e v e n a t Con

,
s t a n t i n o pl e .
Th e g ia n t o ff m a n y
-
h e a ds and orni th o l o gic a l t a s t e s is no t in
the G e r m n v e rsion a d t h e t in k e r h a s o m i tt e d t h e h ors e wh ic h

a ,
n ,
s e e m s t o b e l on g t o t h e s t ory .
On t h e 2 5 t h o f A p ri l 1 85 9 J o h n t h e t in k e r g a v e t h e b e g innin g
, ,
o f th is a s p r t o f h is con t ribu t ion t o t h e e v e nin g s e n t e r t in m e n t

’
a a .
H e no t on l y t o l d t h e s t ory bu t a c t e d i t d a nd l in g a fa nci e d, ,
b by wh e n i t c a m e t o t h e a d v e n t ur e o f t h e bi g w o m e n a n d
a ,
ro ll in g h is e y e s w i l d l y Th e s t ory wh ic h h e t o l d v a ri e d f ro m
.
th a t wh ic h h e dic t a t d i n s e v e r a l p a r t icu l rs It b eg a n
e a .
B H A R I G H A NN A G U S B H A R I G H D E I R E M A R A B H A S M AR A
B H I THI S s
’
MA R A c Hi N N I s A N G H I U TH A S , C U I D DHE CAM S
’
CU I D
DHE DI R B A C H A G US SE R IG H E I R I N N A BH
’
A NN .
“
T h e re w a s a k in g a n d a k ni ght s th e r e w a s a n d w i ll b e ,
a
,
an d s g ro w s t h e fi r t r e e
a so m e o f i t croo k e d a d so m e o f i t
,
n
s t r a i ght d i t w a s t h e Kin g o f B irinu i t w a s a d t h e Q u e e n

,
an ,
n
di e d w i th h e r fi rs t s o a d t h e Kin g m a rri d a no th e r w o m a n
n, n e .
A nd t h h e n w i fe c a m e t o h e r a d h e s a id — A B H A N R I GH D O N A
e ,
n s
G H O LA C H G H A N E I L T H U S A C O SA I L R I S A B H A N R I G H S H O N A
’
S H oLA C H A B E A G A I N R OI M H E s o Oh I b a d s t r a ddl i g Q u e e n
’
. e n ,
th ou a r t no t l i k e t h e sonsy c h e e ry Q u e e n th a t w e h d e r e no w
,
a .
A nd h e r e c a m e a l on g bi t wh ic h t h e t in k e r p u t in t o a no th e r
s t ory a n d wh ic h h e s e e m s t o h a v e cond e ns e d in t o t h e fi rs t se
,
n
t e nc i t h e v rsion wh ic h I h a v g o t a n d t r a n s i a t e d H e h a s
e n e e .
a l so t r a ns f e rr d t h e sc n e ef ro m I r e l a nd t o Gr e e c e p e r h a p s
e ,
b e c us e t h l a tt e r co u n t ry sounds b e tt e r a n d i s f r th e r o fi o r
a e ,
a
"
,
p e rh a p s h e h a d g o t t h e ori g in a l f or m o f t h e s t ory f ro m h is o l d
fa th e r in t h e m e a n t i m e ” .
S o m o f t h e th in g s m e n t ion e d in t h e t in k e r s v e rsion h a v e t o
e
’
do w i th D ruidic a l w ors h i p — t h e m a gi c w e ll t h e o a k t r e e t h e , ,
bird f or t h e C e lt ic t rib s s i t i s s a id w e r e a l l g uid e d in th e ir

e ,
a ,
w a n d e rin g s by t h e fli ght o f birds Th e S un Godd ss f o r t h e . e :
D ruids r e su pp os d t o h a v e w ors h i pp e d t h e s n a n d t h e su i s
a e u ,
n
f e m inin in G a e l ic T h e s e ar e a l l m ix e d u p w i th F ionn a n d t h e
e .
,
s w ord o f l i ght a n d t h bi g w o m e n p e rson a g e s a n d th in g s wh ic h

,
e ,
do no t a pp e a r ou t o f t h e H i ghl a nds P e r h a p s th is is o n e o f .
t h e s e r m ons t o w h ic h D e w a r r e fe rs (Se e in t roduc t ion ) . .

X L V II .
FEAR A OHU R LEI G H .
F ro m S u th e r l a nd .
OI V -
F a r q u h a r w a s o n e t i m e a dr ov e r in t h e R e a y
c o un t ry a n d he w e n t f r om G l e n Go l l i ch to E n g
,
l a nd (s om e sa y F a lk irk ) t o s e ll c a ttl e ; a n d t h e s ta ff
,
th a t h e h a d i n h is h a nd w a s h a z e l (ca l t u i n n ) On e da y .
a d o c to r m e t h i m \Vh a t s th a t
.
“ ” s a id h e ’
th a t y e “
” ”
, ,
h a v e got in y r h a nd 13 ’
It is a s ta ff o f h a zel
“
A nd .
“
wh e r e did y e cu t th a t ? ” I n G l e n Go l l ig : n o r th in
“
,
’
L o rd R e a y s c o un t ry D o y e m ind t h e pl a c e a n d t h e
“
”
.
t re e l’ ” Th a t do I
“ ” C o u l d y e ge t t h e t r e e ?
.
“
“
E a sy ” . W e ll I w i ll g i v e y e g o l d mo r e th a n y e c a n
“
,
l i ft i f y e Wi ll go b a c k th e r e a n d brin g me a wa nd o ff
,
th a t h a z e l t r e e ; a n d t a k e th is b ottle a n d brin g me
s om e th in g mo r e a n d I w i ll gi v e y o u a s m uc h gol d
,
a ga in . W a t c h a t t h e h o l e a t t h e foot a n d p u t t h e ,
b ottle to i t l e t t h e si x s e rp e n t s go th a t c om e o u t fi rs t ,
a n d p u t t h e s eve n th o n e i n to the b ottl e a n d t e ll n o ,
m a n bu t c ome b a c k s t r a i ght w i th i t h e r e
, .
S o F a r q u h a r w e n t b a c k to t h e h a z e l gl e n a n d wh e n ,
h e h a d cu t s o m e b o u gh s o ff t h e t r e e h e look e d a b o u t fo r
t h e h o l e th a t t h e d o c to r h a d s pok e n of A nd wh a t .
s ho u l d c ome o u t bu t si x s e rpe n t s br ow n a n d b a rr e d ,
l ik e a d d e rs T h e s e h e l e t go a n d c l a pp e d the b o ttl e
.
,
’
to t h e hol e s m o u t h to s ee wo u l d a n y mo r e c om e o u t
,
.
By a n d by a Wh i t e sn a k e c a m e r oll in g th r o u gh Fa r .
2 2
5
u h a r h a d h i m in t h e b ottl e in a m inu t e , t i e d h i m d ow n
q
a n d h urri e d b a c k t o E n gl a nd w i th h i m .
Th e d o c to r ga v e h i m si ll e r e n o u gh to buy t h e R e a y
c o un t ry bu t a sk e d h i m to s ta y a n d h e lp h i m w i th t h e
,
wh i t e sn a k e T h e y l i t a fir e w i th t h e h a z e l s tic k s a n d
.
,
p u t t h e sn a k e in t o a pot to b o i l Th e d o c to r bid.
F a r q u h a r w a t c h i t a n d n ot l e t a n y o n e to uc h i t a n d
”
, ,
n ot t o l e t the s t ea m e sc a p e fo r f e a r h e s a id folk
“ “
”
, , ,
migh t k n ow wh a t th e y w e r e a t .
H e w r a pp e d u p p a p e r r o und t h e pot l id bu t h e h a d ,
n ot m a d e a l l s t r a i ght wh e n the wa te r b e ga n to b o i l a n d ,
t h e s t e a m b e g a n to c om e o u t a t o n e pl a c e .
W e ll F a r q u h a r sa w th is a n d tho u ght h e wo u l d
, ,
p us h th e p a p e r d ow n r o und t h e th in g ; s o h e p u t h i s
fi n g e r to t h e bi t a n d th e n h is fi n g e r in to h is mo u th fo r
, ,
i t w a s w e t wi th t h e br e e
!
.
L o he k n ew e v e ry th i n g a n d t h e e y e s o f h is m ind
”
,
w e r e ope n e d . I w i ll ke e p i t q ui e t tho u gh s a id h e t o
“
,
h i m s e lf .
P r e s e n tl y t h e d o c to r c a m e b a c k a n d took t h e pot ,
f r om t h e fir e He l i ft e d t h e l id a n d di pp in g h is fi n g e r
.
,
in t h e s t e a m dr op s h e suc k e d i t ; bu t t h e v ir tu e h a d
go n e o u t of i t a n d i t w a s n o mo r e th a n wa t e r to h i m .
”
,
W h o h a s d o n e th is I h e cri ed a n d h e sa w i n Fa r ,
q u h a r s fa c e th a t i t w a s b e
’
S inc e y o u h a v e t a k e n
.
“
t h e br e e o f i t t a k e t h e fl e s h too
” h e s a id in a r a g e a n d
, , ,
th r e w th e pot a t h i m — (ma dh o l th u n su gh i th a n ’ ’
!
fh e o i l ). N ow F a r q u h a r h a d b e c om e a llw is e a n d h e s e t ,
u p a s a d o c to r Th e c olle c to r w h o to o k th is d ow n
. .
,
gr a mm a r a n d a l l h e r e r e m a rk s th a t M ic h a e l S c ott got
, ,
h is k n owl e d g e by s e r p e n t s br e e (b r igh ) ; a n d t h e w i s
’
d om o f t h e mo u th is s a id to h a ve b e lo n g e d to F in ga l ,
w h o b e ga n l i fe a s a h e rd b o y o n t h e S h in S om e gi a n t s .
c a m e to h i m o n e d a y a n d b a d e h i m r o a s t a fi s h fo r them ,
FE A R A C I I U R LEIGH . 37 9
th r e a t e nin g to k i ll h i m i f h e burn t i t He di d so a l l .
,
bu t o n e s m a ll s p o t O n th is s pot h e q uic kl y p u t h i s
.
fi n g e r a n d a s q uic kl y t r a ns f e rr e d th e hot fi n g e r to h is
,
mo u th p u tt i n g i t und e r h i s t e e th a g i ft o f o m n i s ci e nc e
,
w a s t h e r e su lt a n d th is b e c a m e t h e f o und a t i o n of h is
,
f u t ur e gr e a t n e ss .
Th e v e ry s a m e incid e n t w i th a dr a go n s h e a r t is i n
’
’
t h e V ol sun g t a l c se e D a s e n t s in t r o duc t i o n p 6 5
. It ,
. .
’
is tol d i n C h a m b e rs N urs e ry S o n g s o f s o m e l a ird i n
.
,
S c otl a nd M r s M a c Ta v i sh t e ll s i t a n d I h a v e h e a rd i t
. .
,
in t h e w e s t in v a ri o us sh a p e s e v e r S inc e I ca n r e m e m b e r .
G ri mm fo und i t in G e r m a ny in t h e s to ry o f t h e W h i t e
S na k e ; a n d th e r e a r e v a ri e t i e s o f t h e s a m e incid e n t
sc a tt e r e d th r o u gho u t G ri mm fo r ins t a nc e in t h e TW O
B R O T HE R S wh e r e c h i l dr e n e a t t h e h e a r t a n d l i v e r of a
,
g o l d e n bird , a n d fi nd g o l d und e r th e ir p i llow s a n d th i s
s t o ry h a s a r el a t i o n i n G a e l ic a l s o Bu t to r e t urn to .
F a r q u h a r L e e ch ]
He s e t u p a s a d o c to r a n d th e r e w a s n o s e cr e t h id
,
f r om h i m a n d n o th in g th a t h e c o u l d n o t cur e
,
.
He w e n t f r o m pl a c e to pl a c e a n d h e a l e d me n a n d ,
so th e y c a ll e d h i m F a r q u h a r Le i gh e a c h (t h e h e a l e r ) .
N o w h e h e a rd th a t t h e k in g w a s sic k a n d h e w e n t t o ,
t h e ci t y of t h e k in g to k n ow wh a t w o u l d a i l h i m It “
w a s h is k n e e
” s a id a l l t h e folk a n d h e h a s ma n y
“
, ,
d o c t o rs a n d p a ys th e m a l l g r e a tl y ; a n d wh i l e s th e y c a n
,
g i ve h i m r e l i e f bu t n ot f o r lo n g a n d th e n i t is w o rs e
, ,
th a n e v e r Wi th h i m a n d y o u m a y h e a r h i m re a r a n d
”
,
cry wi th t h e p a in th a t is in h i s k n e e in t h e b o n e s o f i t ,
.
O n e da y F a r q u h a r w a lk e d u p a n d d o w n b e fo r e th e
’
k in g s ho us e A nd h e cri e d
.
“
A n d a o l d ub h ris a c h n a m h gb e nl .
”
Th e b l a c k b e e tl e t o t h e wh i t e bon e .
380 WES T H I GHLA ND TALES .
A nd th e peopl e look e d a t h i m a n d s a id th a t t h e ,
s t ra n g e m a n f r om t h e R e a y c o un t ry w a s th r o ugh oth e r -
.
Th e n e x t d a y F a r q u h a r s too d a t t h e g a t e a n d cri e d
” !
,
Th e b l a c k b e e tl e to t h e wh i t e b o n e a n d t h e k in g
“
s e n t to k n ow w h o i t w a s th a t cri e d o u t sid e a n d wh a t ,
w a s h is busin e ss .Th e m a n th ey s a id w a s a s t r a n g e r
, , ,
a n d m e n c a ll e d h i m t h e P h ysici a n S o t h e k in g who .
,
w a s w i l d w i th p a in c a ll e d h i m in a n d F a r q uh a r s too d
,
b e fo r e t h e k in g a n d a y e Th e b l a c k b e etl e to th e
“
! ”
,
wh i t e b o n e s a id h e A nd so i t w a s p r ov e d Th e
. .
d o c to rs to k e e p t h e k in g i ll a n d ge t th e ir mo n e y p u t
, , ,
a t wh i l e s a b l a c k b e e tl e in to t h e wo und i n t h e k n e e ,
a n d t h e b e a s t w a s e a t in g t h e b o n e a n d h i s fl e s h a n d ,
m a d e h i m cry da y a n d ni ght T h e n t h e d o c to rs took i t

.
o u t a g a in ,
f o r f e a r h e s ho u l d di e ; a n d wh e n h e w a s
b e tte r th e y p u t i t b a ck a ga in T h is F a r q u h a r k n e w by
.
t h e s e r p e n t s w isd om th a t he h a d wh e n h e l a id h is fin
’
e r und e r h is t e e th ; a n d t h e k in g w a s cur e d a n d h a d
g ,
a l l h is d o c to rs h un g .
T h e n t h e k in g s a id th a t h e wo u l d gi ve F a r q u h a r
l a nds o r gol d o r wh a t e v e r h e a s k e d T h e n F a r q uh a r
,
.
’
a s k e d to h a v e t h e k in g s d a u ght e r a n d a l l t h e is l e s th a t
,
t h e s e a runs r o und f r om p o in t o f S to rr t o S t r om n e ss i n
,
t h e O r k n e ys s o t h e k in g ga v e h i m a g ra n t of a l l t h e
is l e s
. Bu t F a r q u h a r t h e ph ysici a n n e v e r c a m e to b e
F a r q u h a r t h e k in g ’
fo r h e h a d a n i ll w is h e r th a t
,
6
-
po is o n e d h i m a n d h e di e d
, .
I a m ind e b t e d t o t h e k indn e ss o f M r Cos m o I nn e s for t h e .
f o ll o w in g no t e wh ic h j oins a l e g e nd t o a n h is t oric a l fa c t
, .
Th e n a m e s g i v e n a r e a curious ins t a nc e o f o l d G e l ic s p e ll in g a .
T h e y a r e e v id e n tl y s p e lt by e a a n d so s p e lt a s t o b e e a si l y
r,
u n d e rs t ood bu t th e y a e n o t s p lt a ccordin g t o m od rn ru l e
r e e .
T h e r e i s a k ind o f r h y m e h e r e in G a e l ic —Fe a r a e h u r L e i gh
, , ,
a n d F e a r a c h u r R i gh .
F E A R A C HU R LE I GI I . 38 1
It i s no t o ft e n w e c a n conn e c t th e s e w i l d l e g e nds w i th r e cord

or c h a r t e r bu t Fa r c h a r L e e c h r e c e i v e s a l oc a l h a bi t a t ion fro m
,
a u th e n t ic w ri t s .
Th e R e a y coun t ry o f t h e l e g e nd is S t ra th n a v e r On e r a c e .
o f M a c k a ys wh o in h a bi t i t a r e c a ll e d by th e ir coun t ry m e n c l a n
v i e F a r q u h a r — f ro m wh a t F a r q u h a r w a s un k no w n t o S ir R ob e r t ,
Gordon a d t h e l oc a l h is t ori a ns Th e l e g e nd p oin t s t o t h e m a

n . n .
I n 1 37 9 F r q u h a r t h e Kin g s ph ysici a n ( med i c a s R eg i s) h d a

a ,
’ -
g r a n t f ro m t h e Princ e A l e x a nd e r S t u a r t (t h e w o lf o f B a d e noc h )
’
0f t h e l a n d s 0f M e l l e n e s a n d h o p e in th a t di s t ric t a d in 1 386 n
Kin g R ob e r t II g r n t e d t o t h e s a m e p e rson s ty l e d Fe r c h a d
. a ,
r
L e c h in h e ri t g e t h e is l a nds o f J u r a (no w A l d e rn y ) C a lwa

e ,
a ,
e ,
S a nd a H a n d a E l n g a w n e E l a e wi l l i gh e E l a e r o e E l a n e
a ,
n ,
n n ,
h o ga b e tw e e n R o w e st o r e n st y n gh e
,
th e R o we o r p o i n t of
a
S to r e, i n A ssy u t) an d R o w e a r m a da l e r mz cl a l e H ea d i n
’
,
A -
Fa r r
Th e w ri te r o f t h e o l d s t a t is t ic a l a ccoun t o f t h e p a ris h s p e a k ,
in g o f th e s e g r n t s f ro m h e a rs a y o r t r a di t ion n a m e s t h e gra n t e e
a
”
,
Fe r c h a r d B e t on a n a t i v e o f I s l a a n d a fa m ous ph ysici a n
, , .
P e rh a p s h e w a s m is l e d by t h e c e l e bri t y o f t h e I s l B e t ons s e v e ra l a
”
,
g e n e ra t ions o f wh o m w e r e m e dicin e rs fa m ous th rou gh a l l t h e ,
I s l a nds a n d W e s t H i ghl ands .
W h e th e r F a r c h a r L e e c h di e d by p oison o r o th e r w is e h e s e e m s ,
t o h a v e l e ft d e sc e nd a n t s wh o in h e ri t d h is l a nds f or s o l a t e a s e ,
1 5 1 1 D on a l d M D o n a c y M Co r ro e h i e d e scrib e d a s d e sc e ndi t
‘ ‘
,
f ra e F a r q u h a r L e ic h e r e si g n e d M e l n ss H o p e a n d a l l h is e , ,
l nds o f S t r a th n a v e r in f a v our o f t h e c h i e f fa m i l y o f t h e M c k a ys
a a .
Th e m a rri a g e w i th t h e Kin g s d a u ght e r a s w e ll a s t h b l a c k

’
,
e
b e e tl e w a n t con fi r m a t io n
,
.
T h e r e is a we s t coun t ry v e rsion o f th is s t ory w h ic h I h a v e

k no w n a l l m y l i fe in p a r t a n d wh ic h a g re e s w i th t h e a ccoun t o f
t h e w ri t e r wh o s p o k e f ro m t r a di t ion l on g a g o .
M rs M a c Ta vi sh w ri t e s
.
2 . Th e OLLA D H I LE A CH ( I s l a y D oc t or ) .
T h e re w e r e th r e e bro th e rs o f t h e n a m e o f B e a t on n a t i v e s o f ,
I s l a y fa m e d f or th e ir s k i ll in m e dicin e On e o f t h e bro th e rs
,
. ,
c ll d J o h n w e n t t o M u ll a n d w a s k no w n a s t h e Ol l a d h
a e , ,
Mu i l l ea cli o r M u ll doc t or
.
,
H i s t o m b i s t o b e s e e n in I on
. a.
A no th e r c a ll e d F e rg us r e m a in e d in I s l a y a n d w s k no w n a s t h e ,
a
OL L A D H I LE A C H Th e th ird G I LL E A D H A w a s in t h e e n d t h e
. , ,
m os t fa m e d o f t h e t re e h e w a s t h e h e rb a l is t a n d e mpl oy e d by
-
h is bro th e r Fe r g u s t o g a th e r h e rbs a n d p r e p a r e th e m f or u se .
W h e n boi l in g a c a u l dron o f h e rbs in wh ic h a wh i t e sn a k e h a d ,
b e e n p u t in s t irrin g i t bubb l e d u p a n d s pa tt e r e d on h is h a nd
, , ,
th is h e l ic k e d o ff a d a t onc e h e g o t suc h a v i e w o f h is p ro fe ssio n

,
n
a s t o m a k e h i m unri v a ll e d H e w a s su mm on e d t o a tt e nd o n e o f
.
t h e S co t c h Kin g s wh o w a s cur e d by h i m ; b u t th rou gh t h e

,
j e a l ousy o f o th e r doc t ors h e n e v e r r e t u rn e d t o I s l a y h a v in g

, ,
b e e n p oison e d .
(S o f a r t h e I s l a y t r a di t ion v e ry n e a rl y a ccords w i th t h e
S u th e r l a nd a ccoun t o f F a r q u h a r L e e c h ) H e w a s c a ll e d t o s e e .
a youn g l a dy d a u ght e r o f M a c k a y o f K i l m a h u m a i g n e a r Crin a n

, , .
W h e n a pp ro a c h in g t h e h ous e a tt e nd e d by a s e r v a n t t h e l a tt r
, ,
e
r e m a r k e d a s w e e t f e m a l e v oic e wh ic h h e h e rd sin g in g a son g a
’
S binn a n g u th cinn s i n a r s a n gil l e a dh ’
S binn a r s a n t Ol l a d h
’ ’
a i r u a c h d a r L o s gu i n
-
” .
,
”
S w e e t is th a t h e a d s v oic e s a id t h e l a d
’
”
S w e e t s a id t h e doc t or a bo v e a To a d
” ,
.
, ,
Th e p oor youn g w o m a n h a d a n e nor m ous a pp e t i t e wh ic h cou l d ,
n o t b e s a t is fi e d bu t sh e w a s r e duc e d t o a s k e l e t on
,
Th e doc t or .
,
on h e a rin g h e r v oic e k n e w wh a t h e r dis e a s e w a s a n d ord e r d a

, , e
s h e e p t o b e k i ll e d a n d ro a s te d .
Th e l a dy w a s p r e v e n t e d f ro m g e tt in g a n y f ood f ro m wh ic h s h e ,
w a s in g re t a g ony a .
Sh e w a s m a d e t o s i t by t h e s h e e p wh i l e i t w a s b e in g ro a s t e d ,
a n d t h e fl a v our o f t h e m e a t t e mpt e d t h e t o a d s h e h a d s w a ll o w e d
t o co m e u p h e r th ro a t a n d ou t o f h e r m ou th wh e n s h e w a s c o m ,
l e t e l y cur e d Th e r e pt i l e s h e h a d s w a ll o w e d w a s c a ll e d LO N
p .
C R A OI S .
N o w so m e th in g v e ry l i k e th is p a r t wa s t o l d m e i n N or wa y a s
,
a f a c t by a N or w e g i a n t h e t r a v e ll in g in t e r p r e t e r o f a n En gl is h
,
co mp a nion M y o l d f ri e nd J ui l h a s sinc e b e co m e a flouris h in g

.
con t ra c t or H e h a d s e e n a youn g w o m n o n bo a rd a s t e a m e r
. a
g oin g w i th h e r f ri e nds t o C h ris t i a ni a f o r a d v ic e S h e h a d b e e n .
r e a p in g a d h a d fa ll e n a s l e e p on a s h e a f o f corn in t h e fi e l d
,
n .
Sh e s l e pt w i th h e r m ou th o p e n a d a s e r p e n t h a d run do w n h e r
,
n
th ro a t Sh e h a d b e e n in a s t t e o f t e rror a d h orror e v e r sinc e

a n
”
.
,
a n d th e y w e r e t a k in g h e r t o t h e c a p i t a l I s a w h e m ys e lf . r ,
s a id m y in f or m a n t I h e a rd th a t t h e doc t ors cou l d no t cur e h e r

FE A R A C H UR LEIGH . 38 3
at C h ris t i a ni a a n d th a t sh e w e n t t o Co p e n h a ge n T h e re l l t h
, . a e
g r a t doc t ors w e re h ea t bu t a youn g doc t or m a d e th e m p u t h e

e r
i n a d r k roo m l yin g o h e r sid e o t h e flo r w i th a s uc e r o f

a ,
n n o ,
a
m i lk b e f or e h e r S e rp e n t s a r e v e ry f ond o f m i lk you s
. Th ee.
’
e
fi rs t t i m e th e y o p e n e d t h e door t h e s e rp e n t h a d on l y p u t h i s h e a d
u p a d h e dre w i t i n a g a in wh e n h e h e a rd t h e nois e T h e s e cond
,
n .
t i m e th e y m o v e d t h e s a u c e r a l i ttl e f ur th e r a wa y a n d h e c a m e ,
o u t a lt o g e th e r a n d t h e youn g doc t or k i ll e d t h
,
s e rp e n t d e an
s h e we d i t t o t h e youn g w o m a ns a n d th us S h e g o t qu i t e w e ll
’
’
.
”
,
A nd th a t is q ui t e t ru e .
E v e ry w ord o f i t m i ght b e t ru e i f w su pp os e c l e v e r m a n ,
e a
a n d a w o m n p oss e ss e d w i th a
a id a wh ic h h a d t o b e co a x e d
n e
o u t of h e r bu t t h e qu e s t ion i s wh e n did th a t c l e v e r m a l i v e
, n ,
a n d wh e r e — i n Co p e n h a g e n — i t h e W e s t H i ghl a nds — 0r in
n
A fric a wh e re t h e cr e t ur e s w a ll o w d w a s a b a boon a n d t h e b a i t
,
a e ,
a b a n a n a s k i lf u ll y a d m inis t e r e d by a doc t or t o A n nsi (D a s e t a n ,
N ors e T l e s p 5 02 ) or in London wh r e c l e v e r doc t or t e mpt e d

a , .
,
e a
a s e r p e n t ou t o f a p a t i e n t w i th a m u tt on c h o p a ccordin g t o a ,
s t ory t o l d t o a f ri e nd o f m in e in h i s c h i l d h ood ; or h a v e th e re
b e e n m a ny doc t ors a d p a t i n t s wh o h a v e g on e th rou gh t h e s a m e
n e
a d v e n t ur e Bu t t o g o on w i th th e w e s t coun t ry w is e m e n
?
.
T h e w i fe o f a m a n wh o w a s su ffe rin g f ro m r h e u m a t is m
consu lt d t h e Ol l a dh M i l e a c h H e w e n t t o s e e h i m brin gin g a
e u .
,
birc h rod a n d h a v in g g o t h is p a t i e n t ou t o f b d ord e r e d h i s w i fe

,
e ,
t o l a y t h e birc h rod s m a r tl y on h is b a c k a n d c h a s e h i m t i ll t h e ,
doc t or w ou l d sa y i t w a s e nou gh H w ou l d no t a ll o w h e r t o . e
c e s e t i ll t h e p oor ma n p e rs p ire d f re e l y a n d b e c a m e su ppl e n d

a a
”
,
f re e f ro m p a in .
T h is a ga in m i ght b e t ru e e v e ry w ord bu t wh e n did t h e

,
d oc t or l i v e a n d wh e r e
, W a s i t in t h e coun t ry o f Kin g V o o a n n ?
A l e a rn e d doc t or in t h e A r bi a n N i ght s t h e s a g e D oob a n

a , ,
m a k e s Kin g V o o n a n pl a y a t b a ll t i ll h e p e rs p ir e s a d a bsorbs n
so m e m e dic a m e n t s f ro m t h e h a nd l e o f t h e G o l fs t i c k ” .
A no th e r m a n w e n t t o h i m f or a cur e f or sor e e y e s Th e .
doc t or e x m in e d h is e y e s bu t t o l d h i m h e w a s l i k l y t o su ffe r in
a ,
e
a m or e s e rious m a nn e r f ro m h orns th a t w ou l d soon p p a r on h is a e
k n e e s T h e m a s e e m e d m uc h l a r m e d a d s k d i f th r w a s
. n a ,
n a e e e
a n y w a y in wh ic h h e cou l d p r e v e n t suc h a c a l a m i t y No way .

,
’
s a id t h e doc t or bu t by k e e p in g you r h a nds on your k n e s f or

,
e
th r e e w e e k s A t t h e e n d o f th a t p e riod co m e t o me th a t I m a y
. ,
se e h o w you ge t o n Th e m an did a s h e w a s a d v is e d a n d w e n t
.
”
,
t o t h e doc t or .
W e ll
” s a id t h e doc t or h a v e t h e h orns m a d e th e ir a pp e a r
”
, ,
a nc e N o s a id t h e m a n .
”
,
H a v e you a tt e nd e d t o m y a d v ic e s a id t h e doc t or
?
Oh .
”
,
y e s s a id t h e p a t i e n t I h a v e k e pt m y h a nds con t inu a ll y ni ght

”
, , ,
a d da y
n o n m y kne e s
,
.
H o w a r e your e y e s ? s a id t h e doc t or M y e y e s a re q ui t e
”
.
”
w e ll s a id t h e m a n
,
V e ry w e ll s a id t h e doc t or g o h o m e
. , ,
a n d k e e p your m ind e a sy a bou t t h e h orns a n d don t r u b you r

’
”
,
e ye s .
T h e d e sc e nd a n t s o f bo th F e r g us a n d Gil l e a d h a r e s t i ll in
I sl a y ” .
Th e n a m e o f M a l co lm B e th un e i s w ri tt e n on a cu rious o l d
m a nu scri pt in t h e A d v oc a t e s Libra ry It i s d e scrib e d a t p a g e
’
.
2 9 5 o f t h e r e p or t o f t h e H i ghl a nd S oci t y on t h e p o e m s o f Ossi a n e

,
1 8 05 w i th th is no t e o n t h e n a m e
,
H e w a s o n e o f a fa m i l y
e m in e n t f or l e a rnin g th a t su ppl i e d t h e W e s t e rn I s l e s f or m a ny
a g e s w i th ph ysici a ns w h os e di l i g e nc e a n d s k i ll a r e g ra t e f u ll y
”
,
re m e m b e r e d in t h e t r a di t ion a ry r e cord o f th e ir coun t ry .
It s e e m s th e n th a t fift y fiv e y e a rs h a v e no t ob l i t e ra t e d t h e
, ,
-
p o p u l a r t a l e s c l us t r e d a bou t t h e n a m e o f B e th un e or B e a t on
e ,
s t or e d in t h e m ind o f o n e l a dy wh o m a y w e ll r e m e m b e r t h e p ub l i
c a t ion o f th e r e p or t a n d t o wh os e e xc e ll e n t m e m ory th is co ll e e
,
t ion o f s t ori e s o w e s so m uc h .
I s t h e wh o l e o f th is a r e m n a n t o f S e r p e n t w ors h i p a n d su p
p os e d p oss e ssion by t h e g od ? I n t h e H i ghl a nds n o w a s e l s e ,
wh e r e a n d f ro m t h e e a r l i e s t o f t i m e s s e r p e n t s h a v e so m e th in g
, ,
t o do w i th h e a l in g F ro m t h e bra z e n s e rp e n t in t h e w i l d e rn e ss
.
,
t o ZE sc u l a pi u S a n d fro m E se u l api u s t o F a r qu h a r L e e c h a n d D r
, .
B e a t on is a l on g s t re t c h o f t i m e a n d s p a c e bu t sn a k e s a r e s t i ll
,
a ssoci a t e d w i th h e a l in g a m on g s t S p a r t a n s h e ph e rds a s w e ll a s ,
H i ghl a nd p e a s a n t s a s t h e f o ll o w in g e x t r a c t f ro m m y j ourn a l w i ll
,
Sh ow
1 8 5 2 M a y 1 0 —H a v in g t urn e d so m e I ndi a n corn o u t o f a
, .
l o ft t oo k u p our q u a r t e rs for t h e ni ght a t a h a lf ruin e d h ous e no t

,
-
f a r f ro m S p a r t a A t t h e door w e r e a l o t o f fe ll o w s in s h a gg y
.
c a p o t e s drin k in g sour w in e a n d m a k in g a ro w On e o f th e m .
,
d r e ss e d in a k ind o f s h e e p s k in c l o a k w i th a l on g croo k in h i s ,
h a nd a s t onis h e d m e by p u ll in g o u t a s e rp e n t a y a rd l on g wh ic h
, ,
h e h a nd l e d w i th p e r f e c t coo l n e ss .
F E A R A CH U R LEIGH . 38 5
I ra ttl e d do w n t h e l a dd e r t o t h e ris k o f m y n e c k a d f ound

, , n
th t h e h a d a b a g f u ll T h e r e m i ght h a v e b e e n h a lf a do z e n I
a . .
m a d e h i m t urn th e m a l l o u t a d s e t t h e Gr e e k s t o c t c h th e m
,
n a
a g a in .M y f ri e nd e nd e d by p roduci n g a nu m b e r o f wh i t e p o w d e rs ,
wh ic h m a d e t h e s w a ll o w e r ind e p e nd e n t o f sn a k e bi t e s I bou ght .
a do z e n a n d p roc e e d e d t o t e s t th e m in t h e c a nd l e T h e y w e re
”
.
,
v e g e t a b l e a n d I sus p e c t flour
,
.
I n C e y l on a ccordin g t o S ir E m e rson T e nn e n t (p a g e
, it
i s t h e s a me .
T h e r e i s a r a r e v a ri e t y (o f sn a k e s ) wh ic h t h e n a t i v e s fa n c i
f u ll y d e si g n a t e t h Ki n g o f t h e Cobra s It h a s t h e h e a d a n d t h e
e .
a n t e rior h a lf o f t h e body o f s o l i ght a co l our th a t a t a dis t a nc e i t
s e e m s l i k e a si lv e ry wh i t e ” R a j a o r Kin g
.
” .
I n t h e s a m e p a ge i t a pp e a rs th a t t h e sn a k e c h a r m e rs u s e a
c e r ta in sto n e t o cur e sn a k e bi t e s a n d th a t th e y a l so u se a c e r t a i n
,
root . I do no t k no w t h e w ord for sn k e bu t R a j a i s n o t un l i k e a ,
R I G H Kin g,
S n a k e c h a r m e rs a r e a l so co mm on in N or th e rn
.
Af ric a .
T h e s e rp e n t cr e e d th e n i s v e ry w i d e l y s p r e a d a n d t h e b e l i e f ,
in t h e H i ghl a nds is w or th i ll u s t r a t ion .
W ido w M a ry C a l d e r (in S u th e r l a nd ) t e ll s th a t Th e g r e a t ,
“
wh i t e sn a k e is no t unco mm on in S u th e rl a nd a n d h s b e n so m e ,
a e
t i m e s bu t no t o ft e n k i ll e d It n e v e r r e s t s by d a y or by ni ght
, , .
,
a n d b e sid e s runnin g a l on g t h e g round h a s a r v o lv in g m o t ion , e
p e cu l i a r t o i t s e lf t urnin g o v e r a n d o v e r th rou gh a n i v ory rin g

,
wh ic h i s l oos e on i t s body Th is i s f or m e d f ro m i t s o w n s l i m e
.
,
a n d so m e t i m e s s l i p s o fl —i n wh ic h c a s e t h e sn a k e m a k e s a no th e r
, ,
a n d t h e fi nd e r o f t h e rin g is s a f e a g a ins t a l l dis a s e s a d e nc h a n t e n

”
m e n t s —V id e a dd e r b e a ds in t h e G a ll o v idi a n Encyc l o p ae di a .
,
“
A no th e r g re a t s e rp e n t h a s b e e n s e e n by t h e a t i v e s Th e n .
l s t w a s nin e fe e t l on g a n d co v e r e d w i th h a ir i t h a d a m a n e
a
”
, ,
a d w a s a bodi l y m a ni f e s t a t ion o f t h e e v i l o n e
n .
It w a s a co mm on b e l i e f in t h e \V e s t th a t sn a k e s e gg s w e re ’
l uc k y I onc e o w n e d o n e bu t l os t i t It w a s a b e a d o f v a rious
.
, .
co l ours b l u e a n d wh i t e a pp a re n tl y o f gl a ss v e ry l i k e th os e
, , ,
fig ure d in W i l son s Pr e h is t oric A nn a l s o f S co tl nd p g e 304

’
a ,
a .
T h e s e a r e co mm on l y f ound i n t u m u l i a n d a r e t h e a dd e r s t on e s o f
,
t h e Lo wl a nds n d D ruid s gl a ss in I r e l a nd T h e y a re su pp os e d
’
,
a .
by M r W i l son t o h a v e b e e n w orn a s c h a r m s by w o m n o f th a t
. e
un k no w n p r e h is t oric r a c e wh ic h onc e in h a bi t e d S co tl a nd A t .
a l l e v e n t s t h e id e a th a t th e y w e r e p roduc e d by sn k e s is co mm on
,
a .
M r W i l son su gge s t s t h e p rob a b l e m e a ns o f a ccoun t in g for th e ir

.
in t roduc t ion in t o Bri t a in is by t h e P h oe nici ns or by t ra d e rs i n a

”
,
dir e c t co mm unic t ion w i th th a t p e o pl e

a If so t h e s a m e p e o pl . ,
e
m a y h a v e brou ght t h e b e l i e f a d t h e t a l e s f ro m t h e E a s t wh e r e a
n ,
s e rp e n t h a s h a d t o do w i th m y th o l o g y f ro m t h e e a r l i e s t o f t i m e s .
( S e e R a wl inson s H e rodo t us und e r t h e h e a d S e r p e n t ) Bu t b e

’
.
,
sid e s th is wh i te k in g o f sn a k e s wh o h a s a bro th e r R a j a in C e y l on
, ,
th e r e i s t h e g re a t e e l wh ic h is a lwa ys a pp e a rin g in l a k e s a n d in
t h e s e a a n d wh ic h i s fi rml y b e l i e v e d t o e xis t It h a s no p e cu l i a ri t y
, .
th t I k no w o f bu t e nor m ous si z e A k e e p e r u s e d t o t ll m e th a t
a . e
h e s a w i t r e p e a t e d l y in a s m a ll bu t v e ry d e e p l a k e I t w as a s .
“
bi g a s a s a i k (s a c k ) I a m q ui t e sur e t h e m a n b e l i e v e d wh a t h e
.
s a id th ou gh I b e l i v e h is e y s h a d bu t r e a l i z e d a o l d l e g e nd
,
e e n .
M rs M a c Ta v i sh w ri t e s
. A n o l d m a n in Lorn u s e d t o t e ll
th a t h e w e n t o n e su mm e r m o rnin g t o fi s h on a roc k h e w a s no t
l on g th e r e wh e n h e sa w t h e h e a d o f a n e e l p a ss H e con t inu e d .
fi s h in g f or a n h our a n d t h e e e l w a s s t i ll p a ssin g H e w e n t h o m e
,
. ,
w or k e d i n t h e fi e l d a l l d a y a n d h a v in g r e t urn e d t o t h e s a m e roc k
,
i n t h e e v e nin g t h e e e l w a s s t i ll p a ssin g a n d a b ou t du s k h e s a w
”
, ,
h e r t a i l dis a pp e a rin g b e h ind t h e roc k o wh ic h h e s t ood fi s h in g n .
Th e o l d m a n w a s nic k n a m e d D o n u l n r o D on a l d o f t h e r e e f
’
.
T h a t e e l w a s a bounc e r bu t n o t s o bi g a s t h e se a s e r p e n t o f
,
-
t h e Edd a wh ic h w e n t round t h e w or l d
, .
A g e n tl e m a n in wh os e h ous e I din e d a t Tr o m s o e n e a r t h e
, ,
A rc t ic circ l e t o l d m e th t t h e fi s h e r m e n o ft e n s w t h e s e a w or m
a a -
”
,
in S a lt e n Fj ord A ll t h e w or l d h a v e h e a rd o f C a pt M a c Q u a e s
. .
’
s e a sn a k e
-
I h a v e a dra w in g o f h i m don e by a g e n tl e m a n wh o
.
w a s a m ids h i pm a n on bo a rd t h e D oe d u l u s a n d sa w h i m I la te l y .
s a w a m a s t e r o f a m e rc h a n t v e ss e l a t Li v e r p oo l w h o c a lml y a n d ,
d e l ib e ra t e l y a ssur e d a roy a l co mm i ssion th a t h e h a d s e e n a l a rge

s e rp e n t in t h e s e a a bou t t h e s a m e pl a ce
“ ” H e s a id no th in g .
a bou t i t i n t h e p a p e rs f or no o e w ou l d b e l i e v e h i m
,
n bu t h e h a d
no doub t a bou t i t — h e s a w t h e s e a sn a k e -
.
I h a v e no doub t th a t th e s e m e n a l l b e l i e v e d wh a t th e y s a id t o
b e t ru e It is h a rd t o b e l i e v e th a t th e y w e re a l l m is t a k e n Fe w
. .
o f th e m c a n h a v e h e a rd o f Pon t o pp id a n Bis h o p o f B e r g e n bu t
,
h i s boo k g i v e s p ic t ur e s o f t h e s e a sn a k e a n d t e ll s h o w i t w a s
-
,
s e e n a n d s h o t a t in N or w e g i a n Fj ords in h i s d a y T h e r e sur e l y .
a r e so m e suc h cre a t ur e s in t h e s e a H i ghl a nd s t ori e s a e f u ll o f

. r
s e a m ons t e rs wh ic h a r e c a ll e d U il l e b h e i s t a n d D r a y ga n an d ,
wh ic h h a v e nu m e rous h e a ds S u re l y th e r e m us t b e so m e fo u n d a
.
F E A R A CH U R LE I G H . 38 7
t ion f or s o m a ny fic t ions S t G e org e k i ll e d a D r a g on P rs e u s

. . e
a s e a m ons t e r B ll ro ph on t h e C h i m r H e rcu l e s t h e H ydra

e e e a
A p o ll o k i ll e d Py th o F r a o c h k i ll e d d w a s k i ll e d by a B e h i r ,
an ,
g re a t sn a k e ) ; V i sh n o o k i ll d a s e r pe n t in I ndi a S in t h e
e .
“
,
gi a n t A ph o ph i s a s t h e g r e a t s e rp e n t o fte n w i th a h u m a n h e a (
,
‘
,
’
w a s r e p r e s e n t e d p i e rc e d by t h e s p e a r o f H orus or o f A t m o o (a s
R e t h e S un ) in E g y pt I n S h or t I b e l i e v e th a t t h e G a e l ic
.
‘
,
s e p e t : s t o r i e s a d t h e H i ghl a nd b e l i e f s conc e rnin g th e m

r n ,
n re ,
a
o l d m y th s a p a r t o f t h e h is t ory o f t h e o l d e s t f e ud in t h e w or l d
,
t h e f e ud w i th t h e s e r p e n t wh o w a s m or e sub tl e th a n a n y b e a s t “
o f t h e fi l d th a t t h e Lord h a d m a d e
e
” f or t h e l a din g id a s e m s ,
e e e
a lw a ys t o b e th t t h e h o l y h e a l in g p o w e r o v e rco m e s t h e sub tl e
a ,
d e s t roy e r T h us M rs M T i s h t e ll s th a t S t P a t ric k co a x e d
. .
‘
av .
t h e l a s t I ris h sn a k e in t o a c h e s t by t h e p r o m is e th a t h e w ou l d l t e
”
h i m ou t t o m orro w a n d th e n h e p u t h i m in t o Lou gh N e a gh
-
, ,
a n d th e r e h e is s t i ll Th e s e r p e n t is a l w a ys a s k in g is i t t o “
. ,
m orro w bu t a t o — m orro w is n e v e r co m e a d no s e rp e n t s n
a r e t o b e f ound o n a n y pl a c e b e l on g in g t o I r e l a nd t o th is d a y
’
Th e s a m e b e l i e f e x t e nds t o nu m e rous s m a ll is l a nds o n t h e co a s t

o f S co tl a nd a d o l d ruin e d c h a p e l s w i th scu lpt ur e d g r a v e s t on e s
,
n -
a e g e n e r a ll y t o b e f ound in th e m
r I k no w o n e suc h is l a nd .
W h e r e so m e boys (a s I w a s t o l d ) onc e t oo k a l i v in g s e r p e n t a n d ,
i t di e d It i s n a m e d T e x a a d th is l e g e nd is a tt c h e d t o i t
.
,
n a
It i s a p ort ion o f I r l a nd wh ic h a g i a n t s w i fe t oo k a fa ncy t o

e
’
c a rry a cross t h e C h a nn e l in h r a p ron F ro m a r e n t in t h e p ron e . a ,
Ta r s gi e r f e ll th rou gh a n d t h e r e n t g e tt in g l a r g e r T e x a f e ll f ro m
, ,
h e r a n d so by d e g re e s did a l l t h e o th r roc k s a d is l e t s b e tw e e n
,
e n
T e x a a d t h e p oin t o f A rd m or e wh e r e s h e l e ft E il l a n a c h i n
n ,
u r ,
wh ic h s h e did no t th in k w or th t a k in g a y f ur th e r b e in g s o m uc h n ,
a nnoy e d a t h a v in g l os t t h e r e s t C e r ta in i t is th a t n i t h e r s e r . e
p e n t s nor t o a ds a r e f ound in th e s e is l a nds th ou gh bo th a e ,

r
nu m e rous in I s l y It i s s a id th a t n e i th e r c a n l i v e in a y pl a c e
a . n
wh ic h S t Co l u m b a b l e ss e d o r wh e r e h e bui lt c h p e l s a d
. a n
”
,
m on a s t e ri e s suc h a s in E il l a h N a o m h a n d I on a
, c a .
S o th e n i n t h e W e s t H i ghl a nds no w t h e h o ly p o w e r o v e rco m e s

, ,
t h e sn a k e a s in m y th o l o g y o v r g r e a t p a r t o f t h w or l d
, d as
e e ,
an
i t s e e m s t o m e t h e b e l i e f m a y p e r h a p s b e t r a c e d t o h o l y w ri t .
R a wl inson s H e rod ’
.
,
vo l . ii p.
, . 2 61 .
X L V III .
T H E TAL E OF S GI R E MO CHEALA G .
F ro m J o h n C a mpb e ll , S t r a th G a ir l oc h R oss
, .
H E R E wa s o nc e a y o un g l a d a n d h e we n t t o s eek a
,
w i f e to Sgi r e mo C h e a l a g ; a n d h e m a rri e d a fa r
’
m e r s d a u ght e r a n d h e r fa th e r h a d bu t he rs e lf A nd
, .
wh e n t h e t i m e o f cu tt in g t h e p e a t s c a m e o n th e y we n t ,
t o t h e p e a t h a g th e fo ur
, .
A nd t h e y o un g w i f e w a s s e n t hom e t o s e e k t h e foo d
’
a n d wh e n sh e h a d go n e in sh e sa w t h e s p e c kl e d fi ll y s
p a c k s a dd le ov e r he r h e a d a n d s he b e ga n to cry a n d to
, ,
sa
y to h e rs e lf ,
“
W h a t s ho u l d Sh e d o i f t h e p a c k sa dd l e s ho u l d fa ll
”
,
a n d k i ll h e rs e lf a n d a l l th a t we r e to follow .
W h e n the p e opl e who w e r e g a the rin g t h e p ea t s fo und

th a t sh e w a s lo n g w i tho u t c om in g th ey s e n t he r moth e r
,
a w a y to s e e wh a t w a s k e e p in g h e r a n d whe n the c a r l in
,
a rri v e d sh e fo und t h e brid e cryin g ,
T h a t i t s ho u l d c ome to me — S a id s he W ha t ,
“
c a m e to th e e Z
“
Oh
” s a id sh e whe n I c a me in I sa w the s p e c kle d
“
, ,
fil l y s p a c k s a dd le ove r m y h ea d a n d wh a t s ho u l d I d o
’
,
i f i t s ho u l d fa ll a n d k i ll mys e lf a n d a l l th a t a r e to
follow
Th e o l d wom a n s t ruc k he r p a lm s It c a m e to me“
!
.
th is da y If th a t s ho u l d h a ppe n wh a t s ho u l ds t tho u
,
d o o r I w i th th e e
,
TH E T ALE OF S GI R E M O C H E A LA G. 38 9
T he me n w h o w e r e in the p e a t h a g w e r e th in k in g i t -
lo n g th a t o n e of t h e wom e n w a s n o t c om in g fo r h un g e r ,
h a d s t ruc k th e m S o i t w a s th a t t h e ol d m a n we n t
.
hom e to se e wh a t w a s k e e p in g t h e wom e n a n d wh e n ,
h e w e n t in i t w a s so th a t h e fo und t h e two cr y in g a n d ,
b ea t in g th e ir p a lm s .
“
O u vo n
,
s a id he wh a t c a me u po n y o u 2
,
“
“
O s a id t h e ol d wom a n wh e n th y d a ught e r ,
“
’
c a m e hom e did sh e n o t se e t h e s p e c kl e d fil l y s p a c k
,
s a dd le ov e r h e r h ea d a n d wh a t s h o u l d Sh e d o i f i t
,
S ho u l d f a ll a n d k i ll he rs elf a n d a l l th a t w e r e to
follow
It c a m e u po n me s a id t h e o l d m a n a s h e s truc k
” !
,
h i s p a lm s If th a t s ho u l d h a pp e n
,
“
Th e y o un g ma n c a m e a t t h e mo u th o f ni ght f u ll of ,
h un g e r a n d h e fo und a le a s h cryin g toge th e r

,
.
Oo v o o s a id h e wh a t c a m e u po n y o u I a n d
,
“ ’
wh e n t h e ol d m a n tol d h i m
“ ”
Bu t s a id he the p a c k s a dd le did n ot fa ll
“ ” .
, ,
W h e n h e took h is m e a t h e w e n t to l i e d ow n a n d in
t h e mo rnin g h e s a id M y foot s h a ll n ot s t a y t i ll I s e e
,
“
oth e r th r e e a s si ll y a s y e ” .
T he n h e w e n t th r o u gh S gi r e mo Ch e a l a g a n d h e ,
w e n t in to a ho us e in i t a n d the r e wa s n o m a n w i th in
,
bu t a l ea s h o f wom e n a n d th e y w e r e s p innin g o n five

,
wh e e l s .
“ ”
I m ys e lf w i ll n o t b el i e v e s a id h e th a t i t i s of t h e
”
, ,
p e opl e o f th is pl a c e th a t y o u a r e .
“ ”
W e ll th e n s a id th e y i t is n ot IV e o urs e lv e s “
.
, , ,
w i ll n ot b e l i e ve th a t i t is o f t h e p e opl e of the pl a c e th a t
tho u a r t th ys elf ” .
“ ”
It i s n ot s a id he
”
.
,
“
W e el s a id the y
,
the m e n th a t the r e a r e in th is
,
“
390 WE S T H I GH LAND TALE S .
pl a c e a r e so si ll y th a t w e ca n m a ke them b e l i e ve a n y
”
,
th in g th a t w e pl e a s e o urs e lv e s .
“
VVe e l
” sa i d h e I h a v e h e r e a gol d rin g a n d I
“
, , ,
wi ll gi v e i t to t h e o n e a mo n g s t y o u who w i ll b e s t m a k e
h e r h usb a nd b e l i eve
” .
Th e fi rs t o n e th a t c a m e home o f the me n h is w i fe
”
,
s a id to h i m T ho u a r t sic k
“
.
”
,
Am I s a id h e .
”
,
“
Oh tho u a r t s a id sh e p u t o ff thee th y lot o f
“
”
, ,
c lothe s a n d b e go in g to l i e d ow n
,
.
He did th is a n d wh e n h e w a s in t h e b e d s he s a id to
”
,
h im T ho u a r t n ow d ea d .
”
,
Oh a m I 2 s a id h e
”
.
,
“
T ho u a r t s a id sh e s h u t th in e e y e s a n d s t ir n ot
“
”
, ,
h a nd o r foot .
A nd n o w h e w a s d ea d .
T h e n th e r e c a m e t h e s e co nd o n e home a n d h is w i fe
”
,
sa i d t o h im It is n ot tho u .
”
,
O is i t n ot m e 2 s a id b e
,
.
A nd h e we n t a wa y a n d b e took h i m s elf t o t h e woo d .
T h e n h e r e c a m e t h e th ird to h is o w n ho us e a n d h e ,
a n d h is wi f e w e n t to l i e d ow n a n d a su mmo ns we n t ,
o u t o n t h e mo rr o w fo r t h e buri a l o f t h e d e a d m a n bu t ,
th is Wi f e wo u l d n ot l e t h e r h usb a nd ge t u p to go th e r e .
W h e n th e y sa w t h e f un e ra l go in g p a s t the w ind ow ,
sh e tol d h i m t o b e risin g He a r o s e in g r ea t h a s t e a n d
.
,
h e w a s s e e k in g h is se t o f lo s t c loth e s a n d h is w i f e s a id
o
to h i m th a t h is c loth e s we r e a b o u t h i m .
“
A r e th e y 2
” s a id h e .
“ ”
T h e y a r e s a id sh e : H a s t e thee th a t tho u m a y e s t
“
”
,
c a t c h th e m .
He r e th e n h e w e n t runnin g h a rd
, , ,
A nd whe n t h e .
f un e r a l c o m p a ny sa w t h e ma n w h o w a s s t ri pp e d c om in g ,
th e y tho u ght i t wa s a m a n who w a s o u t o f h is r ea s o n ,

TH E TALE 0F S GI R E M 0 C H E A L A G . 39 1
and th e y th e m s e lv e s fle d a w a y a n d th e y l e ft t h e f un e r a l
, .
A nd t h e n a k e d m a n s too d a t t h e e n d o f t h e d e a d c h e s t -
.
A nd th e r e c a m e d ow n a m a n o u t of t h e w o o d a n d h e ,
s a id to t h e m a n wh o w a s n a k e d ,
D o s t th o u k n ow m e
“ ”
N ot I s a id h e I d o n ot k n ow th e e
“ ”
!
.
, ,
“
Oh tho u d o s t n ot i f I w e r e T O M AS m y o wn w i fe
”
, .
wo u l d k n ow m e .
“ ”
Bu t W h y s a id h e a r t th o u n a k e d “
, ,
“
Am I n a k e d ? If I a m m y w i f e tol d m e th a t the
”
,
c loth e s w e r e a b o u t m e .
“
It w a s m y w i f e th a t s a id to m e th a t I m ys e lf w a s
”
d ea d s a id t h e m a n in t h e c h e s t .
,
A nd wh e n t h e m e n h e a rd t h e d ea d S p e a k in g th e y ,
to o k th e ir s ol e s o u t ( of th a t ) a n d t h e w i v e s c a m e a n d
,
th ey took th e m hom e a n d i t w a s t h e w i f e of t h e m a n
,
w h o w a s d e a d th a t go t t h e rin g .
A nd th e n h e sa w th r e e a s si ll y a s t h e th r e e h e l e ft
a t hom e a n d re t urn e d h o me
,
.
A nd th e n h e sa w a b o a t go in g t o fi s h a n d th e r e ,
w e r e tw e lv e m e n c o un t e d go in g in to t h e b o a t a n d wh e n ,
sh e c a m e t o l a nd th e r e w a s W i th in h e r bu t e l e v e n m e n
, ,
a n d th e r e w a s n o k n o w in g wh ic h o n e w a s l o s t fo r t h e ,
o n e w h o w a s c o un t in g w a s n ot c o un t in g h i m s e lf a t a l l .
A nd h e w a s b e hol d in g th is .
“
\Vh a t r e wa rd w o u l d y o u g i v e m e i f I s ho ul d fi n d
y o u t h e ma n th a t is lo s t by y o u
“
T ho u s h a lt ge t a n y r ew a r d i f tho u w i lt fi nd t h e
”
ma n s a id th e y
”a n d h e
.
”
,
“
S i t th e r e s a id h e
,
b e si d e e a c h oth e r ;
,
“
s e i z e d a run g of a s t ic k a n d h e s t ruc k t h e fi rs t o n e a
,
s h a r p s tr ok e
”
.
“
M ind tho u th a t th o u we r t i n h e r (t h e b o a t ) .
392 WES T H I GHLAND T ALES .
He i k e pt s t ri k in g th e m t i ll he h a d r o us e d twelv e
on ,
m e n a n d m a d e th e m b l e e d o n t h e g ra ss
, .
An d th o u gh th e y we r e po u n d e d a n d wo und e d i t w a s ,
n o m a tte r th e y w e r e pl e a s e d b e c a us e t h e m an who
, ,
w a s lo s t w a s fo und a n d a ft e r t h e p a y m e n t th e y m a d e
,
a f e a s t f o r t h e o n e w h o h a d fo und t h e m a n who w a s
lo s t .
T h e t e n a n t s o f Sgi r e mo Ch ea l a g h a d a lo c h o n
wh ic h th e y us e d to p u t fish a n d s o i t w a s th a t th e y
,
n e e ds m us t dr a in t h e lo c h to get f r e s h fi s h fo r the
,
f e a s t a n d wh e n t h e lo c h w a s dra in e d th e r e w a s n o t a
,
sin gl e fish fo und o n t h e lo ch bu t o n e gr e a t e el T he n .
th e y s a id ,
“
T h is is the mo ns t e r th a t a t e o u r fi s h T h e n the y
c a u ght h e r a n d t h e y w e n t a wa y w i th h e r to dr ow n h er
,
in t h e sea A nd wh e n h e sa w th is h e w e n t home a n d
.
o n t h e w a y h e sa w fo ur m e n p u tt in g a co w u p to th e
top o f a ho us e th a t sh e m i ght e a t the g ra ss th a t wa s

g r ow in g o n the ho us e t o p T h e n h e sa w th a t t h e p e opl e
-
.
o f Sgi r e mo Ch e a l a g we r e me n w i tho u t in t e ll i g e nc e bu t
s a id b e W h a t r e wa rd wi ll y o u g i v e m e a n d I w i ll
,
“
”
,
b rin g t h e g r a ss d ow n 2
He w e n t a n d h e cu t t h e g ra ss a n d h e g a v e i t to t h e
,
c o w a n d we n t o n b efo r e h i m
, .
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t h e peopl e o f the tow n h a d fo und o u t th a t t h e m a n

h a d s tol e n t h e c ow a n d th a t MO D a c o ur t s h o u l d b e
,
h e l d u po n h i m a n d s o th e y did a n d t h e j us t ic e th e y
,
did w a s to p u t t h e ho rs e to d ea th fo r c a rryin g t h e c ow .
A nd to s h e w y o u th a t th is ta l e is t ru e i t w a s th is ,
th a t m a d e I a in L om t h e b a rd sa y
As law o f a g e s th a t a r e no t
A s w as S gi r e m o C h e a l l a g
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,
W h e n doo m e d th e y t h e g a rron in m o t e .
S GE U LA GI I D SGI R E Mo C H E A LA G . 393
S GE U LA C H D SG I R E M O C H E A L A G .
BH A Gi ll e do
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a n n u ai r s c h a i dh e d h i a r r a i d h mn a
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r n s t i gh d h i c h a ic ,
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n , c a n a
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fal b h ,
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a i g c e a nn n a cis t e m h a i b h a g us t h a in i g duin e nu a s a s a c h o i l l
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a g us t h b h i t e ris a n duin e b h a l o m n o c h d
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l o m o c h d ? M a t h a t h u b h a i r t m o b h e a r i u m g un r o b h a n t
n n
a o da ch u m a m
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.
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.
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n a d oin e a m m a b h a b r u id h i n n th u g i a d n a b u i n a s t
’ ’
a r s t h a i ig n a n
t h a n s th u g i a d dh a c h a i dh i a d a g us s e b e a n a duin e a
’ ’
na m na , n
b h a m a r b h a fh u a i r a m f ainn e a g us c h u n a i c c a s a n a n sin t r i u r ,
n
c h o gOr r a c h ris a t r i u a d h fh a g i g a t i gh a g us th i ll e a s n
n r
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do l a s t e a c h do n b h at a a gu s a n ’
,
TH E T ALE or SG I R E Mo C HE A LA G. 39 5
na ir a i gh o t ir c h a r o b h i n t e a h a o duin e d u g S
t h a in i g n c n e .
’
c h a r o b h fio s co a f e a r a b h a a i r c h ll Ag us a f a r b h a gh a n
’ ’ ’
a . e a
c n n t a g c h a robb e g h a c h t g fh ei idir a g us b h e a s a ’
u u n a n a an
,
c o i mh e a d s o G d e a n du a is a b h e i r sib b d h o m h s a
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inn a fe a r a t h a i r c h a ll o i r b h
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a G h m h th u du a is i r b h i t h ea a
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, Ag us ru g e a i r s i l pa . u n
m i d e a g us b h u il e c h ud fh e a r B i dh a g cui mh n e a ga d sa g
a a
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s an n cu r n e u r a a a .
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’
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i a s g a g us a r s e s a n s a nn b o c h oir d h uib h a l oc h t h aig g s m

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f a i gh e a g i a d i a s g u r d h on n ir me a g us d a r th rao g l oc h a cu a an
c h a d fh u a ra l oc h a c h a o n E a sga n n mh or
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m b e si d a b h i a s t a d h i t h a t i a sg
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s a m h u ir g us nu a ir a c h a a i c e sa n s o d h fh l b h e d h a c h
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m u ll a c h a n t i gh e m o d a oin e g un t m h u i l ’
Ch u n a i c e s o g . n u a
sl u a h S i m o C h l A c h ” a s cas n d e n du a is a b h e i r a
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a rinn i a d a n t e a c h a c h u i r gu b a s a i r s o a mh i t
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a b h i t h gi u l a n n a r .
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n
fio r s e so a th u g a i r I a i n L o m a m B a r d a c h a t i m
’
n a i .
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A b h a S gi e M o C h e l l a g ’
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H . UR Q U HA R I
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.
T h is s t ory w a s w ri tte n by H e c t or Urq u h a r t f ro m t h e t e ll in g ,
o f J o h n C a mp b e ll in S t r a t h ga i l o c h in R oss s h ir e i J un e 1 8 5 9 r n
-
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Th e n a rr a t or is six t y th r e e a n d h e s a ys h e l e a rn e d t h e s t ory f ro m
-
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h is fa th e r a bou t f or ty y e a rs go I a in Lo m t h e b a rd q uo t e d
a .
,
w a s a f a m ous H i ghl a nd p o e t a n d l i v d in t h e r e i g ns o f C h r l e s
, e a
t h e F irs t a n d S e cond ; h e di e d a t a v e ry a d v nc e d a g e a bou t a
1 7 10 . H is n a m e w a s M a cdon a l d ; h is coun t ry Loc ha b e r ; a n d ,
h is nic k n a m e Lo m m e a ns b a r e o r k e e n f o r i t is a ppl i e d t o a
, , ,
b e a rd l e ss m a n l i k e t h e p o e t o r a bi t in g k e e n w ind l i k e h i s s a r
,
c a s t i c g e nius .
H e w a s p e nsion e d by C h a r l e s t h e S e cond a s h is b a rd brou ght ,
M on t ros e a n d t h e C a mp b e ll s t o g th e r a t I n v e r l o c h y a n d k ept
e ,
o u t o f t h e fight s a yin g t o t h e co mm a nd e r o f t h e I ris h a uxi l i a ri e s

, ,
If I fa ll wh o w i ll sin g th y p r is e s
, H e did sin g t h e b a ttl e
a ,
in wh ic h t h e C mp b e ll s g o t t h e w ors t a n d t h e s t ory g o e s th a t
a ,
A rgy ll w a s so n e ttl e d by t h e son g th a t h e o ff re d a r e wa rd f or e
h is h e a d .
H e c a m e h i m s e lf a n d c l a i m e d t h e r e wa rd a n d w a s cour t e ous l y ,
r e c e i v e d n d conduc t e d th rou gh t h e c a s tl e On e n t e rin g a roo m

,
a .
h un g round w i th b l a c k coc k s h e a ds A rg y ll s a id H a s t th ou
-
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e v e r J o h n s e e n s o m a ny b l a c k coc k s in o n e pl a c e I h a ve
- ?
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s e e n th e m s a id J o h n W h e re ? A t I mh e r Lo c h a i dh
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n
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A h J o h n J o h n th ou w i lt n e ve r c e a s e g n a w in g t h e C a mpb e ll s .
”
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Th e w ors t f or m e is th a t I c a nno t s w a ll o w th e m s a id J o h n , .
T h is s t ory a s h or t bio g ra ph y a n d a s e l e c t ion f ro m t h e p o e m s

, ,
o f I a in L o m w i ll b e f ound in J o h n M a c k e n z i e s Bea u tie s o f ’ “
”
,
G a e l ic Po e t ry 1 8 41 (G l a sg o w M a c G e go r Po l son
, : Co 75 r , , .,
A rgy ll S t re e t ) a w or k wh ic h d e s e r v e s t o b e b e tt e r k no w n Th e
, .
v e rs e q uo t e d f ro m m e m ory by J o h n C a mpb e ll is in a son g ,
d e dic a t e d t o t h e M a c du ga l d s a n d is th is ,
C l e a s n a binn e n a c h m a ir a n e
B h a n s gi r e Ci ll e m a C h e a l l a i g
’
-
N u a ir a d h i t i a d a n ge a r ra n s a m h b d
’ ’
an d th e s t ory t o l d in t h e no te is th a t so m e w o m e n a s j ud g e s , , ,
doo m e d a h ors e t o b e h a n ge d Th e th i e f wh o s t o l e h i m fi rs t g o t
.
o ff b e c a us e i t w a s h is fi rs t o ff e nc e
, t h e h ors e w e n t b a c k t o t h e
h ous e o f t h e th i e f b e c a u s e h e w a s t h e b e tt e r m a s t e r a n d w a s
, ,
cond e m n e d f or s te a l in g h i m s e lf t h e s e cond t i m e .
T h e re is a in ge nui t y in th is unr e a son a b l e d e cision wh ic h

n ,
p ro v e s t h e in v e n t or o f th a t s t ory t o b e no foo l .
Th e s t ory h a d p a ss e d in t o a s a yin g l on g a go
C H A T U G A D H A N C I LL E M A CH E A L L A I G B R E AT H B U C H LA OI N E
- - .
TH E T ALE or S OI R E M o C H E A LA G . 397
T h e r e w ou l d no t b e g i v e n in Ci ll e m a Ch e a l l i g j ud gm e n t m or e a
s q uin t or p e r v e r t e d .
Pa r t o f th is s t ory th e n h a s a G a e l ic p e di g re e o f a bou t 2 00
, ,
y e a rs P a r t o f i t i s n e a rl y t h e s a m e a s t h e b e g innin g o f N o 2 0
.
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.
,
a d is like D i e kl u g e E l s e in G e rm a n wh ic h h a s a G e rm a n
“
n ,
p e di g re e in Gri mm s th ird v o l u m e wh ic h d a t e s f ro m 1 5 88 Th e
’
, .
s t ory b e l on g s t o t h e s a m e c l a ss a s a o l d En gl is h r h y m e o f n
,
wh ic h a v e rsion is g i v e n in Ol d N urs e s boo k by C B e nn e t ’
, .
,
1 85 7 .
T h e re l i ttl e w o m a n
was a
A s I e h e a rd t e ll
’
v ,
A n d sh e w e n t t o m a r k e t
”
H e r e gg s f or t o s e ll e t c . e t c.
,
Sh e g o e s th rou gh a d v e n t ur e s ,
A nd s h e m e t a p e d l a r ,
A nd h is n m e w a s S t ou t
a ,
A nd h e cu t h e r p e tt icoa t s
A ll round a bou t ” .
Th e l i ttl e o l d w o m a n g o t v e ry col d a n d wh e n sh e a w o k e ,
doub te d h e r id e n t i ty a n d wh e n h e r l i ttl e do g a t h o m e b a rke d a t

,
h e r s h e r a n a w y sur e i t w a s no t h e r (a n d th is is l i k e t h e N ors e
,
a ,
t a l e Goosy
,
A l o t o f si m i l a r s t ori e s a r e co mm on in t h e H i ghl a nds Th e .
f o ll o w in g a r e f ro m S u th e r l a nd a d for m p a r t o f t h e co ll e c t ions
,
n
a l r e a dy r e f e rr e d t o
2 . m a n s m is t k e s
Th e A ss y n t
’
a .
A ssyu t is l oo k e d on in S u th e r l a nd a n d R oss s h ire a s b e in g i n a -
s t a t e o f b a rb a ris m re s e m b l in g th a t wh ic h t h e p e o pl e sou th o f
S t ir l in g su pp os e d t o p r e v a i l nor th o f i t a n d t h e m is t a k e s o f t h e
A s sy d i a c h a r e t h e g round w or k o f h a lf t h e c h i l dre n s s t ori e s I ’
n .
h a v e s e e n n e a rl y a l l th e s e a n d m ore a scrib e d in G e r m a n t o tw o
, ,
c h i l dr e n K o r de l und M ic h e l wh os e s t u p idi t y h s b co m e p ro
, .
,
a e
v e r b i a l in th e ir o w n l a nd I a m t o l d th at sc h oo l boys a r e con v e r
.
s a n t w i th a Gre e k v e rsion a n d th a t th e y cons t ru e a t a l e o f t h e

,
m a n wh o wh n a s k e d i f h is h ous e w a s a g ood o n e brou ght o n e

,
e ,
o f t h e s t on e s a s a s a mpl e .
Th e A s sy n di a c h w a s onc e s e n t by h i s w i fe t o t a k e h e r s p innin g
wh e e l t o th e t urn e r s t o ge t i t m e nd e d I n co m in g b a c k t h e
'
.
w ind s e t t h e wh e e l i n m o tion so h e t h r e w t h e wh o l e th in g do w n
”
, ,
s a yin g Go a n d w e l co m e
, , .
H e s t ruc k a cross t h e h i ll s a n d r e a c h in g h o m e a s k e d h is w i f e
, ,
i f sh e h a d g o t h e r wh e e l y e t .
“ ”
N o s a id sh e
”
.
”
,
W e ll I t h ou ght no t
, s a id h e f or I t oo k t h e s h or t cu t
, ,
“
.
3 . A v e ry si m i l a r s t ory was t ol d me by a n old H i ghl a nd e r in

London .
A n I n v e rn e ss w i fe w e n t t o m a r k e t w i th a c e e l fu l o f b a ll s o f r
w ors t e d wh ic h S h e h a d s pe n t a l on g t i m e in s p innin g A s sh e
, .
w a lk e d a l on g o n e o f t h e b a ll s f e ll ou t a n d t h e e n d b e in g fa s t t o
, ,
t h e o th e rs t h e b a ll f o ll o w e d ro ll in g a d bu mp in g a l on g t h e ro a d
, ,
n .
Th e w i f e t urn e d round a n d s e e in g t h e b a ll s a id Oh you

”
, , ,
c an go l on e T h e n you m a y a l l w a lk
a A nd s h e e mpt i e d h e r .
c r e e l a n d t i e d t h e e nds o f t h e th r e a d t o i t a n d m a rc h e d in t o
, ,
I n v e rn e ss w i th ou t e v e r l oo k in g b e h ind h e r ; bu t wh e n sh e g o t
th e r e s h e h a d bu t a r a v ell e d h e s p
, .
4. A t ra ve ll e r s t o pp e d a t h is (t h e A ssy n t m a n ) h ous e t o a sk
t h e h ou r H e l i ft e d a l a rg e s u n di a l f ro m i t s s t a nd a n d p u t i t
.
-
,
i n t o h is l a p th a t h e m i ght se e f or h i m s e lf
, .
5 S e e in g
f our wh e e l e d c a rri a g e h e e xc l a i m e d W e ll don e
a -
”
. ,
t h e l i ttl e wh e e l s t h e bi g on e s w on t o v e r t a k e th e m t o da y
’
-
.
,
(W h ic h s t ory is t o l d o f S ir A ndr e w W y l i e in G a lt s no v e l )
’
.
6 . He onc e t oo k h i s c h i l d t o b e b a pt i z e d t h e m inis te r s a id h e
doub t e d i f h e w e re fit t o h o l d t h e c h i l d f or b a pt is m
”
.
Oh t o b e sur e I a m th ou gh i t w a s a s h e a v y a s a s t ir k
, ,
.
T h is a ns w e r s h e w in g l i ttl e w i t t h e m inis t e r a s k e d h i m h o w
,
m a ny co mm a nd m e n t s th e r e w e re .
”
T w e n t y h e s a i d bo l d l y .
,
Oh th a t w i ll n e v e r do g o b a c k a n d l e a rn you r q u e s t ions
,
( S h or t e r C a t e c h is m ) .
H a lf w a y h o m e h e m e t a m a n .
“
H o w m a ny co mm a nd m e n t s w i ll th e r e b e ? T h e re m us t b e
th ir ty f or t h e m inis t e r w a s no t con t e n t w i th twe n t y ” .
,
He w a s s e t t o ri ght s o n th is p oin t a n d t urnin g b a c k ( i t w a s ,
w in t e r ) h e th ou ght t h e c l e rg y m a n w ou l d no t re f us e h i m th is
,
ti me .
H e h a d s l i pp e d t h e c h i l d in t o h is gr e a t co a t s l e e v e a n d t i e d -
,
TH E T ALE or SG I R E Mo C H E A LA G . 399
u p t h e cu ff w i th a s t rin g bu t t h e s t rin g go t l oos e a n d t h e b a irn ,
fe ll ou t a n d t h e c l e v e r f th e r n e v e r h e a rd i t f o r i t f ll in t o a
, a , e
sno w w re a th I n t h e h u r c h h e disco v e r e d h is l oss a d s id t o

. c
,
n a
t h e c l rg y m a n
e I a m v e ry sorry bu t no t a bi t o f K e nn e th h a v
, ,
e
I (no w is e m a n w i l l e v e r n a m e a n unc h ris t e n d c h i l d ) Th e e .
un l uc k y in fa n t n e a rl y di e d in th e sno w a n d I do no t k no w th a t ,
t h e s a cr a m e n t w a s a d m inis t e r e d t o i t .
7 . Th e A ssy n t m a n onc e w e n t t o Ta in t o buy m e a l Ou t sid e .
t h e t o w n a m a n a s k e d h i m i f h e k n e w wh a t o c l oc k i t w a s
’
, .
L a s t t i m e i t w a s 1 2 If i t is s t ri k in g s t i ll i t m us t b e a t
.
,
8 . H is w i fe l i k e t h e M u tt r in t h e s t ory o f M ic h e l a n d Cor
,
e
d e l i a h a d a l l t h e w i t o f t h e fa m i l y a n d w a s m uc h dis tr e ss e d a t
, ,
h i s s t u p idi t y a d si mpl ici t y

n .
H e w a s c a rryin g tw o b a g s o f c h e e s e s t o m rk e t f or h e r o n e a
d a y o n e b a g burs t a n d h e s a w al l t h e c h e s e s ro ll in g f a s t do w n
,
e
h i ll P l e a s e d a t th e ir n e wl y disco v e r e d p o we r o f l oco m o t ion h e

. ,
undid t h e s e cond b a g a n d s e n t i t s con t e n t s a ft e r t h e fi rs t a n d

, ,
w a lk e d on h i m s e lf t o m a rk e t W h e n h e g o t th e re h e s k e d i f
. ,
a
h i s d a iry s t u ff h a d no t t urn e d u p y e t ?
”
N o s a id t h e n e i gh bours S o h e w a i t e d a l l da y a n d th e n
.
, ,
r e t u rn e d t o t e ll h is w i fe wh o g u e ssin g h is m is t a k e bid h i m l oo k
, , ,
a t t h e bo tt o m o f t h e h i ll wh e r e h e w a s e nc h a n t e d t o fi nd t h e
,
m issin g c h e e s e s .
9 . S e e in g a for t h e fi rs t t i m e h e b a c k e d f ro m i t r e p e a t
b are , ,
in g t h e Lord s Pra y e r t i ll h e fe ll in t o a duc k p ond f ro m wh ic h

’
, ,
h i s w i fe dr e w h i m w i th di ffi cu lt y .
T h is l a s t a d v e n t ur e is l i k e t h e S e v e n S w a bi a ns in Gri mm ,
a n d th a t is l i k e t h e H un t in g o f t h e H a r e a v e ry o l d b a ll d a d ,
a n
a l l th is w a s g th e r e d f ro m p e o pl e wh os e n a m e s a re no t g i v n bu t
a e ,
wh o b e l on g t o S u th e r l a nd a n d wh os e occu p a t ions g e n e ra ll y a re
,
suc h a s t o m a k e i t p rob a b l e th a t th e ir s t ori e s a r e wh a t th e y p ro

f e ss t o b e —t ra di t ions .
T h e y a e a p e o pl wh os e n a t i v e l a n g u g e is G a e l ic bu t wh o
r e a ,
g e n e ra ll y s p e a k En gl is h .
10 1 h a v e a no th e r v e rsion o f t h e s t ory in G a e l ic f ro m I s l a y
”
. , ,
c all e d FI GH E A D A I R M O R B A ILE N A GA I LLE A R A I N

“ Th e Bi g “
”
,
W e a v e r o f t h e S t r a n g e rs To w n w ri tt e n by H e c t or M a c L e a
’
n,
,
400 WE S T H I GH LAND T ALES .
f ro m wh ic h I t r a ns l a t e t h e f o ll o w in g e x t ra c t s t o l d by A l e x a nd e r ,
M a c a l is t e r Bo wm ore
,
T h e r e w a s a p oor w o m a n b e fo re no w a n d sh e h a d a so n a n d , ,
h e w a s r e c k on e d a k ind o f L E I T H B H U R R AI D H — h a l f booby -
.
A s h i p w a s bro k e n o n t h e s h ore a n d i t w a s a c a r g o o f w ood ,
th a t w a s o n bo a rd a n d h e s t o l e so m e P LA N CA I CH E N (pl a n k s m a d e
, ,
in t o G a e l ic ) o u t o f h e r a n d h e h i d th e m in t h e s a nd M uc h o f
, , .
t h e w ood w a s s t o l e n a n d th e r e w a s R A N N SA C H A D H a r a ns a c k i n g ,
g oin g o n Th e c a r l in k n e w NA M FE OR A CH A D H B U D i f th y s h ou l d
. , ,
e
a sk h e r s o n i f h e h a d s t o l e n t h e pl a n k s th a t h e w ou l d sa y h e h a d
,
s t o l e n th e m ; s o in t h e m ornin g b e f ore h e a w o k e sh e p u t on a ,
p o t a n d sh e m a d e m i lk p orrid g e a n d sh e t oo k t h e p orrid g e w i th
, ,
h e r a n d s h e s p rin kl e d i t o n t h e doors a n d t h e door p os t s W h e n

,
-
.
h e r s o n g o t u p h e w e n t ou t a n d h e s a w t h e p orrid g e o n t h e door
, .
W h a t i s h e r e ? s a id h e .
I s i t th us th ou a r t ? s a id h is m o th e r ; dids t th ou n o t
no t ic e t h e s h o w e r o f m i lk p orrid ge a t a l l ” ?
I did no t no t ic e i t th is is a m a r v e ll ous th in g A s h o w e r o f .
m i lk p orrid g e I s a id t h e son .
On a d a y a ft e r th a t a l l a bou t t h e pl a c e w a s c a ll e d o n t o b e
,
qu e s t ion e d bou t t h e w ood T h e y a s k e d h i m i f h e h a d s t o l e n

a .
m uc h a n d h e s a id th a t h e h a d
”
.
W h e n dids t th ou s t e a l i t ?
“
H a v e y o u a n y k no wl e d g e o f t h e da y th a t t h e p orrid g e
s h o w e r wa s ? ”
T h e r e is e nou gh th e r e n e e d no t b e a n y m ore s p e a k in g m a d e
t o th e e b e th ou g on e ” .
,
A t t h e e n d o f a w h i l e wh e n a l l t a lk wa s p a s t h e w e n t a n d h e
, ,
t oo k t h e w ood a n d h e m a de I N N SR E A B H f or th e h ous e a n d ,
C R E A D H A L a cr a d l e s o th a t wh e n h e s h ou l d m a rry a n d h e s h ou l d
, ,
h a v e c h i l dr e n th a t t h e cr a d l e m i ght b e r e a dy He m a rri e d a n d
, .
,
h e w a s a wh i l e m a rri e d a n d h e h a d no c h i l dr e n a t a l l
, .
H is w i fe a n d h is m o th e r a n d h is m o th e r i n l a w we r e in w i th
, ,
- -
h i m On a da y th a t th e r e wa s h e w a s w e a v in g a n d wh a t s h ou l d
. , ,
S P A L t h e s h u ttl e do bu t c a s t M E I D
, , , a w e i ght in t o t h e cr a d l e .
H is w i fe g o t u p a n d sh e b e l a boure d h er p a lm s a d sh e ro a re d
, ,
n
a n d s h e cri e d H i s m o th e r g o t u p a n d h is m o th e r i n l a w a n d
.
,
- -
,
th e y b e l a bour e d th e ir p a lm s a n d th e y ro a r e d a n d th e y cri e d
, ,
Th e booby w i th ou t r e a son If h e w e r e th e re h e w e re d e a d
.
w a s th e r e e v e r h e a rd t e ll o f a m a n G U N M OH A TH A CH A D H w i th ou t
p e rc e pt ion l i k e h i m
TH E TALE or SG I R E M o C H E A L AG . 401
He g o t u p a t l a s t wh e n h e w a s SE A R E R w orn o u t w i th t h e
, , ,
ro a rin g a n d t h e sco l din g T h e re s h ll n o t co m e a s t o p o n m y

. a
f oo t or r e s t on m y h e a d t i ll I h i t u p on th re e m or e si ll y th a n
,
”
,
you . A nd h e w e n t a w a y .
Th e fi rs t f oo l s h e m e t w e r e t h e s a m e a s in t h e R oss s h ire -
v e rsion a m a a n d a w o m a n t ryin g t o p u t a co w o n a h ous e t o p

,
n
t o e a t GOI R T corn wh ic h w a s g ro w in g on t h e roo f H e a s k e d

, , .
wh a t th e y w ou l d g i v e h i m i f h e w ou l d m a k e t h e co w e a t i t
b e l o w ; a d wh e n th e y s a id th a t cou l d n o t b e don e h e cu t t h e
n ,
corn w i th h is k ni fe a n d th r e w i t do wn a n d g o t fifty m a r k s , .
A nd h e r e l e t m e p oin t ou t th a t th e re i s no th in g i mp o ss ibl in e
th is nons e ns e I n t h e fi rs t p l a c e corn a n d h a y do g ro w on
. ,
th a t c h e d h ou s e s in t h e \ V s t H i ghl a nds in N orw a y a n d ine , ,
L a pl a nd n d i t is by no m e a ns unco mm on t o se e g o a t s bro w sin g

,
a
th e r e I h a v e s e e n a L a pp m o w in g h is cro p o f h y o t h e t o p o f
. a n
t h e b e s t h ous e in t h e v i ll a g e o f K a ra s j o k a l o g h ous e wh ic h i s ,
-
occu p i e d in w in t e r a n d d e s e r te d in su mm e r .
I h e lp e d t h e p e o pl e a t th ir h a y h a r v e s t o n e d a y a n d t ri e d t o
e ,
t e a c h th e m t h e u s e o f a f or k T h e ir m a nn e r w a s t o g a th e r a s.
m u c h o f t h e s h or t g ra ss a s th e y cou l d g ra s p in th e ir a r m s a n d ,
c a rry i t t o t h e e n d o f t h e fi e l d I a n d m y co m ra d cu t tw o . e
f or k e d s t ic k s a d b e g innin g a t t h e e n d o f t h e s wa th e p us h e d
,
n , ,
t h e h e a p b e f or e us doin g a s m uc h a t o n e j ourn e y a s t h e L a pp s a t
,
h a lf a do z e n t ri p s Bu t w e h a d f a ll e n in w i th o n e o f t h e o l d
- -
.
sc h oo l H e w a s a n o l d f e ll o w w i th l on g t a n gl e d e l f l oc k s a n d a
.
-
sc a n t y b e a rd dr e ss e d in a d e rs k in s h ir t fu ll o f h o l e s a d e xc e e d
,
e ,
n
i n gl y m a n g y f or t h e h a ir h a d b e e n w orn o ff in p a t c h e s a l l o v e r
‘
.
,
H r e a l i z e d m y id e a o f a s e e dy bro w ni e a gr u g a c h w i th l on g
e ,
a
h a ir o n h i s h e a d ; a n o l d w rin kl e d fa c e a n d h is body co v e r e d ,
w i th h a ir H e g a v e u s o n e gl a nc e o f so v e re i g n con t e mpt h i s
. ,
d a u ght e r a cond e sc e ndin g s m i l e a n d th e n th e y e a c h g th e r e d ,

a
a no th e r a r mf u l o f g r a ss a n d t odd l e d a w a y l e a v in g t h e f or k e d
, ,
s t ic k s wh e r e th e y w e r e a s n e w ta n gl e d con t ri v a nc e s un w or th y
,
-
,
o f t h e no t ic e o f s e nsib l e m e n .
A nd l e t a n y in v e n t or s a y wh e th e r th is is no t h u m a n n a t ure a l l
o v e r t h e w orl d bu t t o g o on .
H e w e n t on t i ll h e c a m e t o so m e me n w h o w e r e bui l din g a
dy k e w i th th e ir f e e t b a re T h e re c a m e a s h o w e r o f r a in a n d h e
, .
,
s a t i n t h e s h e l t e r o f a dy k e a n d wh e n i t w a s c l e a r th e y s a t th e r e
, ,
a n d th e r e w a s no t a lk o f g e tt in g u p .
”
It is a s t onis h in g t o m e s a id h e th a t y o u s h ou l d k e e p on
, ,
si tt in g no w th a t i t is dry It did no t a s t onis h m e th a t you

, .
s h ou l d g o t o s h e lt e r in t h e r a in bu t i t m us t b e th a t you a r e n o t
,
di l i g n t for your m a s t e r wh e n you a e si tt in g wh i l e you ou ght t o

e r
b e wor k in g
” .
”
T h a t is no t i t s a id th e y i t is th a t our l e g s a r e a l l m in gl e d
“
”
,
t og e th e r a n d no t o n e o f us c a n r e co g ni z e our o w l e g s
,
n .
“
W h a t w i ll you g i v e m e if I m a k e you r e cog ni z e your o w n
leg s
”
.
“
W h a t w il t th ou a sk ?
H a lf a h undre d M A R G m a r k s ” .
,
T h o u s h a lt h a v e th a t C H A B U G H E A M H A D H U I N N A I R M O R A N
B A R R A CH D It we re no pl e d g e f or us by m uc h m ore t o b e th us
.
a w a y f ro m our w or k
” .
H e w n t do w n t o a br a m b l e bus h a n d h e cu t o n e a s l on g a n d
e ,
a s s t ron g a s h e cou l d s e e H e c a m e u p a n d T H U G E R A L LS A D H
.
G U M A T H TE A N N OR R A a n d h e g a v e a g ood t i ght ra k in g a t th e m
,
a bou t th e ir l e g s a n d i t w a s no t l on g t i ll e v e ry o n e k n e w h is o w n
,
legs .
(T h e r e i s a doub l e m e a nin g in th is wh ic h c a nno t b e t ra ns l a t e d .
To k no w m e a ns a l so t o fe e l ) .
“
u
”
T h ou gh o r l e g s a r e sore a n d scra t c h e d s a id th e y i t i s “
, ,
w e ll fo r u s t o b e a b l e t o g o t o o u r w or k ra th e r th a n b e s e a t e d
th us ”
”
.
Y o u a e s t r a n g e e nou gh
r
” s a id h e bu t I w i ll g o f ur th e r .
, ,
A d th e n h e g o e s o
n t o a h ous e a d pl a ys t ric k s t o so m e
n ,
n
p e o pl e th e r e a n d s a ys h is n a m e is SA W YE E V E R M Y LI K E A nd
, .
wh e n t h e o l d m a n o f t h e h ous e c a m e h o m e h e f ound h is p e o pl e
”
,
t i e d u p on t a b l e s a n d s a i d VVh a t s t h e r e a son o f th is
, ,
? ’
Sa w
” ”
N o n e v e r s a id b e A nd
y e e ve r m y l i ke s a id t h e fi rs t
?
. , .
,
w e n t t o t h e s e cond W h a t s t h e r e a son o f th is s a i d h e
,
’
.
Sa w y e e v e r m y l i k e ? s a i d t h e s e cond .
”
I s a w th y l i k e in t h e ki t c h e n s a id h e a n d h e w e n t t o t h e
,
th ird W h a t is t h e r e a son o f th is s a id h e Sa w y e e v e r
” ”
. .
m y l i k e ? s a id t h e o th e r I h a v e s e e n pl e n t y o f th y l i k e s
.
“
”
,
s a id h e bu t n e v e r b e for e th is d a y
,
A n d th e n h e und e rs t ood .
th a t so m e o n e h a d b e e n pl a yin g t ric k s o n h is p e o pl e a n d p ursu e d ; ,
bu t t h e w e a v e r pl a y e d h i m a t ric k wh ic h is a lm os t t h e s a m e a s ,
th a t wh ic h i s g i v e n in N ors e T a l e s a s p a r t o f t h e a d v e n t ur e s o f
t h e M s t e r T h i e f a t p a g e 2 86 s e cond e di t ion
a , , .
And so h e re a s in a lm os t e v e ry c a s e t h e p o p u l a r t a l e s o f t h e
, ,
THE T ALE O F S GI R E M o C HE A LA G . 403
W est H i ghl a nds j oin in w i th th os e o f o th e r coun t ri e s a n d t urn

,
o u t t o b e a s o l d a s t h e h i ll s
.
N o w sure l y th is h a s so m e r e a son a n d so m e f ound a t ion in fa c t .
W h e n so m a ny p o p u l a r t a l e s a g r e e in d e scribin g a se t o f s t ra n g e rs
,
wh o w e r e f oo l s do e s i t no t s e e m a s i f e a c h l a nd h a d onc e b e e n
,
occu p i e d by a ra c e wh o a pp e a r e d t o t h e n e w co m e rs a s f oo l is h a s
.
t h e o l d L a pp h a y m a k e r s e e m e d t o m e .
XL I X .
*
T H E C A T A N D T H E MO U S E .
F ro m H e c t or M a c Le an I s l a y , .
l .
HUI R T an l uc h b h e a g s i san t o ll
’ ’
,
Dé m
’
f onn a t h a ir a c h a t gh l a s P
’ ’
F onn m a th is d e a gh sh a o d
Gu m fa o d a d h th us s t igh i n n a m a ch ” .
2 .
u :
m or m e a gal ro m b n a d u b h a i n c h ro m
S
’
,
A t h a g a d a n n a m bonn do c h a s
’
M h a r b h th u m o ph i u t h r a g a n dé
S fh u a i r m i f e in a ir e igi n a s
’ ” .
3 .
Ch a m h i s sin a c h c a t mh ic I a in R u a igh
’
a bha
’
A b ab h a i st a b h i r u a ga dh c h e ar c
’
,
Gh o i d i n c a i se b h a S a c hl i a b h
’ ’ ’ ’
.
”
,
S dh i t h i n t i a sg a b h a s a ph r e a s
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
-
.
TRAN SLATI O N .
I .
S a id th e mo usi e in the hole

”
,
’
W h a t i s t h a t p urr o f t h e gr e y ca t 2
“
A goo d p urr a n d a ple a s a n t moo d
”
,
T h a t tho u m i ghte s t c ome o u t o f th a t .
Yo u s p e a k o f N urs e ry R h ym e s . Th e f ol l o wi n g is a v e ry
t ri flin g o n e wh ic h I r e m e m b e r m ys e lf
, , and h a ve n e v e r b ee n a ble
t o f org e t.
H E CTOR M A CLE A N I sl a y , .
TH E C A T AND TH E M O U SE . 405
2 .
“
G r e a t is m y f e a r fo r t h e cr ooke d hook s
T h a t tho u h a s t got in t h e s ole o f th y feet ;
T ho u k i ll e ds t m y sis t e r y e s te rd a y
”
,
A nd I mys elf got h a rd l y q ui t .
3 .
’
“
T h a t w a s n o t me bu t J oh n Ro y s ca t
, ,
’
T h a t us e d to b e t h e h e n s dis t r e ss
S h e s tole t h e c h e e s e th a t w a s in t h e cr e el
”
,
A nd a t e the fi s h th a t wa s in the p r e ss .
T h is o l d r h y m e h a s b e co m e p ro v e rbi a l . A pa r t of i t w a s s e nt
a s a p ro v e rb f ro m I n v e r a ry. J F C
. . .
L .
T H E T HR EE Q U E S T IO N S .
F ro m th e Bro th e rs M a c Cr a w , N ort h Uis t , 1 85 9 .
H ERE o nc e lo n g a go a sc hol a r ; a n d whe n he

wa s , ,
h a d d o n e le a rnin g h is m a s t e r s a id th a t h e m us t
'
n o w a ns we r th r e e q u e s t i o ns o r h a ve h is he a d t a ke n o ff
,
.
Th e sc hol a r w a s to h a v e t i m e to m a k e r e a dy a n d b e in g ,
in a gr ea t f ri ght h e w e n t to a m i lle r who wa s the

,
’
m a s t e r s br othe r a n d a s k e d h is a i d
, .
T he m i lle r disg uis e d h i m s e lf a n d w e n t ins tea d o f

the sc hol a r a n d th e fi rs t q u e s t i o n p u t to h i m wa s th is
,
How m a ny l a dd e rs wo u l d r e a c h the s k y
“ ”
N ow s a id the n a rr a to r can o u a ns we r th a t ?
y
”
, ,
“
On e i f i t we r e lo n g e n o u gh
”
.
,
’
“
T h a t s ri ght T he s e c o nd w a s
.
W he r e is t h e m idd le of the wo r l d 2
S o the m i ll e r l a id d ow n a r o d a n d h e s a id He r e
, ,
s et a hoop a b o u t th e wo r l d a n d tho u wi ll fi nd the

”
,
m idd le he r e .
W h a t is t h e wo r l d s wo r th 2
’
Th e th ird w a s “
s a id the m i lle r t h e S a v i o ur w a s s ol d fo r
“
,
th ir ty p i e c e s of si lv e r I a m sur e the wo r l d is wo r th n o
,
mo r e ” .
“ ”
Oh s a id the br othe r who wa s ridin g b e sid e
,
’
us ,
“
th a t s n o t the w ay I h a ve he a rd i t T he s e c o nd .
2)
w a s,
TH E T H R EE Q UE S T I O NS . 407
“
How lo n g w i ll i t t a k e to go r o und t h e w o rl d ? ”
A nd t h e m i ll e r s a id
If I w e r e a s s w i ft a s t h e su n a n d moo n I wo u l d run
”
,
i t in tw e n t y fo ur ho urs
-
.
A nd t h e th ird w a s
\ h a t is m y tho u ght ?
V ”
A nd t h e m i ll e r a ns w e r e d
“
I ca n t e ll : T ho u th in k e s t th a t I a m th y sc hol a r
”
,
bu t I a m th y br oth e r t h e m i ll e r ,
.
T h is w a s t o l d t o m e S e pt m b e r 1 1 85 9 in N or th Uis t a s I
e , , ,
w a lk e d a l on g t h e ro a d T h e r e a e a g re a t m a ny si m i l r w is e
. r a
s a w s curr e n t wh ic h
, g n e r a ll y f a th e r e d o G e org e B uc h a n a
a re e n n ,
t h e t u t or o f J a m e s V I .
Th e f o ll o w in g a e a f e w ridd l e s o f t h e s a m e k ind co ll c t e d a t
r ,
e
G a ir l oc h f o r Os g ood M a c k e n z i e E sq by M r D on l d M a c Do a l d
, , , . a n :
1 . W
h e th e r is O l d e r t h e m a n o r t h e b e a rd
,
Th e b e a rd i s t h e o l d e r f o r t h e w o r k o f cr ea t i o n
, wa s
a l l fi nis h e d b e fo r e t h e m a n a n d t h e b ea r d w a s o n
, th e
go a t b e fo r e t h e m a n w a s .
2 . W
h a t is t h e woo d th a t i s n o t b e n t n o r s t r a i ght ?
S a w dus t It i s n e i th e r b e n t n o r s t r a i ght
. .
T h is ridd l e f or m s p a r t o f a v ry l on g e an dcurious s t ory wh ic h

I h e a rd t o l d a t I n v e r a ry a t E s t e 1 8 5 9
,
a r, ,
a d wh ic h is w ri tt n
n e
do w n .
3 . h a t is t h e th in g wh ic h t h e Cr e a to r n e ve r sa w
W ,
a nd th a t k in g s s e e bu t s e l d o m a n d th a t I s e e e v e ry,
day
T h e r e i s bu t o n e Cr e a to r fo r th a t h e n e v e r sa w h is
,
l i k e K in gs a r e bu t sc a rc e fo r th a t th ey s ee e a c h o th e r
.
,
bu t r a r e l y bu t I s e e m y o w n l i k e e v e ry da y th a t I ge t
u — oth e r sinn e rs l i k e m y s e lf
p
,
.
Th e ridd l e i s v e ry w e ll k no wn bu t th is is a no th e r v i e w o f i t .
4 08 WES T H IGH LAND TALES .
T he r e we r e th r e e s ol di e rs c om in g h om e o n f ur
4 .
lo u gh a n d th e ir th r e e w i v e s w i t h th e m th ey c a m e to a
,
ri v e r ov e r wh ic h the r e wa s a f e rry bu t t h e b o a t wo u l d ,
t a ke w i th i t bu t t w o tog e the r Th e q u e s t i o n i s how .

,
did the y m a k e t h e p a ss a g e fo r n o o n e o f th e m wo ul d ,
t rus t h is w i f e w i th a n oth e r m a n un l e ss h e w a s h i m s e lf ,
b e sid e he r
T wo wom e n we n t ove r fi rs t o n e we n t o n s ho r e , ,
a n d t h e oth e r c a me b a c k w i th t h e b o a t a n d sh e took ,
t h e th ird w i th he r o n e o f th e m w e n t b a c k a n d s h e
,
s too d b e sid e h e r ow n h usb a nd a n d t h e two h usb a nds ,
o f t h e wome n w h o w e r e ov e r w e n t b a c k wi th t h e b o a t
o n e of them w e n t o n s ho r e a n d t h e w i fe o f the m a n ,
w h o w a s in t h e b o a t w e n t in to he r a lo n g w i th h i m a n d ,
the y w e n t to t h e oth e r sid e H is wi f e we n t o n s ho r e .

,
a n d t h e m a n wh o w a s y on d e r c a m e in t h e b o a t ; th e n
t h e two m e n we n t ov e r ; th e n th e r e w e r e th r e e m e n
o v e r a n d a wom a n ; th is wom a n took ov e r the oth e r
,
wom e n by the w a y o f o n e a n d o n e ; a n d th e r e s e em
to b e mo r e s ol u t i o ns th a n o n e f o r t h e p r o b l e m .
T h is p u zzl e in v a ri o us s h a p e s is w e ll k n ow n
,
th e , ,
Fo x t h e G oo s e a n d t h e B a g of C o rn
, ,
.
TOI M HS E A C HA I N .
l . 0 CO dh i u b h
. is sin e an d uin e na an fh e u sa g ?
F . I s sin e an fh e u s a g ; o ir bha c ha ir a ch ru t h a c h a i dh ni l e
d ean ta ro imh an duin e ,
a g us b h a fe u s a g air n a ga b h a i r m un rob b
an duin e ar m .
2 , 0 Ci o d
. n a c h e il c u a g a c h no d i re a c h
e am fio dh
’
F M in a t s a i b h c h a n e il i c u a ga c h no di r e a c h
’ ’
. n -
.
3 . Ci o d e a n rud n a c h f a c a n C r u i t h f h e a r r i a mh ; i s n a c h
f a i c r i g h r a n a h a m i n i e a g us a c h i m is e n a h ui l e l a t h a
e c n
’
F C h n e il C u i t h fh e a r a c h a h a on ; u i m e s i n c h a n
’ ’ ’ ’
. a r nn a
f h a i e e c o i me a s d a f e in c h a n e i l r ig h r e a n a c h t a r e ni m e s i
’
e , n
R I DD LE S . 409
c h a n fh a i e i a d a c h e i l e a c h a m i ie ; a c h m is e c h i m i m o c h o im e a s
’
n n
fe in n a h ui l e l a t h a d h e i a r s m i —pe a c i c h e i l e m a r m i fe in
’ ’
re ,
a .
'
4 . C . Bh a t r i u i r s h a i gh d e a r a n a t igh i n d a c h a idh a ir fo r l a c h ,
a gus an t r i u i r mh n a t h a n aca m a i ll e riu . Th a i n i g i a d g u a h a n b in
a ir a n rob b a i si —
g ach eh a t u g a dh am b a t a l e a th a c o m h l a a c h
d it h i s . Se a c h e i sd c i o n n u s a rinn i a d a n t a i si g s n a c h fa o d ad h -
,
’
duin e d h in a b h e an e a r b sa ris a n d n in e e i l e g un e f e in a b h i l a m h
ri th e
F. C h a i dh di t h i s b h a n a nu ll an t ois e a c h c h a idh t e d h in a ir
t ir a g us t h a i n i g a n t e e i le a i r a h a i s l e is a b h a t a a gu s th u g i
’
-
l e a th a a n t r it h e a m h t e C h a idh . t e d h i u i a h a is a g u s s h e a s i
a r .
l a mh ri duin e fe in a g u s t h a i ig d i t h i s d h a o i n e n a m b a n a b h a
’
n
th a ll a i r a n a i s l e is a b h a t a c h i dh fe a r d h in a i r t ir a g us c h a id h
a
b e a n a n duin e a b h a n s a b h a t a a s t e c h i n n t e m a i ll e ris a g us
’
n a
c h a i dh i a d g s a n t a o b h e i le
n C h i d h a b h e a n a i r t ir a g us t h a i n i g
. a
a n duin e a b h a th a ll a rm s a b h a t a c h a i d h a n di t h i s d h ao i n e a n
s i n a nu ll B h a a n s in a n t r i u i r dh a o i n e th a ll a g u s b e a n ; th u g
.
a b h e a n so a l ion t e i s t e a nu ll a m n a t h a n e i le n .
D O N A L D M D O N A LD ‘
.
Th ef o ll o w in g a r e a fe w ridd l e s co ll e c t e d by H e c t or M a c Le a n ;
,
m os t o f th e m f ro m a l i ttl e sc h oo l g ir l in l sl a y -
1 .
Row a n d n o is e a n d r a c k e t
Ab o u t t h e mar k e t tow n ,
It i s n o bi gge r th a n a fle a ,
’
A n mo n e y i t brin g s hom e .
L in t s ee d .
St io r a m
-
sta r u m s t a r a r a i ch
A ir f e a d h a bh i l a e m h a r g a idh
’
Ch a m h o t h e na d e a rga n n
Is b h e ir e d h a c h a i dh a irgio d .
Fr a s l i n — Lins e e d .
2 .
TW O feet d ow n a n d th r e e f e e t u p ,
A nd the h e a d o f t h e l i v in g i n t h e mo u th of t h e d e a d .
A m a n w i th a po rrid g e p o t o n h i s h e a d .
2 2 7
41 0 W ES T H I GH LAND TALES .
Da
’
c h a s sh i o s s t ri c h a s a n sh u a s
’
S c e a nn a b h e o a m b e u l a m h i r b h
’ ’ ’
a .
H a o n a gu s p oi t a i r a
-
c h e an n .
3 .
I se e to m e ove r th e h i ll
, ,
A l i ttl e o n e w i th a cu t in h is n o s e ,
Tw o ve ry lo n g t e e th in h is j a w ,
A n d a t a tt e r o f tow a b o u t h is t a i l .
A ha re .
C h i m i t h u ga m th a r a b h e i n n’
F e a r b e a g s he u m a s a sh r Oi n
’
D a fh i a c a il l f b a d a n a c h l r
’
S c i r b d e b h l a i gh l in m a t h Oi n
’
.
Ge a r r a idh .
4 .
I s ee to me ov e r t h e fa ll
, ,
A l i ttle cur l y h a s ty o n e ;
A t uc k o f h is s h ir t und e r h is b elt ,
A nd the f u ll o f th e wo r l d und e r h is powe r .
D e a th — T h is po r t r a i t v a ri e s f r om t h e usu a l s ket c he s .
C h i m i t h u ga m th a r a n e a s
Fe a r be a g c u ir n e a a ch c a s
n
Ci r b d a l ein e f o a c h rios
’
S l a n a n t s ao gh a i l £0 a l os
’
-
.
A m h as .
5 .
I s ee to me I se e f r om m e
, ,
Tw o m i le s a n d te n ove r the s ea ,
T he m a n of the g r e e n b o a t i e ,
A nd h is s h ir t s e w n w i th a th r e a d o f r e d .
T he r a inb ow .
R IDDLES . 41 1
Chi m i t h u ga m , c h i m i bh u a m ,
D a m bi l e dh e u g th a r a c h u a i
’
n,
F e a r a c h o i t il e i u a i n e
’
n ,
I s sn at h a i n n d e a rg a f u a gh a l a l ein e
’
.
A m bogh a f rois .
6 .
S h e ep s m a ll a n d v e ry s m a ll
, ,
T h a t h a ve b e e n th ric e s ho rn o f a l l ,
O n t h e h i ll th a t is fa r th e s t o u t ,
W h e r e e v e ry l i ttl e s a in t w i ll b e .
Th e s t a rs .
Ga or a m h i o n , m h i o n a e h a g,
A ir a n t re a s l o m a ch a g ,
A ir a n t sl i a b h i s fh a i de mu i gh
-
,
F a r a m bi g a c h i o n a c h a g .
Na reu l ta n .
7 .
T he b a rd the b a rd t h e F r e nc hm a n
, , ,
B e h ind t h e ho us e a whe e z in g .
Th e n e ttle .
(T he me a nin g Of th is is n ot ve ry c le a r
) .
A n f h il e n f h i l e Fh r a n ga c h
’
Cu l a n t i gh e s s r e a n n a i c e
’
.
A n fh e a n n da ga c h .
8 .
A b e n t cr ook e d s tic k b e tw e e n t w o gl e ns ,
W h e n mov e s t h e cr ook e d b e n t s t ic k
T he n move the two gle ns .
S c a l e s a n d b a l a nc e .
41 2 WE S T H I GHLA ND TALES .
M a id e cro m ca m e ada r d a gh l e a n n ,
Ma ch a r a ch a s a m m id e cro m
a cam
Ca r a c h a i d h an d a gh l e a n n .
M e i dh is sgal a i n .
9 .
T h r ee r e d k in e o n the b a n k o f t h e sea ,
T h a t n ev e r dra n k a dr op o f t h e w a t e r o f Al ba .
T h r e e do gr o se —
h ip s .
Tri b a d e a r ga c h ois n a f a ir ge ’
,
N a c h (1 OI d e ur do d h u i sg A l b a r i a b h
’ ’ ’
.
Tri mu ca ga n f a il m .
T h e re s e e m s t o b e a p u n in th is A l b a o f S co tl a nd o r wa nd e rin g .
10 .
T h r e e s pott e d k in e und e r a s to n e ,
A dr op o f th e ir mi lk n eve r w a s m i lk e d .
T h r e e sn a ke s .
Tri b a b r e a c a c h ois n a l e a c a ,
N a ch do b hl e o dh n a dh d e ur d a m b a iun e ’
riab h .
Tri n a t h ra ic h ea n .
11 .
Fo ur s h a k in g a n d fo ur runnin g ,
T wo fi ndin g t h e w a y ,
A nd o n e r o a rin g .
A c ow f e et udd e r e y e s a n d mo u th
-_
, , .
Ce at h ra r
’
a ir c h r i th Ic e a t h r a r
’
s n an r iu th ,
d e a n a dh
’
D it h i sd a an r ath aid
’ ’
S h -
ao n a gl a o d h a i c h .
A ’
bhO . Ce i t h i r c s n
a a , c e i th ir b al l a in , d a s h ui l ’
s a b eu l .
12 .
A l i ttle c l e a r ho us e , and i t s two d oo rs s h u t .
An eg
g .
R I DDLE S . 41 3
Ti gh b e a g so il l e a r
’
s a d h a dh o r u sd d ui n t e .
Ub h .
13 .
Tw o s t rin g s as lo n g a s e a c h oth e r .
’
A ri v e r s b a n k s .
Da t h ao d c h o fb a da .
Da t h a o b h na h -
a b h a nn .
l 4 .
Ro und e r th a n a b a ll lo n ge r th a n a s h i p
, .
A cl e w .
’
S c ru i n n
’
e na b a ll ’
s fh a i d
’
e na l on g .
C e a i r sl e .
15 .
I ca n hol d i t m ys e lf in m y fi s t ,
A nd twelve m en Wi th a r op e c a nn ot hol d i t .
A n egg .
C u m a i dh m i f e in a m d h orn e
’ ’
,
’
S ch a c h u m d a fh e a r d h e u g a ir rOp
’
e.
Ubh.
16 .
A g r e a t cr ook e d s t ic k in y o nd e r woo d ,
A nd n ot a th in g in i t ,
Bu t c l a n g b 0 c l a n g .
A we a v in g loom .
M a id e m or c a m s a c h o il l u d th a ll
’ ’
S g u n a on a m b i r a n n
’
A c h gl i o n g b o gl i o n g .
B e a i r t f h i gh t e .
17 .
It t ra vel s o n t h e l i ttl e m ea ds ,
It t ra v e l s o n t h e m idd e n s t e a ds ,
It t ra vel s o n t h e l e n gth e n e d ri ggs ,
A nd home i t c om e th l a t e a t ni ght .
T he r e a p in g hook .
Si u b h l a i d h e na l e u n a ga n ,
Si u b h l a i d h e na b r e u n a ga n ,
Si u b h l a i dh e
’
n t i mi r e
-
fa d a ,
’
S th i g e d h a c h a idh an mo ch .
A n corra n bu a n a .
18 .
C l ean s o ur (s a lt or of the fiel d ) w a te r wi tho u t brin e

s a lt
or .
W a te r in a fiel d — T h e r e is a p un wh ic h c a nn o t
b e r e nd e r e d .
U i s ge gl a n go i r t g un s ai l e g un s a l a u n .
’
U i sg a n n a n c l a i se a c h a n a
g h o i rt .
’
19 .
A re din the woo d o f M a cA l i s t e r ,
A n d n e i th e r y ew n o r i vo ry ,
N o r t r ee o f woo d in th e uni ve rs e ,
A nd the d e uc e ta ke h i m th a t i t mea sur e s n ot .
A sn a ke .
S la t coi ll Mh ic A l a sd a ir
an ,
S c h a n iub h a r i s c h a n c a bb a r i
’ ’ ’ ’
,
S c h a c h r a o b h d e d h fh i o d h a n do mh a in i
’ ’
,
S a n d e o m h a n a i r a n fh e a r n a c h t o m h a i s i
’
.
N a t h a ir .
R IDDLES . 41 5
20 .
A b l a ck c o c k is in y o nd e r tow n ,
F ea the r b l a c k f ea th e r br ow n
, ,
F ea th e rs tw e lve in the po in t o f h i s w in g ,
A n d mo r e th a n th r e e sc o r e (th irs t s ) in h is b a c k .
— ”
A b ott l e o f wh is ky T he p un is o n i te a f ea th e r “
,
— o r th irs t .
Co il e a c h dub h S a b h a i l u d t h a ll
’ ’ ’
I t e d h u b h is i t e dh o n n
D a i t e d h e u g a m b a rr a sg e i t h
S corr is t ri fic h e a d n a d h r i o m
’ ’
.
Bo tal l u i sge b h e a t h a .
2 1 .
G u e ss gu e ss wh e lp so n of t h e so n of gu e ssin g
-
, , ,
T welv e c h a ins in t h e v e ry m idd le ,
Fo ur t i e s g u e ss gu e ss
,
-
.
A t ea m o f ho rs e s .
To mb t o mh a chu il e a n i c i c Th o m h
’ ’
.
Da s h l ab h ra idh d h e u g t e is m e a dh o in
’
san
Ce i t h i r c h e a n gh a il t o m h t o m b .
A n t s e i sr e a c h -
.
(Se i sr e a c h m e a ns l i t e r a ll y a t e a m o f six h ors e s ;

, , an d th is
see m s t o b e t h e s e ns e o f t h e p u zzl e ) .
22 .
A l i ttle bi t c ogi e in y o nd e r woo d ,
It s mo u th b elow a n d i t s p i ll s n o dr op
,
.
’
A c ow s udd e r .
Mio dara n be ag s a o h o il l u
’
d th a ll ,
d o i r t e d e ur
’
S b h e u l fo i d h e , s ch a
’
a .
U th n a boin e .
23 .
A l i ttle gol d w e ll in t h e m ids t o f th is tow n ,
T h r e e gol d e n e nds a n d a c ove r o f gl a ss .
A wa t ch .
T Ob a r a n Oir a m m e a dh o n a b h a i l e so
Tri c h inn Oi r i s c o mh l a gh l o i n e ris .
U ai re a dair .
24 .
C l a tte rin g w i tho u t c l a tt e ri n g w i th in

, ,
A b o x fo ur — c o rn e r e d a n d bri mf u l o f c l a tte rin g

, .
’
A w ea ve r s s h u ttle .
Gli o gar a n a m u i gh gl i o gar an a s t ig h ,

,
Bocs a ’
c e i t h i r c h e a r n a c h s e Ian gh l i o gar an .
Sp al figh e a da i r .
NO bi gge r i t is th a n a ba r le yc o rn ,
A nd i t w i ll c ov e r t h e b o a rd o f t h e k i ng .
Th e s to n e (a ppl e ) o f the e y e .
Ch a m h o t h gr a i n e a n
’
e na e o rn a
’
S c o mh d a ch a i d h e bord a n ri gh .
C l a c h n a sui l .
26 .
A s m a ll w i f e c om e to th is town ,
A nd w e ll sh e m a k e s a dra nda n
A ca p o f the c h o ch u l l a i n n o n ,
A nd y e llow c o a t o f b l a n k e t .
A b ee .
B e a n b h e a g a t i gh do n b h a i l e so
’ ’
n
’
,
S g ur m a th a n i i d a n n d a n
’
r ,
R I DDLE S . 41 7
Cu r r a c h d do ’
n ch o ch u l l a in n urra ,
’
S c Ot a b u i d h e pl a n g a id .
S e il l e a n .
27 .
A s m a ll w i fe c om in g t o th is tow n ,
A nd c r e a ga da cr e a g a n h e r b a c k ,
Feet o n h e r a n d s he h a nd l e ss
, ,
A nd lo a ds o f c h a ff in h e r c h e s t .
A he n .
B e a n b h e a g a t i gh n do n b h a i l e
’ ’ ’
so ,
S c r e a ga d a cr e a g a i r a m uin
’
,
C a s a n urra s i g un l amh a
’
n
’
S l t a ch an c at h a d h h u ch d .
’
u na -
C e a rc .
28 .
A s h a vin g u po n t h e fl oo r ,
A nd w e ll i t m a k e s a h u mm in g ,
A y a rd o f t h e S a x o n y ew ,
A nd h o w o f the y ew O f F r a nc e .
Th e F idd l e .
Sl i se a g ur l a r
a ir a n ,
S g ur m a th a n i i d a n n d a n
’
r ,
S l a t n iub h a r Sh a su n n a c h
’
,
A s bo gh a n iub h a r Fh r a n ga ch
’ ’
.
A n fh i dh e al .
29 .
It c a me o u t o f fl e s h a n d h a s n o fl e s h w i th in
, ,
It tell s a s to ry w i tho u t e v e r a to n gu e .
A pe n .
Th a i n i g e a f e o il
’
s ch a n e il f e o i l a n
’
n
s g un t a n g a h eann .
’ ’
I n n si d h e n a i gh e a c h d e na c
P eann .
41 8 WES T HIGH LAND T ALES .
30 .
A gol d e n c a nd le s t ick o n a t wo l ea v e d b o a rd -
G u e ss i t n ow c om e q uic kl y gu e ss i t
, .
D e a th .
C o i n n l e a r Oi r a ir bord d a sh l i se i g ,
To m b a is a nis e, s t o m b a is g u c l is e
’
.
A m B as .
31 .
A b l a c k ho rs e a n d a br ow n ho rs e s ole t o s ole , ,
S w i ft e r is the b l a c k ho rs e th a n th e br ow n .
W a t e r a n d t h e m i ll wh e el .
E a c h dub h is e a c h donn bonn ri bonn ,
S l u a i t h e n t e a c h dub h n a n t e a c h donn
’ ’ ’
- - .
A n t u i sge S ro th a mh ui l inn
-
’ ’
.
32 .
T welv e br e th r e n in o n e b e d ,
A nd n o o n e of them a t t h e f r o n t o r the wa ll .
S pok e s o f the S p innin g wh e e l -

.
Da b h r a t h a i r d h e u g
’
s an a o n le a ba ,
’
S g un h -
aon diu a ig a
’
b h e i n gi dh n a a ig a b h a ll a .
R o th n a cu ib h eal a ch .
33 .
T h r ee wh a l e s s o b l a ck so b l a c k th re e wh a l e s c olo ur e d
, , ,
c olo ur e d ,
W h a l e in the e a s t wh a l e in the we s t a n d p unis h h i m

, ,
th a t gu e ss e s n o t .
W a ve s .
Tri m uc a n dub h a dub h a t ri mu c a n fl a t h a d a th a

, ,
‘
,
M uc a n e a r s m uc a n i a r s p i a n a i r a n fh e a r n a c h t o m b a is 6
,
’
,
’
.
N a to nn an .
R IDDLES . 41 9
34 .
A s m a ll ho us e o u t in t h e \ V e s t ,
A nd fiv e h undr e d d oo rs in i t .
A si eve .
Ti gh b e a g sa a ird a n ’
n ia r
S coi g c i a d dorus a i r
’
.
R u i d e al .
35 .
’
It is h i gh e r tha n t h e k in g s ho us e ,
It fi n e r th a n si lk .
S moke .
’
S a ird e na t i gh an ri gh ,
S min
’ ’ ’
e n a n si o d a .
A n t oi t .
36 .
Th e son on th e
ho us e t o p ,
An d th e fa th e r unb o rn ,
S moke b efo r e fl a me .
Am mac air m uin a n t i gh e

a t h a i r g un b h r i t h
’
Sa n t - e .
A n t oi t m a n ga b h a n ’
geal b h a n .
37 .
A ma n we n t e y ele ss to a t r e e whe r e th e r e w e r e a pple s ,

’ ’
He didn t le a ve a pple s o n i t a n d h e didn t ta ke a pple s ,
Off.
T he r e we r e t wo , and he took o n e .
C h a id h fe a r g un suil e a n i o n n su i d h c ra o b h a i r a n rob b u b h l a n
’
Ch a (1
’
fb a g e u b h l a n urr a s c h a d th u g e u b h l a n di th
’ ’
.
Se d a ub b a l a b h a i r a c h r a o i b h s th u g e h a o n l e is
’ ’ ’ ’
-
.
42 0 W ES T H I GH LAND TALES .
38 .
To t a ma n , t o t a m a n ,
l i ttl e b l a c k m a n ,
T h r ee f e e t und e r a n d b o nn e t o f woo d
, ,
a to ) pot wi th t h e l id in
(A pot .
To t a m a n , t o t a m a n , duin e b e a g du gh ,
Tri c h a sa n f o idh e , a g u s b o i n n e id a i r d e dh fh i o d h
’
.
Poi t a g us brod i n n t e .
39 .
I w e n t to t h e woo d a n d I s o u ght i t n ot ,
I sa t o n a h i ll a n d I fo und i t n ot ,
A n d b e c a us e I fo und i t n ot I took i t home wi th me, .
A tho rn in the foot .
C h a idh mi ’
n ch o il l e
’
mi e
s ch a d ’
iarr ,
S h u i dh mi a i r cnoc s c h a d f h u a i r m i e
’ ’
,
S O n n a c h d fh u a i r m i e th u g m i l e a rn d a c h a idh e
’ ’ ’
.
Bior a n n a n cois .
40 .
A wa vele ss well i t hol ds i t s fill o f fl e s h a n d b loo d

, .
’
A t a ilo r s th i m b l e .
Tob a r gu n t onn , c u m a i dh e
’
l an d e d h fh u il
’ ’
s d e dh f h e o il .
’
M e u r a n t a il l e i r .
41 .
B l a cky b l a c k y
, , ou t at th e d oo r an d a h u ma n b o n e in
he r mo u th .
A s ho e on a foot .
D u b h a g, d u b h a g ma ch an d o r u sd s c n a i mh
’
du i n e n a b e u l ’
.
B r Og a ir cois .
42 .
R ed b e low b l a c k in t h e m idd le a n d wh i t e a b ove

, ,
.
F ir e grid dl e a n d o a t c a ke
, ,
.
R I DDLES . 42 1
D e a rg f o i d h e du gh
,
’
na m h e a dh o n ,
’
s ge a l as a ch iou m .
A n ge a l b h a n , a
’
gh r e i d e a l ,
’
s an t -
r n
a a .
43 .
I ca n go ov e r o n a brid ge o f gl a ss ,
A nd I ca n c om e ov e r o n a bri dg e O f gl a ss ,
A nd i f t h e gl a ss brid g e br e a k ,
’
T h e r e s n o n e in I s l a y n o r in E i r i n n , ,
W h o ca n m e nd t h e brid ge of gl a ss .
I ce .
Th e i d m i nunn a i r d r o c h a id gh l o i n e ,
’
S th i g m i n a ll a i r d r o c h a i d gh l o i n e
S m a b h r isd e a s
’
an d r o ch a i d gh l o in e
n a n B irinu
’ ’ ’
Ch a n e il a n Il e
Na c h ar a s an d r o c h a i d gh l o i n e .
E i t h e a n da e h .
A br ow n s t a g in th e h i ll , an d h is ear o n fire .
Th e g un .
D a mh donn ’
s a
’
b h ei n n
’
s a ch l u a s r a t h e i n i dh .
A n g unn a .
I w i ll go o u t b e twe e n two woo ds ,
A nd I w i ll c om e in b e tw e e n t w o lo c h s .
A p a ir of p a i l s .
Th e i d m i m a c h c a d a r d h a fh i o dh ,
’
S th i g m i st igh c a d a r d h a l oc h .
Na c u i n n e a ga n .
46 .
A g r ee n ge n tl e wom a n b e h ind the d oo r .
A br oom usua ll y m a d e of a bunc h o f s om e pl a n t

,
.
Bea n u a sa l n a in e c ul an d o r u i sd .
A n g a is s g u a b a i dh .
47 .
W i ggle wa ggle a b o u t t h e ri v e r ,
I r o n i t s h ea d ho rs e i t s n e c k , ,
M a n i t s ta i l .
A fish i n g r o d -
.
D r i o b h a l d r a b h a l f e a dh na h -
a b h a nn ,
i ar u n n a c h e an n
ea ch a m h u in e a l duin ’
a t h en .
S l a t i a sgai eh .
48 .
A s h a r p s h a r p s h e ep ,
an d he r e n tr a i l s t r a i l in g .
A bi g n ee d le .
Ga or a b h io r a c h b h i o r a c h ,
’
s a mi o n a c h sl a o da dh r i th e .
Sn a t h a d mh or .
49 .
A re d r e d s h ee p ,
red ma d .
Th e to n gu e .
Cao r a d h e a rg d h e a rg , a ir a n d e a rg c h o i t h e a c h .
A n t e a n ga .
50 .
I h a v e a p u zzle fo r th e e
’ ’
It isn t th y h a ir a n d i t isn t th y lo c k s , ,
’
It isn t a bi t o f t h e bi t s O f th y t run k ,
It is u po n th e e a n d tho u a r t n o h e a v i e r
,
.
T he m a n s n a m e — Th e G a el ic e xp r e ssi o n
’
b e in g W h a t n a m e is u po n the e ? ”
,
Th a t o i mh s e a ga n a ga m o r t,
’
Ch a t fh a l t ,
’ ’
11 e t fh i o n n a
-
s ch a n e -
Ch a e b a ll d e b h a l l a i b h do c h u ir p ,
S th a e or t s c h a t r u im i d t h u e
’
.
A in m duin e .
R I DDLES . 42 3
Ge t th e s e p u zzl e s ridd l e s or t o i mse aga i n f ro m Fl ora M a c

, , ,
I n tyr e a n d a l i ttl e g ir l C a th e rin e M a c A r t h u r a t B a ll y g r a n t

, , , ,
tw e lv e y e a rs o f a ge .
G L O SS A RY .
AIR AN T - S LI A B H IS FH A I D E M U I GH, t h e fa r th e s t ofi h i ll or
m oun t a in .
B HU M a p i e c e or h i t
, .
B LA I G H LI N l in e n c l o t h
, .
B R E U N A G A N th is w ord m a y m e a n e v e ry filth y p i e c e o f g round

o v e r wh ic h t h e sic kl e p a ss e s .
C A TH A D H g e n Of c ai t h corn s e e ds
, .
, .
C I R t h e f ore p a r t o f t h e j a m s
,
-
.
C OI TI LE A N a g a r m e n t so m e wh a t o f o n e p i e c e s e r v in g a s t h e
, ,
wh o l e c l o th e s o r p e r h a p s a l i ttl e bo a t or skifl wh ic h su gge s t s ,
t h e f or m Of t h e r a inbo w .
GA S f a s t
, .
CU I R N E A N A GH cur l e d in rin gl e t s
, .
FH I LE or I l e o r p e r h a p s e i b h e a l o r e i b h l e a n e m b e r
, , .
I ON A C H A G m a y b e a o n a c h a g f ro m a o n a so l i t a ry l i ttl e th in g
, , .
L O M A C H A G a b a r e n e ss f ro m l o m
, , .
L OS p o we r o f d e s t ruc t ion
, .
It w ill b e obs e r v e d th a t th e s e ridd l e s a r e a ll o f a p e cu l i a r

k ind suc h a s t h e w e ll k no w n
,
Po ll y w i th a wh i t e p e t t i e c o a t a n d a r e d nos e
”
,
Th e l on g e r s h e s t a nds t h e s h or t e r sh e g ro w s
, .
J F C . . .
LI .
T H E FAIR GR U A GA CH S O N OF T H E ,
KI N G OF EI R I NN .
F ro m A l e x a nd e r M a c N e il l fi s h e r m a n
, ,
Te n Ta n gv al ,
B a rra .
HE F a ir C h i ef so n o f K in g o f Birinu we n t a wa y
th e
T ,
w i th h is g r e a t c omp a ny to hol d c o ur t a n d k e e p
,
c omp a ny w i th h i m A wom a n m e t h i m whom th e y

.
,
c a ll e d t h e D a m e of t h e F in e G r e e n K ir tl e sh e a s ke d
h i m to S i t a wh i le to pl a y a t t h e c a rds ; a n d the y sa t
to pl a y t h e c a rds a n d t h e F a ir C h i e f dr ove the ga me
,
a ga ins t t h e D a m e of t h e F in e G r e e n K ir tl e .
“
A sk t h e f rui t o f t h e g a m e
” s a id the W i f e of the
,
F in e G r e e n K ir tle .
“
I th in k th a t tho u h a s t n o t go t a f rui t I k n ow n o t
”s a id t h e F a ir C h i e f s o n of t h e K in g o f Ei r i n n
o f it .
”
, ,
“
O n t h e mo rr ow b e tho u he r e a n d I wi ll meet thee
, ,
s a id t h e D a m e of t h e F in e g r e e n K ir tl e .
I w i ll b e s a id t h e F a ir C h i ef .
On t h e mo rr ow he m e t h e r a n d the y b eg a n a t the
'
c a rds a n d sh e w o n t h e ga m e .
”
,
“
A sk t h e f rui t of t h e g a m e s a id t h e Fa ir C h i e f .
”
,
I s a id the D a m e o f t h e F in e G r e e n K ir tle a m
, ,
“
l ayin g th e e und e r S p e ll s a n d und e r cr o ss e s und e r hol y

, ,
h e rds me n o f q ui e t t ra v e ll in g wa nd e rin g wome n the

, ,
l i ttl e c a lf mo s t f e e b l e a n d pow e r l e ss to t a k e t h y h e a d
, ,
a n d th in e e a r a n d th y w e a rin g o f l i f e f r om Off thee i f ,
tho u t a k e s t r e s t by ni ght o r d a y ; wh e r e tho u t a ke s t

TH E FA I R GR U A GA C I I . 42 5
t hy br e a kfa s t t h a t t h e n t a k e n ot th y d inn e r a n d wh e r e ,
tho u t a k e s t th y d inn e r th a t tho u t a k e n ot t h y su pp e r ,
i n wh a t s o e v e r pl a c e th o u b e un t i l t h e n fin d e s t o u t in
,
wh a t pl a c e I m a y b e und e r t h e fo ur br o w n q u a r t e r s of
th e
Sh e t o o k a n a pk in f r om h e r po c k e t a n d Sh e sh o ok i t , ,
a n d th e r e w a s n o k n ow in g wh a t S id e sh e h a d t a k e n o r ,
wh e nc e sh e c a m e .
He w e n t hom e h e a v i l y m ind e d b l a c k s o rr owf u ll y

-
h e p u t h i s e l b o w o n t h e b o a r d a n d h i s h a n d un d e r h i s
,
c h e e k a n d h e l e t o u t a si gh
”
.
,
W h a t i s i t th a t a i l s th e e so n ? s a i d t h e k in g o f
“ ’
,
B irinu I S i t und e r sp e ll s th a t th o u a r t bu t
n ot ic e th e m n ot I w i ll r a is e th y s p e ll s o ff th e e I .
h a v e a s m i th y o n s ho r e a n d s h i p s o n se a ; so lo n g a s
,
gol d o r si lv e r l a s t s m e s t o c k o r d w e ll in g I w i ll se t i t
”
, ,
to th y lo sin g t i ll I r a is e th e s e s p ell s Off t h e e

”
.
“
T h o u sh a lt n o t se t th e m s a i d h e ; a n d fa t h e r ,
“
, ,
tho u a r t h i gh m ind e d T ho u w o ul ds t s e t th a t a wa y
-
.
f r om th ys e lf a n d t h o u w i lt l o s e a l l th a t mi gh t b e th e r e
,
.
Th e n w i lt n o t r a is e t h e s p e ll s th y k in g d om w i ll go t o
w a n t a n d t o pov e r ty a n d th a t w i ll n ot r a i s e t h e s p e ll s
,
a n d tho u w i lt lo s e th y lot of m e n bu t k e e p th o u th y
lot O f m e n by th ys e lf a n d i f I go I S h a ll bu t l o s e m y
”
,
s e lf .
S O i t w a s in t h e mo rnin g o f t h e mo rr ow s d a y h e
’
w e n t a wa y w i tho u t d og Wi th o u t m a n w i tho u t c a lf
, , ,
w i tho u t c h i l d .
He w a s g o in g a n d g o in g a n d j o urn ey in g th e r e w a s
, ,
bl a c k e nin g o n h i s s o l e s a n d h o l e s i n h i s S h o e s ; t h e
,
b l a c k c lo uds O f ni ght c o m in g a n d t h e bri gh t q ui e t , ,
T h is s r t o f inc a n t a t ion is co mm on
o ,
and I am no t c e r t a i n
t h a t i t is q ui t e corr e c tl y r nd e r e d
e .
2 2 8
42 6 WE S T HIGHLAND T ALES .
c lo uds O f t h e d a y go in g a wa y a n d w i tho u t h i s fi ndin g

,
a pl a c e of s ta yin g o r r e s t fo r h i m
,
He s p e n t a w e e k
.
f r om e n d to e n d w i tho u t s e e in g ho us e o r c a s tl e o r a n y ,
o n e t h in g .He w a s g r ow n sic k ; s l e e pl e ss r e s tl e ss , ,
me a tl e ss drin kl e ss wa lk in g a l l t h e w e e k He ga v e a
, ,
.
gl anc e f r om h i m a n d wh a t s h o u l d h e s e e bu t a c a s tle
,
.
He took towa rds i t a n d r o und a b o u t i t a n d th e r e w a s

, ,
n ot s o m uc h a s a n a u ge r hol e in t h e ho us e H is
”
.
“
B U DAM
” a n d h is D A DA M fell w i th t r o ub l e a n d
“
wa nd e rin g a n d h e t urn e d b a ck h ea vi l y m ind e d b l a c k

, ,
-
s o rr owf u ll y He w a s t a k in g u p b e fo r e h i m a n d wh a t
.
,
s ho u l d h e h e a r b e h ind h i m bu t a s ho u t .
“
F a ir C h i e f s o n of t h e k in g of E i r i n n r e t urn the r e
, ,
is t h e f ea s t o f a da y a n d y e a r a w a i t in g th e e t h e m e a t
tho u th in k e s t n ot (o f) a n d t h e drin k th o u th in k e s t n ot
,
of t h e m ea t tho u th in k e s t o n a n d t h e drin k tho u

”
,
th in k e s t o n a n d h e r e turn e d
,
.
T he r e w a s a d oo r fo r e v e ry d a y in t h e y e a r in the
h o us e ; a n d the r e w a s a w ind ow fo r e v e ry day in the
y e a r in i t It w a s a g r e a t m a r v e l fo r h i m t h e ho us e
.
,
’
th a t h e h i m s e lf h a d go n e r o und a b o u t a n d w i tho u t s o ,
m uc h a s a n a ug e r hol e in i t th a t d oo r a n d w ind ow
,
S ho u l d b e in i t f o r eve ry da y in t h e y e a r wh e n h e c a me
b a ck .
H e took in to i t M e a t w a s s e t in i t s pl a c e fo r
.
usi n g d rin k in i t s pl a c e o f drink in g m usic in i t s pl a c e

, ,
fo r h ea rin g a n d th ey w e r e pl yin g t h e f e a s t a n d t h e
,
c omp a ny w i th s ol a c e a n d pl e a sur e o f m ind h i m s e lf ,
a n d t h e fin e d a m s e l th a t cri e d a f t e r h i m in t h e p a l a c e .
A b e d w a s m a d e fo r h i m in t h e c a s tl e w i th p i llow s , ,
w i th a hollow in t h e m idd l e ; wa r m w a t e r w a s p u t o n
h is f e e t a n d h e w e n t to l i e d ow n W h e n h e r o s e u p
, .
in the mo rnin g the b o a rd w a s s e t ov e r w i th e a c h me a t

,
TH E F AIR G R U A GA OII . 42 7
t ha t wa s b e s t a n d h e wa s th us fo r a t i m e w i tho u t h is
f e e l in g t h e t i m e p a ss by .
S h e s to o d i n t h e d oo r F a ir C h i e f so n o f t h e
.
“
,
k in g O f B irin u in wh a t s ta t e d o s t t h e n fi nd th ys e lf o r
, ,
h o w a r t tho u s a id t h e d a m s e l o f t h e c a s tl e .
“ ”
I a m w e ll s a id h e .
,
D o s t t h e n k n ow a t wh a t t i m e t h e n c a m e s t h e r e
s a id sh e .
“
I th in k I s h a ll c ompl e t e a we e k i f I b e h e r e th i s
”
,
d a y Sa id h e
, .
“
A qu a r t e r is j us t o u t to
’
s a id sh e Thy .
“
m ea t th y drink o r th y b e d w i ll n o t g r ow a bi t t h e
, ,
wo rs e th a n th e y a r e t i ll i t pl ea s e s thys e lf to r e t urn
hom e ” .
T h e r e h e w a s by h i m s e lf t i ll h e w a s th ink in g th a t
h e h a d a m o n th o u t At th is t i m e sh e s to o d in t h e
.
d oo r
!
.
“
Y e s F a ir C h i e f how d o s t t h e n fi nd th ys e lf th is
,
da y S a id S h e
”
.
“
R i ght w e ll s a id h e ,
.
I n wh a t m ind d o s t t h e n fi nd th ys e lf s a id S h e
”
.
“
I w i ll t e ll th e e th a t s a id h e ; i f m y two h a nds
,
“
c o u l d r e a c h y o nd e r p e a k e d h i ll th a t I wo u l d se t i t o n
”
,
y o n o th e r b l u ff h i ll .
“
D o s t tho u k n ow a t wh a t t i m e t h e n ea rn e s t h i th e r ? ”
s a id s h e .
’2
I a m th in k in g th a t I h a v e c omplet e d a m o n th h e r e ,
s a id h e .
“
Th e e n d o f t h e two y e a rs is o u t j us t th is d a y
”
,
s a id sh e .
“
I w i ll n o t b el i e ve th a t t h e m a n ev e r c a m e o n t h e
sur fa c e o f t h e w o r l d th a t wo u l d ga in v ic to ry of m y s e lf
”
in s t r e n gth o r l i ght n e ss s a i d h e .
”
,
“
T ho u a r t si ll y s a id sh e ; the r e is a l i ttl e b a nd
,
“
42 8 WE S T H I G H LAND T ALE S .
h e r e wh ic h th e y c a ll A n Fhi n n t h e E e n a n d th e y w i ll , ,
g e t v ic t o ry o f th e e Th e m a n n ev e r c a m e of wh om
”
.
th e y w o u l d n ot ge t v ic to ry .
“
M o rs e l I w i ll n ot e a t dr a u ght I w i ll n ot drin k , ,
s l e e p th e r e w i ll n ot c om e o n m y e y e t i ll I r e a c h wh e r e
”
,
th ey a r e a n d I k n ow w h o th e y a r e s a id h e
, , .
“
F a ir C h i e f b e n o t so S i ll y a n d l e t th a t l i ght n e ss p a ss
,
f r om th y h e a d s ta y a s tho u a r t fo r I k n ow t h e n w i l t ,
”
r e t urn s a id sh e .
,
“
I w i ll n ot m a k e s ta y by night o r da y un t i l I r ea c h ,
”
them s a id h e .
”
,
“
Th e d a y is s oft a n d m is t y s a id sh e a n d tho u , ,
“
a r t s e t t in g i t b e f o r e th e e t h a t tho u w i lt go Th e F e e n .
a r e in suc h a pl a c e a n d th e y h a v e a n et fi s h in g t r o u t
, .
T ho u s h a lt go o ve r wh e r e th e y a r e T h o u w i l t s ee t h e .
F e e n o n o n e sid e a n d F i o nn a lo n e o n t h e oth e r sid e

,
.
T h o u s h a lt go wh e r e h e is a n d th o u s h a lt b l e s s h i m , .
F i o nn w i ll b l e ss th e e in t h e s a m e w a y tho u s h a lt a sk
s e r v ic e fr om h i m ; h e w i ll sa y th a t h e h a s n o s e r v ic e
fo r th e e n ow th a t t h e F e e n a r e s t r o n g e n o ugh a n d
, ,
h e w i ll n ot p u t a m a n o u t He w i ll sa y ; W ha t na m e ,
‘
’
is u po n th e e ? T ho u s h a lt a ns w e r t h e n a m e tho u ,
d i d s t n e v e r h id e A n G ru a ga c h b a n M a e R i gh E ir e a nn
, .
F i o nn w i ll sa y th e n T ho u gh I s ho ul d n o t w a n t of a
,
‘
ma n Wh y s ho u l d I n ot g i v e s e r v ic e to t h e s o n o f th y
,
’
f a th e r B e n ot h i gh m ind e d a mo n g s t t h e Fe ea n t a n
. .
C om e n ow a n d tho u s h a lt h a v e a n a pk in th a t i s h e r e
, ,
a n d tho u s h a lt sa
y to F i o nn wh e th e r tho u b e a l i v e o r
”
,
d e a d t o p u t th e e in i t Wh e n c om e s i t s n ee d
'
He w e n t a wa y a n d h e r e a c h e d t h e (pl a c e ) wh e r e
,
t h e F e e n w e re ; h e sa w th e m th e r e fi s h in g t r o u t t h e ,
r e s t o n t h e o n e sid e a n d F i o nn o n t h e oth e r sid e

,
a lo n e . He w e n t wh e r e F i o nn w a s a n d h e b l e ss e d h i m ,
.
F i o n n b l e ss e d h i m in wo rds th a t we r e n o w o rs e .
TH E F AI R G R U A GA C H . 42 9
“
I h e a rd th a t th e r e w e r e suc h m e n a n d I c a m e to
”
,
y o u t o s e e k h ir e f r o m y o u s a i d t h e F a ir Ch i e f
, .
“
\V e ll th e n I h a v e n o n e e d o f a m a n a t t h e t i m e
”
, , ,
s a id F i o n n \V h a t n a m e is u p o n th e e
.
“
M y n a m e I n e v e r h i d Th e Gr u a ga c h B a n so n o f
”
.
,
t h e k in g o f E ir ea nn sai d h e ,
.
“
Bad b a d I f o r a l l t h e i ll l u ck th a t b e fe l m e 1
wh e r e I got m y n o uris hm e n t y o un g a n d m y d w e ll i n g ,
fo r m y o l d a ge ; w h o s ho ul d ge t s e r v ic e un l e s s th y
’
f a t h e r s s o n S h o ul d ge t i t ; bu t b e n o t h i gh m i n d e d
am o n g s t t h e Fe e n t a n
” s a id F i o n n C om e h i t h e r .
,
a n d c a t c h t h e e n d o f t h e n e t a n d dr a g i t a lo n g w i th
”
,
me .
He b e g a n dr a gg in g th e n et w i th t h e F e e n He .
c a st an ey e a b ov e h i m ,
an d wh a t s ho u l d h e se e bu t a
d e er .
\Ve r e i t n o t b e tt e r f o r t h e l i k e of y o u s u c h s w i ft , ,
s t r o n g l i ght y o un g m e n to b e h un t in g y o n d e r d e e r
, , ,
th a n t o b e fi s h in g a n y o n e p e r t t r o u t th a t is h e r e a nd ,
th a t a mo rs e l O f fish o r a mo u thf u l O f j uic e w i ll n o t

s a t is fy y o u r a th e r th a n y o nd e r cr e a t ur e u p a b o v e y o u
a mo rs e l of who s e fl e s h a n d a m o u thf u l of wh o s e br oth
,
”
w i ll su ffic e y o u s a id t h e F a ir C h i e f so n O f t h e k in g o f
, ,
E irin n .
If y o nd e r b ea s t is goo d w e a r e s e v e n t i m e s t ir e d of
”
,
”
h im s a id F i o nn a n d w e k n ow h i m w e ll e n o u gh
“
.
, ,
“
\ V e ll I h e a rd m ys e lf th a t th e r e w a s o n e m a n
,
o f y o u c a ll e d LU A TH AS (S w i ft n e ss ) th a t c o u l d c a t c h t h e
s w i ft M a rc h Win d a nd t h e s wi ft Ma rc h w ind c o u l d n o t
”
,
c a t ch s a i d t h e F a ir C h i e f
,
.
“
S inc e i t is th y fi rs t r e q u e s t w e w i ll s e nd to s e e k ,
”
h i m s a i d F i o nn .
,
He w a s s e n t fo r a n d CA OI LTE c a me
,
Th e F a ir C h i e f .
s ho u t e d t o h i m .
4 30 WE S T H I GH LAND T ALES .
“ ”
T h e r e is th e m a tt e r I h a v e f o r th e e s a id th e
”
,
G r u a ga c h to run t h e d e e r th a t I sa w y o nd e r a b ov e
,
“
.
“
Th e F a ir C h i e f c a m e a m o n g s t o ur c omp a ny th is
da y a n d h is a d v ic e m a y b e t a k e n t h e fi rs t da y
,
He .
ga v e a gl a nc e f r om h i m a n d h e s a w a d e e r s ta ndin g
,
a b ov e u s ; h e s a id i t w a s b e tt e r fo r o ur l i k e o f s w i ft ,
s t r o n g l i ght m e n to b e h un t i n g t h e d e e r th a n to b e
, ,
fi s h in g a n y o n e p e r t t r o u t th a t is h e r e ; a n d tho u Ca o il t e
go a n d c h a s e t h e d e e r ” .
“
\ V e ll th e n m a ny is th e da y th a t I h a v e g i ve n to
, ,
c h a sin g h i m a n d i t is l i ttl e I h a v e fo r i t bu t m y g ri ef
,
”
th a t I n e v e r got a hol d o f h i m s a id Ca o i l t e .
,
Ca o i l t e w e n t a w a y a n d h e took to s p e e d
, .
HOW w i ll Ca o i l t e b e wh e n h e is a t h is f u ll s p e e d
s a id t h e F a ir C h i e f .
“
T h e r e w i ll b e th r e e h e a d s o n Ca o i l t e wh e n h e is
” s a id F i o n n
a t h is f u ll s p e e d , .
A nd how m a ny he a ds w ill the r e b e o n t h e d e e r

sa id t h e C h i e f .
‘
T h e r e w i ll b e s e v e n h e a d s o n h i m wh e n h e is a t f ull
”
s w i ft n e ss s id F i o nn
a
*
.
,
\Vh a t dis t a nc e h a s h e b e fo r e h e r e a c h e s the e n d o f

”
h is j o urn e y ? s a id the C h i e f .
“
It is s e v e n gl e ns a n d s e ve n h i ll s a n d s e v e n su mme r
”
,
s e a t s s a id F i o nn he h a s th a t to m a k e b e fo r e h e
“
”
,
r e a c h e s a pl a c e of r e s t .
”
Le t us t a k e a h a nd a t dra gg in g t h e n e t s a id th e ,
Chief .
T he F a ir C h i e f g a v e a gl a nc e f r om h i m a n d he s a id ,
to F i o nn E e n so n of Cu m h a il p u t th y fi n g e r und e r
,
“
, ,
h a t th is m e a ns I do no t k no w P e rh a p s a h e a d m a y b e
W .
t h e h i ght o f a m a n a f a th o m — th r e e a n d s e v e n f a th o m s a t a
e ,
s t rid e .
TH E F AI R G R U A GA OH . 43 1
th y k n owl e d ge tooth to s e e wh a t dis t a nc e Ca o il t e i s

”
,
f r om t h e d e e r .
F i o nn p u t h is fi n ge r und e r h i s k n owl e d g e to o th .
“
T h e r e a r e two h e a ds o n Ca o i l t e a n d o n the d e e r the r e
”
,
a r e bu t two h e a ds y et s a id F i o nn
, .
How m uc h dis ta nc e h a ve th ey p u t p a s t s a id t h e
F a ir C h i e f .
T wo gl e ns a n d two h i ll s ; th e y h a ve fiv e un p a ss e d
”
s t i ll s a id F i o nn
'
”
,
“
L e t us t a k e a h a nd a t fi s h i n g the t r o u t sa i d th e ,
F a ir C h i e f .
“
W h e n th e y h a d b e e n wo r k in g a wh i l e t h e F a ir ,
C h i e f ga v e a gl a nc e f r om h i m F i o nn s o n Of Cum a l
.
“ ”
, ,
s a id h e p u t th y fi n ge r und e r th y k n owl e d g e tooth to

“
”
,
se e wh a t dis t a n c e Ca o i l t e is f r om the d ee r .
“
T h e r e a r e th r e e h ea ds o n Ca o il t e a n d fo ur h ea ds
”
,
o n t h e d e e r a n d Ca o il t e is a t f u ll s p e e d
,
s a id F i o nn , .
“
How m a ny gle ns a n d h i ll s a n d summe r s ea t s a r e
”
b e fo r e th e m s a id t h e C h i e f .
,
T h e r e a r e fo ur b e h ind th e m a n d th r e e b efo r e th em ”
, ,
sa id F i o nn .
“
Le t us t a ke a h a nd a t fi s h in g t h e t r o u t ” s a id t h e ,
F a ir C h i e f .
T h e y took a wh i l e a t fi s h in g t h e t r o u t .
“ ”
F i o nn so n o f Cu m a l s a id the C h i e f wh a t di s “
, , ,
t a n c e is s t i ll b efo r e t h e d e e r b e fo r e h e r ea c h e s t h e e nd
o f h is j o urn e y
“
On e gl e n a n d o n e h i ll a n d o n e su mm e r s e a t s a id
”
, ,
F i on n .
He th r e w t h e n e t f r om h i m a n d h e took to S p e e d , .
He wo u l d c a t c h the s w i ft M a rc h w in d a n d t h e s w i ft ,
M a rc h Wind c o u l d n ot c a t c h h i m t i ll h e c a u ght Ca o i l t e ; ,
h e to o k p a s t h i m a n d h e l e ft h i s b l e ssi n g w i th h i m
, .
G o in g ove r by t h e fo rd O f S r u t h R u a d h t h e d e e r ga v e ,
a s p rin g —the F a ir C h i e f ga v e t h e n e x t s p rin g a n d h e ,
c a ught t h e d e e r by the b i n d e r s h a n k a n d t h e d e e r ga ve ,
a r e a r a n d t h e C a r l in cri e d
,
\ V ho s e i z e d th e b e a s t o f m y lov e
“ ”
It is I s a id the F a ir C h i e f t h e so n of the k in g Of “
”
, ,
Ei r i n n .
“
Oh , Gr u a ga c h b a n , so n of the k in g of B irin u , let
”
h i m go s a id t h e C a rl in .
”
,
“
I w i ll n o t l e t (h i m go ) he is my ow n b e a s t n ow ,
s a id t h e Gr u a ga ch .
“
G i v e m e t h e f u ll o f m y fi s t Of h is bris tl e s o r a ,
h a nd f u l O f h is foo d o r a mo u thf u l of h i s br oth o r a

”
, ,
mo rs el o f h is fl e s h s a id the C a rl in .
”
,
“
A ny o n e s h a r e tho u ge t t e st n ot s a id he .
”
,
Th e F e e n a r e c om in g s a id S he a n d F i o nn a t
“ “
, ,
th e ir h ea d a n d th e r e s h a ll n ot b e o n e o f them th a t I d o
”
,
n ot bind b a c k to b a c k .
”
D o th a t s a id h e bu t I a m go in g a wa y
“ ” .
, ,
He w e n t a w a y a n d h e took t h e d e e r w i th h i m a n d
, ,
he w a s t a k in g o n b efo r e h i m t i ll t h e E en m e t h i m
”
.
“
E e n s o n of Cu m a l k e ep th a t s a id h e a s h e l e f t
, , , ,
t h e d e e r w i th F i o nn .
F i o nn s o n o f Cu ma l sa t a t t h e d e e r a n d t h e F a ir
, , ,
C h i e f w e n t a wa y He r e a c h e d t h e s m i th y O f t h e s e v e n
.
a n d t w e n t v s m i th s He to o k o u t th r e e ir o n hoop s o u t
.
o f i t fo r e v e ry m a n th a t w a s in t h e E e n (Fhi n n ) ; h e
to o k w i th h i m a h a nd h a mm e r a n d h e p u t th r e e hoop s
,
a b o u t t h e h e a d O f e v e ry m a n th a t w a s in t h e E e n a n d ,
h e t i ght e n e d them w i th t h e h a mm e r .
T he C a r l in c a m e o u t a n d l e t o u t a gr ea t scr e e c h
,
.
E e n s o n o f Cu m a l l e t h i th e r to m e t h e cr e a t ur e of
”
, ,
m y lov e .
T he h i ghe s t hoop th a t wa s o n t h e Fe e a n t a n burs t

w i th t h e scr e e c h S he c a me o u t t h e s e c o nd t i me a n d
.
,
THE F AI R G R U A GA C I I . 43 3
Sh e l et ou t th e
n e x t y ell a n d the s e c o nd h OOp b u rs t
!
, .
a s n o t t h e C a r l in t e rribl e
( \V ) Sh e w e n t h o m e a n d ,
s h e w a s n ot l o n g w i th in wh e n sh e c a m e t h e th ir d t i m e a n d ,
S h e l e t o u t t h e th ir d y e ll a n d t h e th i r d h o o p bur s t
, She .
w e n t a n d sh e b e took h e rs e lf to a w o o d ; sh e tw i s t e d a
w i th y f r om t h e woo d sh e to o k i t w i t h h e r sh e w e n t -
ov e r a n d sh e b o und e v e ry m a n of t h e Fe ea n t a i ch e a n
,
b a c k t o b a ck bu t F i o nn ,
.
Th e F a ir C h i e f l a id h is h a nd o n t h e d e e r a n d h e ,
fl a y e d i t He took o u t t h e GA OR R a n d e v e ry bi t o f t h e
.
,
in sid e ; h e cu t a t ur f a n d h e buri e d th e m und e r t h e

,
e a r th . He s e t a c a l dr o n i n o rd e r a n d h e p u t t h e d e e r ,
in t h e c a l dr o n a n d fir e a t i t t o c o o k i t
”
.
,
“
E e n so n o f C u m a l
,
s a i d t h e fa ir C h i e f wh e th e r
, ,
“
wo u l ds t tho u r a th e r go to fight t h e C a r l in o r s ta y t o ,
b o i l t h e ca l d r o n
“
\ V e ll th e n
” s a id F i o n n t h e c a l dr o n is h a rd
“
, , ,
e n o u gh to b o i l If th e r e b e a m o rs e l o f t h e fl e s h n u
.
c o o k e d t h e d e e r w i ll ge t u p a s h e w a s b e f o r e a n d i f a
,
dr o p O f t h e br oth go e s in to t h e fir e h e w i ll a ris e a s h e
”
,
w a s b e fo r e I wo ul d ra th e r s t a y a n d b o i l t h e c a l dr o n
. .
Th e C a r l in c a m e E e n so n o f Cu m a l
.
” s a id sh e
, ,
“
g i v e m e m y fis t f u ll O f bris tl e s o r a s q u e e z e o f m y ,
fi s t of GA OR R o r e l s e a mo r s e l of h is fl e s h o r e l s e a g ulp
”
' , ,
o f t h e br o t h .
“
I m ys e lf did n o t d o a th in g a b o u t i t a n d w i th th a t
”
,
I h a v e n o o rd e r to g i v e i t a wa y s a i d F i o nn ,
.
H e r e th e n t h e F a ir C h i e f a n d t h e Ca r l in b e ga n a t
e a c h o th e r th e y wo u l d m a k e a b o g o n t h e r o c k a n d a
r o c k o n t h e b og I n t h e pl a c e wh e r e t h e l e a s t t h e y
.
w o u l d sin k th e y wo u l d sin k to t h e k n e e s in t h e pl a c e
,
wh e r e t h e mo s t th e y wo u l d S in k th e y wo ul d S in k to ,
t h e ey e s .
434 WES T H I GHLAND T A LES .
“
A r t tho u s a t is fi e d w i th t h e s po r t E e n s o n o f , ,
Cum a l s a id the F a ir C h i e f .
“
It is lo n g sinc e I w a s s a t i a t e d w i th th a t s a id ”
,
F i o nn
”
.
“
T h e r e w i ll b e a c h a nc e to r e t urn i t n ow s a id t h e ,
C h i ef .
He s e i z e d t h e C a rl in a n d h e s t ruc k h e r a b low o f h is
,
foot in t h e c r o c k o f t h e ho u gh a n d he f e lle d he r ,
.
E e n s o n o f Cu m a l s h a ll I t a ke he r he a d Off
, ,
s a id
t h e C h ief .
“ ’ ”
I d o n t k n ow s a id F i o nn .
”
,
“
E e n so n o f Cu m a l
, s a id sh e I a m l a yin g th e e
, ,
“
und e r cr o ss e s a n d und e r s p e ll s a n d und e r hol y h e rds

, ,
m a n o f q ui e t t r a v e ll in g w a nd e rin g wom a n t h e l i ttl e

'
, ,
c a lf mo s t pow e r l e ss mo s t unc o u th to ta k e th y h ea d
, , ,
’
a n d th in e e a r a n d th y l i f e s w ea rin g o ff un l e ss th o u b e
, ,
a s a h usb a nd th r e e ho urs b e fo r e t h e da y c om e s w i th
, ,
*
h
t e w i f e of t h e Tr e e L i o n
”
.
“
I s a id t h e F a ir C h i e f
, a m l a yin g thee und e r ,
cr o ss e s a n d und e r s p e ll s und e r h ol y h e rds m a n Of q ui e t

,
t ra v e ll in g wa nd e rin g wom a n t h e l i ttl e c a lf mo s t pow e r

, ,
l e ss a n d mo s t unc o u th to t a k e th y h e a d a n d th in e e a r
, ,
’
a n d th y l i f e s w e a rin g o ff un l e ss t h e n b e w i th a foot o n
,
e i th e r sid e of the fo rd o f S t ru th R u a dh a n d e v e ry dr op
”
,
o f t h e w a t e r fl ow in g th r o u gh th e e .
He a r o s e a n d h e l e t h e r s t a nd u p
, .
R a is e th y S p e ll s f r om o ff m e a n d I w i ll ra is e th e m
”
,
f r o m Off h i m s a id t h e C a r l in
, N e i th e r w i ll I l i ft n o r
.
“
l a y d ow n bu t s o ; how s o e ve r w e m a y b e tho u c om e s t
”
, ,
no t.
L e Om h a n T h is I p r e su m e is a gri fli n I h a v e
c h rao b h .
, ,
o ft e n h e a rd t h e n a m e th ou gh i t i s no t in dic t ion a ri e s Th e w ord .
g r iflri n is a l so o m i tt e d f ro m so m e .
TH E F AI R G R U A GA OH. 4 35
Th e fa ir C h i e f w e n t a n d h e took o ff t h e c a l dr o n h e
s e i z e d a fo r k a n d a k ni f e a n d h e p u t t h e fo rk in to t h e
,
d e e r h e s e i z e d t h e k ni f e a n d h e c u t a mo rs e l o u t of i t ,
a n d h e a te it He c a u ght a t ur f a n d c u t i t a n d h e l a id
.
.
, ,
th a t o n t h e mo u th o f t h e c a l dr o n
”
.
“
E e n so n o f Cum a l i t is t i m e fo r u s to b e go in g
, , ,
s a id h e a r t tho u goo d a t ho rs em a ns h i p P
“
”
I c o u l d h i t u po n i t s a id F i o nn .
,
H e c a u ght hol d o f a r o d a n d h e g a ve i t to F i o nn .
”
,
“
S t ri ke th a t o n me s a id h e ,
.
Fi o nn s t ruc k t h e r o d o n h i m a n d m a d e h i m a br ow n
a mb l e r .
”
N ow ge t o n top Of m e s a id t h e C h i ef F i o nn go t .
, ,
o n him
”
.
‘
B e p r e tt y w a t c hf u l I a m a t th ee .
He ga v e th a t s p rin g a n d he w e n t p a s t nin e ri d g e s ,
”
.
a n d F i o nn s too d (f a s t ) o n h i m Sh e ga v e t h e n e x t
.
“
”
s p rin g a n d sh e w e n t p a s t nin e oth e r rid g e s a n d
“
F i o nn s t o o d fa s t o n h e r ” He took to s p e e d
. He .
wo u l d ca t c h the s w i f t M a r c h w in d a n d t h e s w i ft M a r ch ,
w ind c o u l d n ot c a t c h h i m .
“ ”
T h e r e is a l i ttl e tow n d ow n h e r e s a id t h e a m ,
b l e r a n d go d ow n a n d t a k e w i th th e e th r e e s to u p s of
,
w in e a n d th r e e Wh e a te n l e a ve s a n d tho u s h a lt g i v e m e
,
a s to u p o f w in e a n d a W h e a t e n l e a f a n d tho u s h a lt
”
,
c om b me a ga ins t t h e h a ir a n d w i th the h a ir
,
.
F i o nn got th a t a n d th e y r ea c he d t h e wa ll of the
Tr e e L i o n .
C o m e o n the g r o und E e n so n o f C u ma l a n d gi v e
”
, , ,
m e a s to u p Of Win e a n d a Wh e a t e n lo a f .
F i o nn c a m e d ow n a n d h e ga v e h i m a s to u p o f w in e
a n d a Wh e a t e n lo a f .
“
C om b m e n ow a ga ins t t h e h a ir a n d c om b me w i th ,
t h e h a ir
” .
436 WES T HIGH LAND TALES .
He did th a t
”
.
T a k e c a r e of th ys e lf s a id ,
mbl e r th e a .
T h e n sh e l e a p e d a n d S h e p u t a th ird o f
,
t h e w a ll
b e low h e r a n d , a n d sh e
th e r e w e r e two th irds a b ov e -
r e t urn e d .
“
G i v e m e a n oth e r s to up of w in e a n d a n othe r
Wh e a t e n l e a f a n d c om b m e a ga ins t t h e h a ir a n d c om b
”
, ,
m e w i th t h e h a ir .
He did th a t
”
.
“
T a k e c a r e of th ys elf fo r I a m f o r th ee n o w s a id
, ,
t h e a mbl e r .
Sh e took t h e s e c o nd s p rin g a n d s he p u t t w o —th irds ,
o f t h e w a ll b e l o w h e r a n d the r e w a s a th ird ov e r h e r
,
.
h e a d a n d sh e r e t urn e d
,
.
“
G i v e m e a n oth e r s to u p o f w in e a n d a Wh e a t e n
l e a f a n d c omb m e a ga ins t t h e h a ir a n d w i th the
”
, ,
h a ir .
H e did th a t
”
.
“
Ta k e c a r e of th ys e lf fo r I a m fo r th e e n ow s a id
, ,
sh e .
Sh e t o ok a s p rin g ,
an d sh e wa s on th e top of the
w a ll
”
.
“
Th e m a tt e r is well b e fo r e thee E e n s a id the
”
, ,
a mb l e r t h e Tr e e L i o n is f r om hom e
“
.
,
H e w e n t hom e My C h i e f a n d a l l h a i l w e r e b e fo r e
.
,
h i m : m ea t a n d drin k w e r e se t b e fo r e h i m ; h e r e s t e d
th a t ni ght a n d h e w a s w i th t h e w i f e o f t h e Tr e e L i o n
,
th r e e h o urs b e fo r e t h e da y .
S o ea rl y a s h is e y e sa w t h e day e a r l i e r th a n th a t he ,
a r o s e a n d h e r e a c h e d t h e a m b l e r t h e Gr u a a c h B a n
, g , ,
a n d th e y w e n t a w a y .
S a id t h e F a ir C h i ef Th e Tr ee L i o n is f r om
,
“
hom e a ny th in g th a t p a ss e d sh e w i ll n ot h id e ; h e is
c om in g a ft e r us a n d h e w i ll n ot r e mem b e r h is b ook of
,
TH E F AI R GR U A GA C H . 43 7
w i t c h cra ft ; a n d sinc e h e d o e s n o t r e m e mb e r t h e b o o k
of w i t c h cr a ft i t w i ll go w i th m e a ga ins t h i m ; bu t i f h e
,
S ho u l d r e m e m b e r t h e b ook t h e p e o pl e o f t h e w o r l d
,
c o u l d n ot w i th s ta n d h i m He h a s e v e ry D R A OC HD m a gic
.
,
a n d h e w i ll s p rin g a s a bu ll wh e n h e c o m e s a n d I w i ll ,
s p rin g a s a bu ll b e f o r e h i m a n d t h e fi rs t b l o w I g i v e
,
h i m I w i ll l a y h is h e a d o n h i s sid e a n d I w i ll m a k e
, ,
h i m r o a r T h e n h e w i ll s p rin g a s a n A I S E A L (a ss )
.
, ,
a n d I w i ll S p rin g a s a n a s s b e fo r e h i m a n d t h e firs t ,
th rus t I g i v e h i m I w i ll t a k e a m o u thf u l o u t of h i m ,
b e tw e e n fl e s h a n d h id e a s i t m a y b e T h e n h e w i ll .
s p rin g a s a h a wk in t h e h e a v e ns ; I w i ll s p rin g a s a
.
h a wk in t h e woo d a n d t h e fi rs t s t r o k e I g i v e h i m I
, ,
w i ll t a k e h i s h ea r t a n d h is l i v e r o u t I w i ll c o me .
d o w n a f t e r wa rds a n d tho u s h a lt s e i z e th a t n a pk i n
,
y o nd e r a n d th o u s h a lt p u t m e in t h e n a pk in a n d t h o u
, ,
s h a lt cu t a t ur f a n d tho u s h a lt p u t t h e n a pk in un d e r
,
t h e e a r th a n d th o u s h a lt s t a nd u p o n i t
,
Th en th e .
w i f e o f t h e Tr e e L i o n w i ll c o m e a n d th o u s t a ndin g o n
,
t h e t o p O f t h e t ur f a n d I und e r th y f e e t
,
a n d sh e w i th
t h e b o o k o f w i t c h cr a ft o n h e r b a c k in a h a y b a n d a n d ,
s h e w i ll sa — E e n so n o f Cu m a l m a n th a t n e v e r t o l d a
y , ,
l i e t e ll m e w h o of t h e p e o pl e o f t h e w o rl d k i ll e d m y
,
c om r a d e a n d tho u s h a l t sa y I k n o w n o t a b o v e t h e e a r th
,
w h o k i ll e d th y c om r a d e S h e w i ll g o a w a y a n d t a k e to
.
s p e e d w i th h e r w e e p in g c r y ” .
“ h e n th e y w e r e o n f o r w a rd a s ho r t dis t a nc e w h o m
T
sa w th e y c o m in g bu t t h e Tr e e L i o n .
H e b e c a m e a bu ll ; t h e F a ir c h i e f b e c a m e a bu ll
b e f o r e h i m a n d t h e fi rs t b l o w h e s t r uc k h i m h e l a i d
,
h i s h ea d o n h is sid e a n d t h e T r e e L i o n ga v e o u t a
,
r oa r T h e n h e s p run g a s a n a ss t h e F a ir Ch i e f '
s p run g a s a n a ss b e fo r e h i m a n d a t t h e fi rs t rus h h e
,
ga v e towa rds h i m h e t o ok a m o u thf ul b e tw e e n fl e s h a n d

4 38 W ES T HIGHLAND TAL ES .
s k in . T he Tr e e L i o n th e n s p r a n g a s a h a wk in th e
h e a v e ns t h e F a ir C h i e f s p ra n g a s a h a wk in t h e woo d
, ,
a n d h e took t h e h ea r t a n d l i v e r o u t o f h i m Th e F a ir .
C h i e f f e ll d ow n a ft e r wa rds F i o nn s e i z e d h i m a n d he
,
p u t h i m in t o t h e n a pk in a n d h e c u t a t ur f a n d h e pu t
, ,
t h e n a pk in und e r the e a r th a n d t h e t ur f u po n i t a n d
, ,
h e s too d o n th e t ur f Th e w i f e o f t h e Tr e e L i o n c a m e
.
,
a n d the b ook o f w i t c h cr a ft w a s o n h e r b a c k in a h a y
ba nd .
E e n s o n o f C u m a l m a n th a t n e v e r tol d a l i e who
, , ,
k i ll e d m y c om r a d e
.
“
I k n o w n o t a b ove the ea r th w h o k i lle d th y c om
,
”
r a d e s a id F i o nn .
,
A n d sh e w e n t a wa y i n h er weep in g cry a n d sh e b e ,
took he rs e lf t O dis ta nc e .
H e c a u gh t h ol d o f t h e F a ir C h i e f a n d h e l i ft e d h i m
w i th h i m a n d h e r e a c h e d t h e c a s tl e i n wh ic h w a s t h e
,
d a m e of th e F in e G r ee n K ir tl e He r ea c h e d h e r th a t
.
in to h e r h a nd S h e w e n t d ow n w i th i t a n d sh e w a s
.
,
n ot lo n g d ow n wh e n sh e c a m e u p wh e r e h e w a s .
“
E e n s o n Of Cu m a l t h e Gr u a ga c h B a n so n of t h e
”
, , ,
k in g o f Ei r i n n is a s k in g fo r thee
,
.
“
T h a t is t h e n e w s I l i k e b e s t Of a l l I eve r h ea rd
”
,
th a t t h e F a ir C h i e f is a s k in g fo r me s a id F i o n n ,
.
S h e s e t m ea t a n d drin k b e fo r e th e m a n d th e y wo u l d
,
n ot e a t a mo rs e l n o r drin k a dr op t i ll th e y S ho u l d e a t
th e ir s h a r e O f t h e d e e r w i th the r e s t a t S ru t h R u a i dh .
T h e y r ea c h e d (t h e pl a c e ) whe r e t h e Ee n we r e b o und ,
and th e y loo s e d e v e ry sin gl e o n e of th e m a n d the y ,
w e r e h un g ry e n o u gh Th e F a ir C h i e f se t t h e d e e r b e
.
fo r e th e m a n d th e y left of t h e d e e r th ric e a s m uc h a s
,
th e y a t e .
“ ”
I s ho u l d go to t e ll m y t a l e s a id the Fa i r C h i e f .
,
H e r ea c h e d the c a r l in a t t h e fo rd o f S r u t h R u a i dh a n d ,
TH E F AI R GR U A GA C I I . 43 9
he b e ga n to t e ll t h e ta l e h o w i t b o f e l h i m E v e ry t a l e .
h e wo u l d t e ll h e r S h e w o u l d b e g in t o ris e ev e ry t i me
s h e w o u l d b e g in to ris e h e w o u l d s e i z e h e r a n d h e w o u l d,
crus h h e r b o n e s a n d h e w o u l d br e a k t h e m un t i l h e tol d
,
h i s lot O f t a l e s to h e r .
W h e n h e h a d tol d them h e r e t urn e d a n d h e r e a ch e d ,
t h e E e n b a c k a g a in .
F i o nn w e n t w i th h i m to t h e C a s tle o f t h e D a m e of
t h e F in e G r e e n K ir tl e .
“ ”
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M AO R IGH EI R EANN . 4 43
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MA G R I GH EI R EAN N . 445
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M A C R IGH EI R EANN . 4 47
a cbd Cior a i s a n a g h a i d h a f h i o a m i a g us cior l i s a n

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MA G R IGH E I R EAN N . 4 49
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n .
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e .
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LI I .
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h un t i n g a nd gam e T h e y sa t o n a h i ll o c k c o l o ur e d
.
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m o u th th an t h e r e s t .
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uni v e rs e w o u l d h a v e t h e h e a r t t o p u t a n a ffr o n t a nd
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of i t .
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s how e r c o m in g f r o m t h e w e s t e rn a ir t a n d g o i n g t o t h e
,
e a s t e rn a i r t g t a n d a ri d e r o f a b l a c k fi ll y c o m in g
c h e e ri l y aft e r i t
.
Pr o b a b l y a c o rru pt i n r u a d h f o r r o th t h e fo ur q u a r t e rs o f
o , ,
t h e wh e e l o r circ l e f t h e uni v rs e
o e .
TT h a t is aga ins t t h e su wh ic h is un l uc k y a cc o rdin g t o all

n,
p o p u la r my th o l o g y .
W E S T H I G H L A ND TA L E S .
A s i t w e r e a wa rri o r on th e m o un tain s h o re ,
A s a s ta r o v e r s pa r kl in g s ,
*
A s a g r e at se a o v e r l i ttl e p o o l s ,
A s a s m i th s s m i th y c o al
’
B e in g q u e nc h e d at t h e ri v e r sid e
S o w o u l d s e e m t h e m e n a nd w o m e n o f t h e w o r l d b e si d e h i m ,
I n fig u re i n s hap e in fo r m a nd in v is ag e
, , , .
T h e n h e s p o k e t o th e m in the und e r s t a ndin g ,
q ui e tin g t rul y w is e wo rds o f r e a l k n o wl e d ge 3 a n d b e

,
f o r e th e r e w a s a n y m o r e t a lk b e tw e e n th e m h e p u t ,
ov e r the fi s t a nd h e s t ruc k t h e k in g b e tw e e n t h e mo u th
a nd t h e n o s e a nd h e dr ov e o u t th r e e o f h is t e e th a nd
, ,
h e c a u ght th e m in h is fi s t a nd h e p u t th e m in h is ,
p o uc h a n d h e w e n t aw ay
”
.
,
D id n o t I sa y t o y o u s a id t h e k i n g th a t o n e
, ,
“
m i ght c om e w h o s h o u l d p u t a n a ff r o n t a nd dis g r a c e o n
m e a nd th a t y o u c o u l d n o t pl uc k the wo rs t h a ir in h is
,
b e a rd o u t o f i t 1
T he n h is bi g so n th e Kni ght o f th e C a irn s wo r e
, ,
’ ’
th a t h e wo u l dn t e a t me a t a nd th a t h e wo u l dn t drin k
,
d r au ght a nd th a t he wo u l d n ot he a r ke n t o m u sic un t i l
, ,
h e s h o u l d t ak e o il t h e w a rri o r th a t s t ruc k t h e fi s t o n
"
t h e k in g t h e h e a d th a t d e si g n e d t o d o i t .
”
,
“
W e ll s a id th e Kni ght o f t h e S w o rd t h e ve ry
, ,
s a m e fo r m e un t i l I t ak e t h e h a nd th a t s t ruc k th e fi s t
,
o n t h e k i n g f r o m o ff t h e s h o u l d e r .
T h e r e w a s o n e m a n w i th them the r e i n t h e c om
p a ny wh o s e n a me w a s M a c a n E a r ra i c h n a in e ri
,
Ga i sg e T he S o n o f t h e G r e e n S p rin g by V a l o ur .
”
,
Th e v e r y s a m e f o r me s a id b e u n ti l I t ak e o u t o f
, ,
“
the w a rri o r w h o s t ruc k t h e fist o n t h e k in g the he a r t

”
,
th a t th o ught o n d o in g i t .
R o in e aga n , s mall s ta rs m inu t e p o in t s

,
of l i ght .
TH E K N I G HT on T HE R ED S H I E LD . 45 3
“
T h o u n a s ty c r e a t u r e ” !
s a id t h e Kni gh t o f t h e
C a irn , wh a t s h o u l d b r i n g th e e w i th u s ? \Vh e n w e
“
s h o ul d go t o v al o ur th o u w o u l ds t t u r n t o w e ak n e ss ;
,
th o u wo u l ds t fin d d e a th i n b o ggy m o ss o r i n ri f t s o f ,
r o ck o r in a l a n d of h o l e s o r i n t h e s h a d o w o f a w a ll
”
, , ,
o r i n s o m e pl a c e .
“
B e th a t a s i t w i ll bu t I w i ll go
” s a id t h e S o n o f
, ,
t h e G r e e n S p r i n g by V a l o u r .
’
Th e k i n g s t w o s o ns w e n t a w ay G l a nc e th a t the .
K n i ght o f t h e C a irn g a v e b e h ind h i m h e s e e s t h e S o n ,
o f t h e G r e e n S p ri n g by V a l o u r f o ll o w i n g th e m
”
.
“
Wh a t s a id t h e Kni gh t o f t h e C a i r n t o t h e K n i gh t
,
o f t h e S wo r d s h all w e d o t o h i m C l
”
,
“
Do s a id t h e Kni ght o f t h e S w o rd s w e e p h is “
”
, ,
h e a d o ff .
s a id t h e K n i ght o f t h e C a i r n w e w i ll ,
“
n o t d o th a t ; bu t th e r e i s a g r e a t c r a g of s t o n e u p h e r e ,
a nd w e W i ll bind h i m t o i t ” .
I a m w i ll i n g t o d o th a t s am e
” s a id t h e o t h e r .
,
T h e y b o u n d h i m t o t h e cr a g o f s t o n e t o l e a v e h i m t i ll
h e s h o u l d di e a nd th e y w e n t a w a y G l a n c e th a t t h e
,
.
Kni ght o f t h e C a i r n gav e b e h i n d h i m aga in h e s e e s h i m ,
c o m in g a nd t h e cr a g u p o n h i m .
“
D o s t th o u n o t se e th a t o n e c o m i n g a g a i n a n d
!
,
t h e c r ag u p o n h i m
” s a id t h e K n i ght o f th e C ai r n
t o t h e K n i ght o f the S w o rd , w h a t s h all w e d o
“
to him
“
It i s t o s w e e p t h e h e a d o ff h i m a n d n o t l e t h i m ,
c m e ) f u r th e r
” s a id h e K n i ght o f t h e S w o r d
( o t
,
”
.
“
I V e w i ll n o t d o th a t s a id t h e K n i ght o f t h e
,
C a ir n ; bu t w e w i ll t u r n b a c k a n d l o o s e t h e c r a g o ff
h im . I t is bu t a s o rry m a tt e r f o r t w o f u ll h e r o e s l i k e
u s ; th o u gh he s h o u l d b e w i th u s h e w i ll m ak e a ,
45 4 WE S T H I G H L A ND TALES .
m a n to p o l is h a s h i e l d o r b l o w a fir e h e ap o r s o me
,
th i n g ” .
T h e y l o o s e d h i m a nd the y l e t h i m c o m e w i th
,
th e m T h e n th e y w e n t d o w n t o t h e s h o r e 3 th e n th e y
.
got t h e s h i p wh ic h w a s c a ll e d A N I U B H R A CH B HA LLA CH
, ,
*
Th e s p e c kl e d b a r g e .
T h e y p u t h e o u t a nd th e y gav e h e r p r o w t o s e a a nd h e r s t e rn
r , ,
t o s h o re .
T h e y h o is t e d t h e s p e c kl e d flapp in g b a r e t o pp e d s a i l s
, ,
-
U p aga ins t t h e tall t o u gh s pl in t e ry ma s t s

, ,
.
T h e y ha d a pl e a s an t l i ttl e br e e z e s th e y m i ght c h o o s e th e m s e l v e s
a ,
W o u l d brin g h e ath e r f ro m t h e h i ll l e af f r o m g r o v e w i ll o w f r o m
, ,
i t s ro o t s ,
W o u l d p u t that c h o f t h e h o us e s in f urro w s o f t h e rid g e s .
Th e d a y that n e i t h e r t h e s o o r t h e fath e r c o u l d d o i t
n n ,
T hat s am e wa s n e i th e r l i ttl e n o r m u c h f o r th e m ,
Bu t usin g i t a nd tak in g i t a s i t m i ght c o m e ,
T h e s e pl un g in g a nd sur g in g
a ,
T h e r e d s e a t h e b l u e s a la s h in g e
A nd s t ri k in g h i th e r a nd th i th e r ab o u t h e r pla n k s .
Th e wh o r l d du n wh e lk that wa s d o w n o n t h e g ro und o f t h e
e
o c e an ,
W o u l d g i v a S NA G o n h e r g un wal e a nd cr a c k o n h r fl o o r
e e ,
S h e w o u l d cu t a s l nd e r o at e n s t r aw w i th t h e e xc e ll e nc e o f h e r
e
g o in g .
T h e y ga v e th r e e d a ys dri v in g h e r th us I my .
“
”
s elf a m g r o wi n g t i r e d o f th is s a id t h e K n i gh t o f t h e
,
C a ir n t o t h e Kni ght o f t h e S w o rd It s e em s t o m e “
”
,
t i m e t o ge t n e w s f r o m t h e m a s t .
“
T h o u th ys e lf a r e t h e m o s t g r e a tl y b e l o v e d h e r e ,
o h K n i ght o f t h e C a irn a nd s h e w th a t th o u w i lt h a v e
,
T h e s e w o rds w o u l d b e a r ma ny t r a ns lat i o ns a cc o rdin g t o

d ic t i o n a ri e s s u c h a s t h e s p o tt e d s tat e l y w o ma n t h e va ri e gat e d
, ,
a b o undin g in b o w s Th e m e a nin g s e e m s t o b e a ga i l y pa in t e d
.
b o at .
TH E K N I G HT OF T HE R ED S H I E LD .
h o n o u r g o i n g u p 3 a n d i f th o u g o e s t n o t u p w e w i ll
”
,
h a v e t h e m o r e s p o r t w i th th e e s a id t h e S o n o f t h e
,
G r e e n Spr l n g by V a l o ur .
U p w e n t t h e K n i gh t o f t h e C a i r n w i th a rus h a n d ,
h e f e ll d o w n c l a tt e r in a f a i n t o n t h e d e c k o f t h e s h i p .
“
I t is i ll th o u h a s t d o n e
” s a id t h e Kni ght o f t h e
,
S w o rd .
“
L e t us s e e i f th ys e lf b e b e tt e r 3 a n d i f t h e n b e
b e tt e r i t w i ll b e s h e w n th a t th o u w i l t h a v e m o r e w i ll
,
t o g o 011 3 o r e l s e w e w i ll ha v e t h e m o r e s p o r t w i th
”
th e e s a id t h e S o n o f t h e G r e e n S p r i n g by V al o u r .
,
U p w e n t t h e K n i ght o f t h e S w o r d a n d b e f o r e h e h a d
,
r e a c h e d b u t h alf t h e m a s t h e b e ga n s q u e al i n g a nd
,
s q u e al in g a nd h e c o u l d n e i th e r go u p n o r c o m e d o w n
,
.
“
T h o u h a s t d o n e a s th o u w e r t a sk e d ; a n d th o u
h a s t s h e w e d t h a t th o u h a ds t t h e m o r e r e s p e c t f o r go i n g
u p 3 a n d n o w th o u c a ns t n o t go u p n e i th e r c a ns t th o u
!
,
co m e d o wn N o w a rri o r w a s I n o r h alf a w a r r i o r ,
a nd t h e e s t e em o f a wa r r i o r w a s n o t m i n e a t t h e t i m e
o f l e a v i n g ; I w a s t o fin d d e a th i n b o gg y m o ss o r i n ,
ri f t S o f r o c k o r in t h e S h a d e o f a w all o r i n s o m e
-
, ,
pl a c e 3 a n d i t w e r e n o e ffo r t fo r m e t o b r i n g n e w s f r o m
t h e mast
”
!
.
“
T h o u gr e a t h e r o ” s a id t h e K n i ght o f t h e C a i r n ,
“
t ry i t ” .
“
A gr e a t h e r o a m I th is da y bu t n o t wh e n l e a v i n g
”
,
t h e to wn s a id t h e S o n o f t h e G r e e n S p r i n g by
,
V a l o ur .
He m e a sur e d a s p rin g f r o m t h e e n d s o f h is s p e a r
t o t h e p o in t s o f h i s t o e s a n d h e w a s u p i n t h e c r o ss
,
t r e e s i n a t w i n kl i n g .
“
\V h a t a r t th o u s e e i n g ?
” s aid t h e K n i gh t o f t h e
C a irn .
45 6 W ES T H I G H L A ND TALES .
“
It is to o bi g fo r a cr ow a nd i t is
,
to o l i ttle fo r l a nd
s a id he .
“
S t ay a s th o u h a s t t o t r y i f th o u c a ns t k n ow wh a t
,
”
i t i s s a id th e y to h i m 3 a nd h e s t ay e d so fo r a wh i l e l
.
ae
,
“
Wh a t a r t th o u s e e i n g n o w Z s a id th e y t o h i m .
“
It is a n isl a nd a nd a h o o p of fi r e ab o u t i t flam in g ,
a t e i th e r e n d 3 a nd I th in k th a t th e r e is n o t o n e
”
W a r ri o r in the g r e a t w o r l d th a t w i ll go o v e r t h e fi r e ,
s a id h e .
“
U n l e ss two h e r o e s suc h a s w e go ov e r i t
” s a id ,
th e y .
“
I th in k th a t i t w a s e a si e r f o r y o u t o brin g n ew s
”
f r om t h e m a s t th a n t o go i n th e r e s a id h e .
,
It is n o r e p r o a c h s a id t h e Kni ght o f t h e
C a irn
”
.
“
I t is n o t 3 i t is t ru t h s a id the S o n o f the G r e e n
,
S p rin g by V a lo ur .
T h e y r e a c h e d t h e w ind w a rd sid e o f t h e fir e a nd ,
th e y w e n t o n s h o r e 3 a n d th e y dr e w t h e s p e c kl e d b a r g e
u p h e r o w n s e v e n l e n gth s o n g r e y g r a ss w i th h e r m o u th
,
und e r h e r W h e r e t h e sc h o l a rs o f a bi g t o w n c o u l d
,
n e i th e r m ak e ridicu l e sc o ffin g o r m o c k e ry of h e r
, ,
.
T h e y b l e w u p a fir e h e a p a nd th e y ga v e th r ee d ays a nd
,
th r e e ni ght s r e s t in g th e ir w e a rin e ss
-
.
At t h e e n d o f t h e th r e e d ays th e y b e g a n a t s h a r pe n
i n g th e ir a r m s .
“ ”
I s a id t h e K n i ght o f t h e C air n a m g e tt i n g
, ,
t ir e d o f th is 3 i t s e e m s t o me t i m e to get n e w s f r om t h e
is l e ”
”
.
T h o u a r t th ys e lf t h e mo s t g r e a tl y b elove d he r e ,
Th e wh o l e o f th is is dr aw n f ro m t h e l i fe o f h o a t me n Th e .
f e at o f c l i m bin g t h e ma s t o f a n o p e n b o at und e r s a i l is fa r f ro m
e a sy a nd I hav e s e e n i t d o n e a s a f e at o f s t r e n gth a nd s k i ll
, .
T HE K NI G H T O F TH E R E D SHIELD . 45 7
s a id th e S o n o f t h e G r e e n S p r i n g by V al o ur a n d go t h e ,
fi rs t a nd t ry W h a t is t h e b e s t n e w s th a t th o u c a ns t b r i n g
to us .
”
T he Kni ght o f th e C a irn we n t a nd h e r e a c h e d t h e
fir e ; a nd h e t ri e d t o l e ap o v e r i t a nd d o w n h e we n t,
in t o i t t o h is k n e e s a nd h e t u r n e d b a ck a nd th e r e
, ,
w a s n o t a s l e nd e r h a ir o r s k i n b e tw e e n h i s k n e e s a n d h is
a n kl e s th a t w a s n o t in a cru mple d f o l d ab o u t t h e m o u t h
,
o f t h e sh o e s .
He s b a d h e s h a d
’ ’ ” s aid th e Kni ght o f the
, ,
S wo rd .
“ ”
L e t us se e i f th o u a r t b e tt e r th ys e lf s a id t h e S o n ,
o f t h e G r e e n S p rin g by V al o ur S h e w th a t th o u w i lt
.
h a v e t h e gr e a t e r h o n o ur go i n g o n o r e l s e w e w i ll h a v e
”
,
the mo r e s p o r t w i th th e e .
Th e Kni ght o f t h e S w o rd w e n t a nd h e r e a c h e d t h e ,
fir e 3 a nd h e t ri e d t o l e ap o v e r i t a n d d o wn h e w e n t ,
i n to i t t o t h e th ic k e n d o f t h e th i gh ; a nd h e t urn e d
b a c k a nd th e r e w a s n o s le nd e r h a i r o r s k in b e tw e e n the
,
th ic k e n d o f t h e th i gh a nd t h e a nkl e th a t w a s n o t i n a
crumpl e d f o l d ab o u t t h e m o u th o f t h e s h o e s .
”
\Ve ll s a id t h e S o n o f t h e G r e e n S p rin g by V a l o ur
, ,
n o w a rri o r w a s I l e a v in g t h e t o w n i n y o ur e s t e e m ;
“
,
a nd i f I h a d m y c h o ic e o f a r m s a nd a r m o u r o f a ll t h a t
th e r e a r e i n t h e g r e a t wo r l d i t we r e n o e ff o r t f o r m e t o
”
,
brin g n e w s f r o m t h e is l e .
“ ”
If w e h a d th a t th o u s ho u l ds t h a v e i t s a id t h e ,
Kni gh t o f t h e C a irn .
“
Kni ght o f t h e C a irn th in e o w n ar m s a n d a r m o ur
,
a r e t h e s e c o n d th a t I w o u l d r a the r b e m i n e (o f a ll )
i n t h e g r e a t W o r l d a lth o u gh th o u th ys e lf a r t n o t the
”
,
s e c o n d b e s t w a r r i o r in i t s aid t h e S o n o f t h e G r e e n
,
S p r i n g by V al o ur .
“
It is m y o w n a rm s a nd a r r ay th a t a r e e a si e s t t o
2 3O
45 8 WES T H IGH LAND TALE S .
et
” s a id the Kni gh t o f the C a irn a nd tho u s h a lt “
g , ,
h a v e th e m ; bu t I s h o ul d l i k e th a t tho u w o u l ds t b e so
g o o d a s to tell me wh a t oth e r a r m s o r a rr ay a r e b ette r
th a n m in e ” .
T he r e a r e t h e a r m s a nd a rr ay o f the G r e a t S o n of t h e
*
s o ns o f th e u ni v e rs e w h o s t ruc k t h e fi s t o n th y
”
,
f a the r s a id t h e S o n o f t h e G r ee n S p rin g by V a l o ur
,
.
Th e K n i ght o f the C a ir n p u t o ff h is a r m s a n d
a rr ay 3 a nd the S o n o f t h e G r e e n S p rin g by V a lo ur we n t
i n to h is a r m s a nd h is a rr ay .
He w e n t in t o h i s ha rn e ss o f b attl e a nd ha rd c o m b at ,
A s wa s a s h ir t o f s m o o th y e ll o w si lk a nd ga u z e s t r e t c h e d o n hi s
br e a s t
H i s c o at h is k ind l y c o at a b o v e t h e k ind l y c o v e rin g ;
, ,
Hi s b o ss c o v e r e d ; h ind e rin g s ha r p p o in t e d s h i e l d o n h is l e ft
-
ha nd ,
H is h e a d dre ss a h e lm o f ha rd c o m b at
-
,
To c o v e r h i s cr o w n a nd h is h e a d t o p ,
To g o in t h e f r o n t o f t h e f r a y a nd t h e f r a y l o n g la s t i n g
H is h e ro e s ha rd s la s h e r in h is ri ght ha nd ,
A s ha r p sur t y k ni fe agains t h is wa is t
e .
H e r a is e d h i m s e lf u p t o th e t o p of
s h o r e ; a nd th e
th e r e w a s n o t u r f h e w o u l d c a s t b e h ind h i s h e e l s th a t ,
wa s n o t a s d e e p a s a t ur f th a t t h e br e a d c o v e rin g t r e e i ‘
wo u l d c a s t wh e n d e e p e s t i t w o u l d b e plo u gh i n g H e .
r e a c h e d t h e circ l e o f fir e h e l e ap e d f r o m t h e p o i n t s o f
h is s p e a r t o t h e p o i n t s o f h is t o e s o v e r the fir e .
T h e n th e r e w a s t h e v e r y fi n e s t isl e th a t e ve r w a s
s e e n f r o m t h e b e ginnin g o f t h e uni v e rs e t o t h e e n d o f
et e rni ty ; h e w e n t u p a b o u t t h e is l a n d a nd h e s a w a ,
y e ll o w b ar e h i ll in t h e m ids t He r a is e d h i m s e lf u p
.
M H A CA I B H M H OI R M H A C H A I B H A N D OM H A I N wh o th i s p e r
s e n age may be I c a n n o t e v e n gu e ss
.
1 D A LLA CH R A N N A R AI N a pl o u gh
‘
.
,
TH E K N I GI I T o r TH E R E D SHIELD . 45 9
ag a i n s t t h e h i ll 3 th e r e w a s a t r e a su r e o f a w o m a n si t
t i n g o n t h e h i ll a n d a g r e a t y o u th w i th h i s h e a d o n
,
h e r k n e e a n d a sl e e p
,
He s p o k e t o h e r in ins t r uc t e d
.
,
e l o q u e n t t ru e w is e s o ft m a id e n w o r ds o f t r u e k n o w
, , ,
l e d g e S h e a ns w e r e d i n l i k e w o rds 3 a n d i f th e y w e r e
.
n o b e tte r th e y w e r e n o t a wh i t w o r s e f o r t h e t i m e
, ,
.
“
A m a n o f th y s e e m i n g i s a t r e a su r e fo r m e ; a nd
if I h a d a ri ght t o th e e th o u s h o u l ds t n o t l e av e t h e
”
,
is l a nd s a id t h e l i ttl e t r e a sur e
,
.
“
If a m a n o f m y s e e m in g w e r e a t r e a sur e f o r th e e ,
”
tho u wo u l ds t t e ll m e wh a t w e r e w ak i n g fo r th a t y o u th ,
s a id t h e S o n o f t h e G r e e n S p rin g by V al o ur
”
.
It is t o t a k e o ff the po in t o f h is l i ttle fi n g e r s aid ,
sh e .
H e l a id a h a nd o n t h e h ar p
s u r e ty k n i f e th a t w a s
s
a ga ins t h i s w a is t a nd h e t o o k t h e l i t t l e fi n g e r o ff h i m
,
f r o m t h e r o o t T h a t m a d e t h e y o u th n e i th e r s h rin k n o r
.
s t ir .
T e ll m e wh a t is w ak in g fo r t h e y o u th o r e l s e th e r e ,
a r e t w o o ff wh o m I w i ll t ak e th e h e a ds th ys e lf a n d t h e
”
,
y o u th s a id t h e S o n o f t h e G r e e n S p ri n g by V al o ur
,
.
”
W ak i n g f o r h i m s a id sh e is a th i n g th a t th o u
“
, ,
c a ns t n o t d o n o r a ny o n e w a rr i o r I n t h e g r e a t w o r l d bu t
, ,
th e w a r r i o r o f t h e r e d s h i e l d o f wh o m i t w a s i n t h e pr o
,
h e c i e s th a t h e s h o u l d c o m e t o th is is l a n d a n d s t ri k e
p ,
y o nd e r cr a g o f s t o n e o n th is m a n i n t h e r o c k o f h is
c h e s t 3 a nd h e is u n b apt i z e d t i ll h e d o e s t h a t .
He h e a rd th is th a t suc h w a s i n t h e p r o ph e cy f o r
h i m a nd h e unn a m e d
,
A fist u p o n m a n h o o d a fist
. ,
u p o n s t r e n g t h e n i n g a n d a fis t u p o n p o w e r w e n t i n t o
,
h i m He r a is e d t h e cr a g i n h i s t w o h a n d s a n d h e s t ruc k
.
,
i t o n t h e y o u th in t h e r o c k o f h i s c h e s t Th e o n e w h o .
w a s a s l e e p g a v e a s low s t a r e o f h i s t w o e y e s a nd he
l o o ke d a t h i m .
46 0 WES T H IGH LAN D TA L ES .
“
Ah a !s a id
” th e wa s a sl e e p
o ne wh o h a s t th o u ,
“
c ome w a r r i o r o f t h e R e d S h i el d It is th i s d ay th a t
.
”
,
th e n h a s t h e n a m e 3 th o u w i lt n o t s t a nd l o n g t o m e .
“
Tw o th ir d s o f th y f e a r b e o n th ys e lf a nd o n e o n
”
,
m e s a id t h e W a rri o r o f t h e R e d S h i e l d ; th o u w i lt “
”
,
n ot s t a nd l o n g t o m e .
’
I n e a c h o th e r s gr i p s th e y we n t a nd th e y w e r e h a rd
,
b el ab o uri n g e a c h o th e r t i ll t h e m o u th o f dus k a nd l a t e
n e ss w a s . Th e W a rri o r o f t h e R e d S h i e l d th o u ght th at
h e w a s f a r f r o m h is f r i e nds a n d n e a r h is f o e he g a ve
h i m th a t l i ttl e l i ght l i ft a nd h e s t ruc k h i m a ga ins t the
,
e a r th ; t h e th u m b o f h is f o o t g a v e a w a rnin g to t h e r o o t
o f h is e a r a n d h e s w e pt t h e h e a d o ff h i m
,
.
“
T h o u gh i t b e I w h o h a v e d o n e th is i t w a s n o t I
”
,
w h o p r o m is e d i t s a id h e
,
.
He t o o k t h e h a nd o ff h i m f r o m the s h o u l d e r a nd ,
h e t o ok th e h e a r t f r o m h is c h e s t a nd h e t o o k t h e h e a d
,
o ff t h e n e c k 3 h e p u t h is h a nd in th e d e a d wa rri o r s
’
p o uch a nd h e f o u n d th r e e t e e th o f a n o l d h o rs e in i t
, ,
’
a nd w i th t h e h ur r y t o o k th e m fo r t h e k in g s t e eth ,
a nd h e t o o k th e m w i th h i m a nd h e w e n t t o a t u ft o f
w o o d a nd h e ga the r e d a w i th y a nd he t i e d o n i t t h e
, ,
h a nd a nd t h e he a r t a nd t h e h e a d .
“
Wh e th e r w o u l ds t th o u r a th e r s t ay h e r e o n th is
”
is l a nd by th ys e lf o r go w i th me 2 s a id h e t o the l i ttle
‘
t r e a sur e .
“
I w o u l d r a th e r go w i th th e e th ys e lf th a n w i th all
”
,
t h e m e n o f e a r th s m o u l d t o g e th e r s a id t h e l i ttle
’
t r e a sur e .
He r a is e d h e r w i th h i m o n t h e s h o w e r t o p o f h i s
s h o u l d e rs a nd o n t h e burd e n (b e a ri n g) p a r t o f h is b a ck
, ,
a nd h e w e n t t o t h e fir e He s p r an g ov e r w i th t h e l i ttl e
.
t r e a sur e u po n h i m He s e e s t h e Kni ght of t h e C a i rn

.
TH E K N IGH T or TH E R E D SHIELD . 46 1
a nd th e Kni ght o f the S w o rd c o m i n g t o m e et h i m ;

r age a n d f ury in th e ir e y e s .
“ ”
Wh a t g r e a t wa r r i o r s a id th e y w a s th a t a ft e r “
, ,
th e e th e r e a nd r et urn e d wh e n h e s a w two h e r o e s l ik e
”
,
us 2
“ ’ ”
H e r e s fo r y o u s a id h e th is l i ttl e t r e a sur e o f a
“
, ,
wom a n a nd t h e th r e e t e e th o f y o ur f a the r ; a nd t h e
,
h e a d a nd h a nd a n d h e a r t o f t h e o n e w h o s t r uc k t h e fist
, ,
o n h im M a k e a l i ttl e s tay a nd I w i ll r e tu r n a nd I w i ll
.
”
,
n o t l e a v e a s h r e d o f a t a l e i n the is l a nd .
H e w e n t a w ay b a c k ; a nd a t t h e e n d o f a wh i le h e
c a s t a n e y e b e h ind h i m a n d h e s e e s th em a nd the
,
s p e c kle d b ar g e pl ay i n g h i m o c e a n h idi n g
!
.
“
D e a th w r a pp i n g s u po n y o urs elv e s ” s a id h e a “
,
t e mp e s t o f b l o o d a b o u t y o ur e y e s t h e gh o s t o f y o ur
,
h a n g in g b e u p o n y o u to l e a v e m e in a n is l a n d by my
s elf w i tho u t t h e s e e d o i A d a m in i t a n d th a t I s h o u l d
, ,
n o t k n o w th is ni ght W h a t I s h a ll d o
” .
He w e n t fo r w a rd ab o u t the is l an d a nd wa s s e e i n g ,
n e i the r h o us e n o r tow e r in a n
y pl a c e l o w o r h i gh At, .
l a s t h e sa w a n o l d c a s tle in t h e l o w e r gr o und o f th e
is l a nd a nd h e t o o k (h is w ay ) t o w a rds i t He sa w
,
.
th r e e y o u th s c om i n g h e av i l y w e ar i l y tir e d t o th e
, ,
c a s tl e H e s p o k e t o them in ins t ruc t e d el o q u e n t t ru e

.
, , ,
w is e w o rds o f t ru e w isd o m T he y s poke in r e t urn in

.
l i ke w o rds .
T he y c a m e in w o rds o f the o l d e n t i m e o n e a c h
othe r ; a nd W h o w e r e h e r e bu t h is th r e e t r u e f o s t e r
br o th e rs T h e y we n t in ri ght g o o d pl ea sur e o f m ind t o
.
the bi g tow n .
T h e y r a is e d u p m u si c a nd l a id d o w n wo e
T h e re w e re s o ft drun k e n dr a u ght s
A nd ha rs h s tamm e rin g drin k s
, ,
Tr an q ui l e a sy t o a s t s
,
B e twe e n h i m s e lf a nd h i s fo s t e r bre th r e n ,
M usic b e tw e e n fiddl e s w i th wh ic h w o u l d s l e e p
,
W o und e d m e n a nd t r ava i l in g w o m e n
W i th e rin g awa y f o r e v e r w i th t h e s o und o f th a t m usic
W h ic h wa s e v e r c o n t inuin g s w e e tl y that ni ght .
T h e y w e n t to l i e d ow n I n t h e mo rnin g o f th e
.
m o rr o w he a r o s e ri ght w e ll pl e a s e d a nd h e t o o k h is ,
me a t Wh a t s h o u l d h e h e a r bu t t h e G LI OGA R SA I CH
.
,
c l a s h in g of a r m s a nd m e n go in g i n to th e ir a rr ay Who .
we r e th e s e bu t h is f o s t e r br e th r e n .
“ ”
Wh e r e a r e y o u go in g 2 s ai d he t o th e m
’
.
W e a r e f r o m t h e e n d o f a d a y a nd a y e a r i n
”
th is is l a nd s aid the y h o l din g b a ttl e a ga ins t Ma c
“
, ,
D o r ch a M a c D o i l l e i r t h e S o n o f Dar k n e ss S o n o f D i m
,
n e ss a n d a h und r e d o f h i s p e o pl e : a nd eve ry o n e we
,
k i ll to — d ay th e y w i ll b e a l i v e to mo rr o w S pell s a r e o n
-
.
us th a t we m ay n ot le a ve th is f o r ev e r un ti l we k i l l
them ”
.
“
I w i ll go w i th y o u th is d a y 3 y o u w i ll b e t h e b ette r
”
f o r m e s a id h e .
”
,
“
S pell s a r e o n us s a id the y th a t n o m a n m ay go “
”
, ,
w i th us un le ss h e go e s th e r e a l o n e .
“
S t ay y o u w i th in th is d ay a nd I w i ll go the r e by
”
,
m ys e lf s aid b e
,
.
He w e n t a w ay a nd he h i t u po n the peopl e o f the So n

,
o f Da r k n e ss S o n o f D i m n e ss a nd h e did n o t l e a ve a
,
he a d o n a t run k o f th e irs .
He h i t u po n M a cD o r c h a M a cD o il l e i r h i m s el f a nd ,
M a cD o r ch a M a cD o i l l e i r s a id to h i m
”
,
A r t th o u h e r e W a r r i o r o f the Re d S h i el d 2
”
,
“
I a m s a id t h e W a rri o r o f t h e Re d S h i e l d .
”
,
“
W e ll th e n s a id M a cD o r ch a M a cD o i l l e i r th o u
”
, ,
w i lt n o t s t a nd lo n g fo r m e .
’
I n e a c h o th e r s gr i p s the y we n t a n d w e r e h a rd h e ,
l ab o uri n g e a c h o th e r t i ll t h e m o u th o f dus k a n d l a t e
n e ss w a s At l a s t t h e Kni ght o f t h e R e d S h i e l d ga v e
.
th a t c h e e ry l i ttle l i ght l i ft t o t h e S o n o f Da r k n e ss S o n
o f D i m n e ss a nd h e p u t h i m u n d e r a n d h e c a s t t h e
, ,
h e a d o ff h i m .
N o w th e r e w a s M a cD o r ch a M a c D o i l l e i r d e ad a nd h is ,
th ir t e e n s o ns 3 a nd t h e b a ttle o f a h u n d r e d o n t h e h a n d
o f e a c h o n e o f them .
T he n h e w a s s p o i lt a nd to rn so m uc h th a t h e c o u l d
n o t l e a v e t h e b a ttl e fie l d ; a nd h e di d bu t l e t h i m s e lf
-
d o w n l a id a m o n g s t t h e d e a d t h e l e n gth o f t he d ay
, .
T he r e wa s a gr e a t s t r a nd und e r h i m d o w n b e l o w a n d
wh a t s ho u l d h e he a r bu t t he s e a c o m in g a s a b l a z in g
br a nd o f fir e a s a d e s t r o yi n g s e r pe n t a s a b ell o w i n g
, ,
bu ll ; he lo o ke d f r om h i m a nd wh a t sa w b e c o m i n g
,
o n s ho r e o n t h e m ids t o f the s t r a nd bu t a g r e a t t o o th y ,
c a r l in wh o s e l i k e w a s n e v e r s e e n
,
Th e r e w a s t h e.
t e e t h th a t w a s l o n g e r th a n a s t a ff in h e r fis t a n d t h e ,
o n e th a t w a s s h o r t e r th a n a s t o c k in g w ir e in h e r l a p .
S h e c am e u p to t h e b a ttl e fie l d a nd th e r e w e r e t w o
-
b etwe e n he r a nd h i m S he p u t h e r fi n g e r in th e ir
.
m o u th s a n d sh e br o u ght th e m al i v e 3 a nd th e y r o s e
,
u p wh o l e a s b e s t th e y eve r w e r e Sh e r e a ch e d h im
.
a nd sh e p u t he r fi n g e r in h i s m o u th a nd h e sn app e d ,
i t o ff he r f r om the j o in t S he s t ruc k h i m a b low o f

.
the po in t o f h er f o o t a nd sh e c a s t h i m ove r s e ve n
,
rid ge s
”
.
“
T ho u p e r t l i ttle w r e t c h s a id sh e th o u a r t t h e “
”
, ,
l a s t I w i ll n e x t l i v e in t h e b a ttl e fi e l d
-
.
T h e c a r l in w e n t o ve r a n o th e r a nd h e w a s a b o v e h e r
,
h e did n ot k n ow how h e s h o ul d p u t a n e n d t o t h e
ATH B H E OT H A I CH E A S th e re i s n o suc h v e rb in En gl is h bu t
,
to n e xt ~ l i v e e x p re ss e s t h e m e a nin g .
c a r l i n he th o u ght o f th r ow i n g the s h o r t s pe a r th a t h e r
s o n h a d a t h e r a nd i f t h e h e a d s ho u l d f all o ff h e r th a t
,
w a s w e ll H e th r e w the s p e a r a nd he dr ove t h e h e a d
.
,
o ff t h e c a r l i n T he n h e w a s s t r e t c h e d o n the b a ttl e
.
fiel d b lo o d a nd sin e w s a nd fle s h in p a in bu t th a t h e h a d
, ,
wh o l e b o n e s Wh a t s h o u l d he se e b n t a m us i c a l h a r p er
.
ab o u t t h e fi e l d .
“
Wh a t a r t tho u s e e k in g Z s a id h e t o the h a r p e r
”
.
“
I a m sur e tho u a r t w e ari e d s a id t h e h a rpe r ,
“
c o m e u p a nd se t th y h e a d o n th i s l i ttle h i llo c k a nd
sl e ep .
”
H e we n t u p a nd h e l a id d ow n h e dr ew a sn o r e p r e ,
te ndin g th a t h e w a s a s leep a nd o n h is s ole s h e w a s ,
br i s k s w i ft a nd a c t i ve .
”
, ,
“
T h o u a r t dr e a m in g s a id t h e h a rp e r .
”
,
I am s aid h e
,
.
“
Wh a t s a w e s t tho u C l s a id the h a r pe r .
“ ”
A m us i c al h a r pe r h e s a id dr a w in g a rus ty o l d “
”
, ,
s wo rd t o t ak e o ff m y he a d .
T he n h e s e i ze d t h e h ar p e r a nd h e dr o ve the br ain in
,
fie ry s h i v e rs th r o u gh t h e b a c k o f h is h e a d .
T he n h e w a s und e r s p e ll s th a t h e s h o u l d n o t k i ll a
‘
m usic a l h a r p e r f o r e v e r bu t w i th h is o w n h ar p
, .
T he n h e he a rd w e e p in g ab o u t th e fiel d W ho is .
“
th a t Z s a i d h e .
He r e a re th y th r e e t ru e f o s t e r br oth e rs s e ek in g
”
,
th e e f r om pl a c e t o pl a c e t o d ay s a id they -
”
.
,
I a m s t r e t c he d he r e s a i d h e b loo d a nd sin ew s “
”
, , ,
a nd b o n e s in t o r t ur e .
I f w e h a d t h e l i ttl e ve ss el o f b a l s a m th a t th e g r e a t
c a r l i n h a s th e moth e r o f M a cD o r ch a M a cD o il l e i r we
”
, ,
wo u l d n ot b e lo n g in he al in g the e s a id the y .
”
,
Sh e is d e a d h e rs e lf u p th e r e s a id he a nd s h e h a s “
”
, ,
n o th i n g th a t y e m ay n o t get .
T II E K N I G H T or TH E R E D SHIELD . 465
“
IV e
ar e o u t ”
of he r s p e ll s f o r e v e r s a id th ey , .
Th e y br o u ght d o w n t h e l i ttl e v e ss e l o f b al s a m a nd ,
the y w a s he d a nd b a the d h i m w i th t h e th in g th a t w a s in
t h e v e ss e l ; th e n h e a r o s e u p a s W h o l e a nd h e a l t h y a s
h e ev e r w a s He w e n t h o m e w i th them a nd the y p a ss e d
.
,
t h e ni ght i n g r e a t pl e a sur e .
T h e y w e n t o u t t h e n e x t d ay i n g r e a t pl e a sur e
t o pl a y a t s h in ty H e W e n t ag ains t t h e th r e e a n d h e
.
,
wo u l d d r i v e a h a lf h a i l d o w n a nd a h a lf h a i l u p i n , ,
a ga ins t th e m .
T h e y p e rc e i ve d t h e G r e a t S o n o f t h e S o n s o f t h e
Wo r l d c o m in g t o the tow n 3 th a t w a s th e ir t ru e f o s t e r
*
br oth e r a l s o T h ey W e n t o u t wh e r e h e w a s a nd th e y
.
,
s a id t o h i m
M a n o f m y love a v o id us a nd t h e t o w n t h is d ay ” .
”
,
Wh a t is t h e c a us e 2 s a id he
“
.
Th e K n i ght o f t h e R e d S h i e l d is w i th in a nd i t is
“
,
”
tho u h e is s e e k in g s a id th e y .
,
“
Go y o u h o m e a nd sa y t o ih i m t o go aw ay a nd t o
”
,
fl e e o r e l s e th a t I w i ll t ak e t h e h e a d off h i m s a id t h e
, ,
G r e a t S o n o f t h e S o ns o f t h e U n i v e rs e .
T h o u gh th is wa s in s e cr e t t h e Kni ght o f t h e Re d
S h i el d p e rc e i v e d i t a nd h e w e n t o u t o n t h e o th e r
sid e o f t h e h o us e a nd h e s t ruc k a s h i el d b low a n d a
, ,
fight k ind l i n g .
Th e g r e a t w a rri o r we n t o u t a fte r h i m a nd the y b ega n ,
a t e a c h o th e r .
T h e r e wa s n o t ri ck that i s d o n e by s h i e l d ma n or s k i ff ma n ,
O w i th c h e at e r s dic e b o x
’
r ,
Or w i th o r ga n o f t h m o n k s e ,
T hat t h e h e ro e s c o u l d o t d o n
DE A R B H C H OM H A L TA ; th is m us t m e a n s o m e th in g b e sid e s
t ru e f o ster br o t h e r .
4 66 WES T HIGH LAND T AL ES .
A s wa s t h e t ric k o f C LE I TE A M t ric k o f OI G E A M, ,
*
Th e appl e o f t h e j u ggl e r th r o w in g i t a nd c at c h in g i t
I n t o e a c h o th e r s lap s
’
F ri gh tfu ll y f uri o usl y

, ,
B l o o di l y g ro a nin g h ur tf u ll y
, , .
M ind s d e sir e u mp ir e s c h o ic e
’ ’
T h e y w o u l d dri v e th re e e d s pa r k s o f fir e f ro m th e ir a r m o ur
r ,
D ri v in g f ro m t h e s h i e l d wall a nd fl e s h ,
Of th e ir br e a s t s a nd t e nd e r b o di e s ,
A s th e y ha rd l y b e la b o ure d e a c h o th e r .
Ar t tho u n o t si ll y W a rri o r o f t h e R e d S h i e l d wh e n
“
”
, ,
th o u a r t h o l di n g w r e s tl in g a nd h a d b a ttl e aga ins t me ?

s a id M a ca b h M h a ca ib h a n D o mh a in
!”
.
Ho w is th is C s a id t h e h e r o o f the R e d S h i e l d .
It is th a t the r e is n o w a rri o r in t h e g r e a t wo r l d
“
,
th a t w i ll k i ll me t i ll I a m s tr uc k ab o ve t h e c o ve rin g o f
t h e t r e ws
” s a id M a ca b h M o n i
,
T he v ic to ry b l e ssin g o f th a t b e th in e t e ll in g i t to
!
,
me If tho u h a ds t tol d m e th a t a l o n g t i m e a go i t is
”
,
lo n g sinc e I h a d s wept t h e h e a d o ff thee s a id the Wa r ,
ri o r o f t h e R e d S h i el d .
’
T he r e i s in th a t mo r e th a n tho u c a ns t d o ; th e k in g s
“
th r ee te e th a r e in m y po uc h a nd t ry i f i t b e th a t tho u
”
,
w i ll t ake th e m o u t s a id M a ca b h M o r
,
.
W h e n the W a rri o r o f th e Re d S h i el d h e a rd whe r e

t h e d e a th o f M a ca b h Mo r w a s he h a d t w o b l o w s g i ve n ,
fo r t h e b low t w o th rus t s fo r t h e th rus t t w o s t abs f o r

, ,
t h e s t a b 3 a nd t h e th ird w a s in t o t h e e a r th t i ll h e h a d ,
du g a h o l e ; th e n h e s p run g b a c k w a rds T he g r e a t .
w a rri o r s p run g t o w a rds h i m a nd h e did n o t n o t ic e the

,
T h e s e ma y m e a n t h e p e n t ric k —t h e t ric k o f w ri t in g bu t I
a m n o t c e r ta in .
1 F r o m wh ic h i t app e a rs that h e w a s t o o tall t o b r e a c h e d by

‘
e
t h e o th e r .
TH E K NI G H T or T I IE R E D SHIELD . 46 7
hol e a nd he w e n t d o w n in t o i t t o the c o v e r in g o f t h e
,
t r e w s T h e n h e r e a c h e d h i m a nd h e c a s t o ff h is h e a d
.
, .
He p u t h i s h a nd in h i s p o uc h a nd h e f o u n d t h e k i n g s
,
’
th r e e t e e th in i t a nd h e t o o k th e m w i th h i m a nd h e
,
r e a c h e d t h e c a s tl e .
“ ”
M ak e a w a y fo r m e fo r l e a v in g th is is l a n d s a id he
”
,
to h i s f o s t e r b r e th r e n as s o o n as y o u ca n
“
”
, .
W e h a v e n o w a y s aid the y , by wh ic h th o u c a n s t
,
“
le a ve i t ; bu t s t ay w i th us f o r e v e r a nd th o u s h a lt n o t
”
,
w a n t fo r me a t o r d r i n k .
“
Th e m a tt e r s h a ll n o t b e s o 3 bu t un l e ss y o u m ak e a
w ay fo r l e ttin g m e go I w i ll t a k e t h e h e a ds a n d n e ck s
”
,
ou t of y ou s a id he
,
.
“
A c o r a c l e th a t th y fo s t e r m o th e r a nd th y f o s t e r
f a th e r h a d is h e r e ; a nd w e w i ll s e nd i t w i th t h e e t i ll
,
t h e n go e s t o n s h o r e in E i r i n n T h e sid e th a t th o u
.
s ette s t h e r p r o w sh e w i ll
g o w i th t h e e a nd s h e w i ll ,
r et u r n b a c k ag a in by h e rs e lf 3 h e r e a r e th r e e p i g e o n s
f o r th e e a nd th e y w i ll k e e p c o mp a ny w i th th e e o n t h e
”
,
wa y ,
s a id h is f o s t e r br o th e rs t o h i m .
H e s e t t h e c o r a c l e o u t a n d h e sa t i n h e r a n d h e
, ,
m a d e n o s t o p n o s t ay t i ll h e w e n t o n s h o r e i n B i r i n u
, , .
He t urn e d h e r p r o w o u tw a r ds ; a nd i f sh e w a s s w i ft
c o m in g sh e wa s s w i ft e r r e t urni n g
,
He l e t aw ay t h e
.
t h r ee p i g eo ns a s h e left the s t r a n ge c o un t ry 3 a n d h e
,
w a s s o rry th at h e h a d l e d them a way so b e a u t i f u l w a s

”
,
t h e m usic th a t th e y h a d .
’
T h e r e w a s a g r e a t ri v e r b e twee n h i m a n d t h e k i n g s
h o us e . Wh e n h e r e a c h e d t h e ri v e r h e sa w a h o a r y ,
m a n c o m i n g w i th a ll h is m i ght a nd s h o u t i n g ,
Oh ,
“
,
g e n tlem a n s t ay y o nd e r u n t i l I t a k e y o u o v e r o n m y
”
,
b a ck i n c a s e y o u s h o u l d w e t y o urs e lf
,
.
I n a n o th e r v e rsi o n p i g e o ns w e r e h is fo s t e r bro th e rs t ra ns
f o rm e d .
4 68 WES T H IGHLAND T A LES .
Po o r m a n i t s eem s a s i f tho u we r t a po r t e r o n th e
”
,
ri ve r s a id h e
,
.
“
It is s ai d the ho a ry o l d m a n .
“ ”
A nd wh a t se t th e e the r e 3 s a i d h e '
.
“ ”
I wi ll tell y o u th a t s a id t h e ho ary ol d m a n 3 a “
,
bi g w a rri o r s t ruc k a fi s t o n t h e Kin g o f Ei r i n n a nd he ,
dr ov e o u t th r e e o f h is t e eth a nd h is t w o s o ns we n t to
,
t ak e o u t ve n ge a nc e 3 th e r e w e n t w i th th e m a fo o l is h
l i ttle y o un g b oy th a t w a s so n t o m e ; a nd wh e n th e y
w e n t t o m a n ho o d h e w e n t t o f a in t n e ss
,
It w a s bu t .
s o rry ve n ge a nc e f o r them to se t me a s po r t e r o n t h e
ri v e r fo r i t
.
”
“ ”
P o o r m a n s a id h e th a t is n o r e p r o a c h 3 b ef o r e I
“
”
, ,
le a ve t h e t o w n th o u w i lt b e well .
He s e i z e d h i m a nd h e l i ft e d h i m w i th h i m : a nd h e
,
’
s e t h i m si tt in g in t h e c h a ir a g a ins t t h e k in g s s h o u l d e r .
“
T ho u a r t bu t a s a ucy m a n th a t c a me t o t h e tow n
’
th o u h a s t se t th a t o l d ea r l si tt in g a t m y f a th e r s s ho u l
d e r ; a nd t h o u s h al t n o t g e t i t w i th th e e
” s a id the ,
K n i ght o f t h e Ca i r n a s h e r o s e a nd s e i z e d h i m
,
.
’
“
B y m y h a nd a nd by m y two h a nds r e d e mpt i o n i t
, ,
we r e a s w e ll fo r the e t o s e i z e C n o c L e o t h a i d a s t o s e i ze
me
” s a id t h e W a rri o r o f t h e R e d S h i e l d t o h i m a s h e
, ,
th r e w h im d o w n a g a ins t t h e e a r th .
H e l a id o n h i m t h e bindi n g o f t h e th r e e s m all s ,
s t r a i tl y a nd p a in f u ll y He s t ruc k h i m a b l o w o f the
.
p o in t o f h is f o o t a nd h e c a s t h i m ov e r t h e s e v e n h i gh e s t
,
s p a rs th a t w e r e in the c o ur t und e r t h e dri pp in g s o f t h e

,
l a mp s a n d und e r t h e f e e t o f th e bi g d o g s 3 a nd h e did
,
t h e v e ry s a m e t o t h e Kni ght o f t h e S w o rd ; a nd the

l i ttle t r e a sur e ga v e a l a u gh .
“ ”
D e a th wr app in g s b e u p o n th ys el f i s a id th e k in g
t o h er
’
. T h o u a r t f r om a y e a r s e n d m e a t c o mp a ni o n ,
a n d drin k c o mp a ni o n f o r me a nd I n ev e r s a w s m i l e o r
,
TH E K NIGH T or TH E R E D SHIELD . 469
l a u gh b e i n g m a d e by the e un t i l m y two s o ns a r e b e in g
”
,
dis gr a c e d .
”
Oh k in g s a id sh e I h a v e k n owl e d ge o f m y o w n
“
”
, , ,
r easo n .
\Vh a t o h k in g is the scr e e c h i n g a nd scr e am in g

, ,
th a t I a m h e a r in g sinc e I c ame t o t h e t o w n I never

o t t i m e t a sk t i ll n o w
” s a id t h e h e r o o f the R e d
g o ,
S h i el d .
’
“
My s o ns ha v e th r e e h o rs e s t e eth d r i v i n g th e m in t o ,
m y h e a d si n c e the b e gi nnin g o f a y e a r w i th a h a mm e r
, , ,
u n t i l m y h e a d h a s g o n e th r o u gh o th e r w i th h e a r t br e a k
”
a nd t o r m e n t a nd p a in s a id t h e k i n g .
, ,
Wh a t w o u l ds t th o u g i v e to a m a n th a t wo u l d p u t
th y o w n t e e th i n t o th y h e a d w i th o u t h ur t w i th o u t
”
, ,
p ai n s a id h e
, .
H alf m y s t a t e s o l o n g a s I m a y b e al i v e a nd m y ,
”
s t at e a lt o g e the r wh e n I m ay go s a id t h e k i n g .
,
He a s k e d f o r a c a n o f w a t e r a n d h e p u t the te e th ,
in t o t h e w a te r
”
.
“
D ri n k a dr a ught s a id h e t o t h e k i n g
,
.
Th e k i n g dr a n k a dr a u ght a nd h is o w n t e e th w e n t ,
in to h is h e ad fi r ml y a nd s t r o n gl y q ui t e a s w e ll a s th e y
, ,
ev e r w e r e a nd e v e ry o n e i n h e r o w n pl a c e
!
.
”
,
“
Ah a s a id t h e k in g I a m a t r e s t It is t h e n
,
“
.
th a t dids t t h e v a l i a n t d e e ds 3 a nd i t w a s n o t m y se t o f
s on s
”
It i s h e s a id t h e l i ttl e t r e a sur e t o t h e k in g th a t
, ,
c o u l d d o t h e v al i a n t d e e ds ; a n d i t w a s n o t th y se t o f
s h a m b l i n g s o n s th a t w o u l d b e s t r e t c h e d a s s e a we e d
”
,
s e e k e rs w h e n he w a s go n e t o h e r o is m
”
.
“
I W i ll n o t e a t m e a t a nd I w i ll n o t drink dr a u gh t
, ,
s a id t h e k in g un t i l I s e e m y t w o s o ns b e i n g burn t t o
,
“
m o r r o w I w i ll s e nd s om e t o se ek fa gg o t s of g r ey o a k
.
f o r burnin g th e m
” .
O n t h e m o rni n g o f t h e m o rr o w w h o w a s e a r l i e s t o n ,
h is k n e e a t t h e t h e k in g s b e d bu t th e W a rri o r o f t h e
’
Re d S h i e l d .
“
R is e f r om th a t wa rri o r 3 wh a t sin gl e th in g
”
,
m i ght e s t th ou b e a s k in g th a t th o u s ho u l ds t n ot ge t ,
s a id t h e k in g .
“
Th e th i n g I a m a s k in g is th a t th y t w o s o n s ,
s ho u l d b e l e t go 3 I c a nn o t b e in a ny o n e pl a c e W h e r e
”
I m ay se e th e m s po i l e d s a id h e It w e r e b ett e r .
“
,
t o d o bird a nd f e e l c l i pp in g to th e m a nd t o l e t them ,
g
Th e k in g w a s pl e a s e d to d o th a t B ird a nd f e e l .
c l i pp i n g w a s d o n e t o th e m T h e y we r e p u t o u t o f .
th e ir pl a c e a nd d o g s a nd bi g t o w n v agab o nds afte r

,
th e m .
Th e l i ttl e t r e a sur e a nd t h e W a rri o r o f the Re d

S h i el d m a rri e d a nd a gr ee d
,
A g r e a t w e ddin g w a s .
m a d e th a t l a s te d a d a y a n d a y e a r 3 a nd the l a s t d ay o f
,
i t w a s a s go o d a s t h e fi rs t d a y .
R I D I RE NA SGI A THA D EI R GE .
BHA a nn r o i m h e s e o Ri gh Eir e ann s d h fh o l b h e f h é in s a ’ ’

,
’
.
s h l u a g h ag us a l a o c h r a i d h s a m h a it h e a n s a m h or u a i sl e a n d o
’ ’
, ,
h i t h i n n ag us sh e il g Sh u idh a d a ir cn o c a n d ath n a in e
’
n b h e in n s .
-
d a i t e fa r a n ei r e a d h gr i a n gu m o c h ag us a n l a i dh e a dh i g u h
,
a n m o eh T h u i r t am fe a r a bu l u a i t h e b e u l n a c h ei l e
’
. .
Co n e is a nn a n c e i t h i r r a nn a r u a t h a n d o mha in a i g am
’
, ,
bi o d h a c h r i dh e t a r ag u s t a i l c e a s a d h ea n a d h a i r Ri gh Eir e a nn
, ,
s e am m e a dh o n s l ei gh ag us l a o c h r a i d h m or u a i sl e a n a s m a i t h e a n
’ ’
”
,
a r i o gh a c h d f h é i n .
”
N a c h a m a id e a c h s ib h a rs a n ri gh dh fh a o d a d h e t igh in n
’ ’
, ,
f e a r a d h e a a dh t air ag us t a i l c e a s a r m s a s n a c h b u r ra i n n si b h
n
’ ' ’
a n r i o b a b u m h e a sa n a f h e u sa i g a t h o i r t a i s d e
’ ’ ” .
S a nn ma r s e e a b ha Ch u n n a i c a d d u b h r a dh f r o is a t i gh in n
’ ’ ’
.
R I D I R E NA SGI A THA D E I R G E . 47 1
b ho
’
n a ird a n i a r ,
’
s a ’
t r i a l l do
’
n a ird a n e ar , —s ’
m a r c a ic h e
f a l a i r e d u i gh e t igh i n n gu
’
su n n da c h n a d é ig h
’
.
Ma r a bu c h u r a i d h a ir t ir n a sl é ib h t e ,
Ma r r e u l a ir n a r i o n a ga n n ,
Ma r m h u i m o a ir l o d a n n a r r n ,
Ma r gh u a l gu ib h n e go b h a
Ga b h at h a d h a i g t a o b h n a h a b ha nn
’
-
S a nn ma r s c a n a dh a m h a i r e e a d h fi r ag us m n a t h a n a n
’ ’
d o mha in l am h r i s ,
A n d e a l b h s a n d r e a c h sa n cru th ag us a n a o ga s
,
’
, , .
L a b h a i r e d h a ib h a n s e an a nn am b i a t h r a fio sn e a c h a f o is
, ,
r ,
u c a c ha f l o r gh l i c fio r e ol a i s 3 8 ma r o b h t u il l id h
,
-
,
-
a ch a i s
’ ’
n se an
e a t o rr a c h u i e t h a i r i s a n d o rn ri gh e a d r am b e u l ’
s b h u a il e
’
r ,
n a
s a n t sr on s e h u i r e t ri fia c l a s c h e ap e n a d h o rn a d
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
-
as 3 n , ,
c h n i r e n a ph oc a d
’ ’ ’
s d h fh a l b h e .
”
,
N a c h d t h u b h a i r t m i r u i b h u r s a n ri gh g u m f a o d a dh e
’
, ,
’
,
t i gh i n n f e a r a dh e a n a d h t a ir ag u s t a il c e a s o r m sa s n ac h b
’ ’
”
,
u r r a i n n sib b a n r i o b a b u m h e a s a n a f h e u s a ig a t h o i r t a i s d e
’ ’
.
B h oidi c h a n s e e a m h a c m o r r i d i a c h ui n n a c h i t h e a dh e ’ ’
,
r r ,
b i a d h a s n a c h ol a dh e d e o c h a s n a c h é i s d e a dh e c e ol g n s a n
’ ’
, , ,
d t h u ga dh e b h a r a gh a i sgi c h a b h u a il a n d o rn a ir a n ri gh a n
’ ‘ ’
,
c e a nn a d h e a l b h a d h ea a d h n .
”
Mata o rs a r id i r a c h l a id h i m h a n t a o c i a dh a d h o m h’ ’
-
n n
, ,
gn s a n ( 1 t h e i r m i n l a m b a b h u a il a n d o rn a i r a n ri gh o n
'
’ ’
s a
”
,
gh n l a i n n d e th
a .
B ha a o n fh e a r l e o a n s e an s a c h i d e c h d (1 am b a iu m M a e ’ ’
u a
’ ’
”
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a n E a i c h u a i e ri G a i sg e A n t a o n c i a d h n a d o m h s a a r s
arr n ,
“ -
,
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e s an g us a n (1 t h e i r m i a s a gh a i sge a h a b h u i l a n d o rn a ir
“ ’ ’
c a
”
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a n ri gh a n c r i d h e s m a o i n t i c h a ir a d h ea n a d h
’
.
”
,
T h us a b h e a t h a i c h m h o s a i e h o rs a Ridire Ch ui r n
’
dé , ,
b h e i r t h u s a l e i n n ? N ur a r a c h m a id n e a ir t h p d h r c h dh
’
a a a ,
a a
t u s a ir m h i t h a pa d h G e o b h a d h t u b as am m ei t i h b h u ig n a
’ ’
. n c ,
1 s g i l p e c h r a g n a n t l m h t o ll n a id h n a n
’
gat h ga
’ ’ ’
1 e e a a 11 s rr a ,
,
”
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a i t e i gi
-
n.
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r
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B i o d h S in s a o gh a i n d a a c h f a l b h a id h m i o rs a Ma c a n n ,
E a r r a i c h u a i e ri Ga i sg e n .
D h fh a l b h d a m h a a n r l gh
’
S u ll g u n du g Ridir e a C h ui r n
c .
’
a s a d h eigh a s f i c e a r Ma c a n E a r r a i c h n a in e ri Ga isg ga n l e a n
a e
'
t uinu .
472 WES T HIGHLAND T ALES .
Gu dé
”o rs a Ridir e
-
Ch u i rn ri Ridire Ch l a idh i m h
’
a ui ’
”
, ,
si n n r i s .
”
N i o rs a Ridire C h l a idh im h a n c e ann a sga t h a dh dh e t h
’ ”
”
.
, ,
Mata o rs a Ridir e C h ni r n c ha d ea n sinn s e a n a c h t h a

’
,
”
,
c a rragh m or c l o i c h e sh u a s a n se o ag us e e a n h l a i d h sinn ris e g .
T ha m i s e a n fh é i a
t o il e a c h o s am f e a r e i l e n d h e an a dh ,
"
r
’
.
C h e a gh a il a d r i s a c h a ra g h c h l o i c h e a n l o s f h aga i l gn s am
’ ’
n r ,
b as a i c h e a d h e s gh a b h a d a ir f a l b h Sii i l g un d th u g Ridir e
’ ’
.
,
C h ui r n a r i t h i s d a s a d h ei gh s f a i c e a r a t igh i n n e s a n c a rr agh
’ ’ ’ ’
, ,
a ir a m h u in .
N a c h fh a i e th u n e is am fe a r s e a n a t i gh i n n a r it h i s d s a n ’ ’
”
, , ,
c arr agh a ir a m h i n o rs a Ridir e C h ui rn ri Ridir e C h l a idh i mh

u ,
’
.
D é u i sin ris
’ ?
T ha n c e a nn a sg t h a dh d t s g un a l e ge i l n a s fh a id e
’
a h e h i ” ’ ’
,
o rs a Ridir e C h l a idh i m h
’
.
”
C ha d e an sinn s e a n o rs a Ridir e C h ui r n a c h t il l id h sinn ’
, ,
ag us f u a sgl a i d h sinn a n c a rr agh d h e t h I s su ar r a ch (1 a r l e i t h i d n e .

’
d o d ha l a n gh a i sg e a c h ga d a b h i o d h e l e i n ; n i e f e a r g h l a n a d h
-
n
s gi a t h n a sh e ide a e h t h u l a c h n a rud e igi ” r -

n.
, ,
D h f h u a s g il a d e ag us l e i g a d l e o e Gh a b h a d a s i o s a n se o
’
a .
th un a c h l a d a i c h Fh u a i r a d a n s e a n a n l o n g ris a n a b r a dh a d
’
.
,
a n I u b h r a ch b h a l l a c h .
C h u ir a d a ma c h i s th u g a d a t o is e a c h do mh u ir s a d e i r e a d h
,
’
,
’
d o th i r .
T h o g a d n a s i u il b h r e a c a b h a i de a l a c h a b h ar r q ui sgte , , ,
A n a o d a n n n a n cr a nn fa d a f u l a n a c h fiugh a i dh ,
n , .
B ha s o i r b h e s b e ag l a gh a c h a c a ma r a t h a gh a dh a d fh é
a ,
’
B h e i r e a d h f ra gh a c h
’
a b e i n d u il l e a ch a c o i ll s e il e a eh a a n , ,
f h r e u m h a i c h an .
C h u ir e a d h
’
t u tha n a n t a i gh e a n a nn a n c l a ise a n n a n i o mai r e an ,
A n l a t h a n a c h d e a n a d h am ma c n a t a t h a i r e ’
n -
.
C ha bu b h e ag s c ha bu mh o r le es a u s e a n fh é
’ ’
A c h ga c a i t h e a d h s ga gh a b h a il ma r a t h ige a dh e
’
,
’ ’
.
A n f h a i r ge f u l p a n a i c h s a f l p an a i c h
’ ’ ’
a
A n l a r d e a rg s a n l e a r n ai n e l a c h a n n a i ch
e
’ ’
,
S a b u a l a dh thall s a b h o s m a b or d a ib h
’ ’ ’
.
A n fh a o c h a g c h r o m c h i a r a b ha sh i o s a n gr u n n d a n a i ge i n ,
Fr a gh a c h , s am e a s f r a o e h h e ath e r , .
R I D I R E NA S G I A THA D E I R G E . 47 3
Bh e i r e a dhi sn ag a ir a b e u l m or ag us c n a g a ir a -
h u r la r
-
.
G h e a r a d h i c u in n l e i n c a o l c o i r c e 1e f h e o b h a s
r s a dh
’ ’
fh a l b
h a dh i .
T h u g a d t ri latha n ga c a i t h e a dh m a r s e an ’
.
”
T ha m i fh é i n a fas sgi th d h e t h s e o o rs a Ridir e C h ui n ri
’
r
,
Ridire Ch l a i d h i m h ; bu m h i t h i dh l e am sge u l fh a o t a i n n a s a
“ ’
c h r an n .
”
’
S t n fh éi n a ’
s a Ridir e C h u i n ag us
m or i o n m h mu n e a c h
-
ar m, r ,
l e i g fh a i c in n g u m bi s p eis aga d a d h o l su a s ; ag us ma r a n d
’ ’
t h é i d th u su a s bid h am b a r r a c h d s po r s a ga i n n o r t
”o rs a Ma c a n ‘
E a r r a i c h u a i n e ri G a i s ge S u a s a gh a b h Ridir e C h ui rn l e r o id
. ,
s th ui t e nu a s n a gh l a g p a i se a a i dh a ir c l a r u a c h ra c h n a l u i n g e
’ ’
n -
.
S d o n a fh u a ra s t u
’ ” o rs a Ridir e C h l a idh i mh
’
.
,
Fa i c e a m a n t u f h é i i s f ea r ; 8 ma s t u S f e a rr l e i ge a r
’ ’ ’ ’ ‘
n r
f h a i c i n n g u m bi b a r r a c h d t o i l aga d d o l a ir t a gh a id h a ir n e o
’
-
,
”
bid h a m b a r ra c h d s por s a ga i n n o r t o rs a Ma c a n E a r r a i c h u a i n e ,
ri Ga i sge .
S u a s a gh a b h Ridir e C h l i dh i mh s ma n d r ain i g e a c h l e i th ’
a ,
’ ’ ’
c h o i n t h oi s i c h e a ir s i a m h a il s a ir s r e a d a i l s c ha b
’ ’ ’ ’
a r n
g g ,
u r a i n n e d o l a su a s n a t i gh i n n a nu a s
r .
Rinn th u ma r a d h i a r r a dh o r t s l e i g th u f h a i c i n g un
“ ’
,
’
n
r o b h am b a r r a c h d s p e is aga d a d h o l su a s s a n e is c ha d t h e id
’ ’
t h sa s u a s s c ha m h o t h a th i g th u nu a s I C ha gh a i sg e a c h m is e
’ ’
u , ,
s e h a l e i th gh a i s ge c h m i s c ha r o b b m e a s ga i s g i c h o r m a n am
’ ’
a
”
,
f a go il Gh e o b h a i
. b a s am m bi n t i e h b h o i g n a sge il pe c h r e a g
nn
’
n ,
n a n sgat h gar a idh n a n a i t e i gi n ag s eh a bu s pai r o r m

’
r
’
-
n u n
”
, ,
s ge u l a t h o i r t a s a c h ra n n o rs a Ma c a n E a r a i c h n a in ri Ga i sg e
’
r e .
”
,
A sh a o i dh m h oi r o rs a Ridir e Ch ui r
“
f e nc h ris
,
’
n, .
I s s a o i dh m or m i n din gh a c h c ha b e a dh a fa ga i l a ’ ’ ’ ‘
’
”
b hai l e o rs a Ma c a n E a r r a i c h n a in e ri Ga i sge .
,
Th o m h a i s e l e u m b h o c h e a n n a i b h a sh l e a gh g u b ar a i b h o da g r r ,
s b ha e s h u a s a c h l i sg e a dh a nns a c h a n i g
’ ’
r n a .
Gu dé tha th u f a i c i n n o rs a Ridir e C h u i r n
’ ’ ’
-
.
“
T ha e r o mh o r d o dh fh e a n a i g s tha e o b h e ag d o d h ’
n
’
r
’
”
_
o rs e s an
’
f h e a ran n .
”
,
Fa n ma r a t h aga d fe nc h a n a i t h i c h th u dé t h a nn o r s
’
n
’ ’
,
a d ris s dh f h a n e ma r s e o t r e is
’ ’
.
,
D e tha th u f a i c i n n a n e is o s a d ris
’ ’ ’
r .
T ha e i l e a n ag us c e a re a l l t e in e ma c u a i r t a ir a l a s a d h a n
’
n ,
’
c e a nn a c h ei l e 3 s tha m i S mao i te a e h ad h n ac h e il a o gh a i s
’ ’ ’
n n
2 31
47 4 WES T HIGHLAND TA L ES .
g e a c h a nns a n d o m h an mh or a t h e i d t h a ir i s
”
a ir a n t e in e a rs ,
e san .
Ma r a n d ’
t h é id a r l e it h idn e de d ha a ir ”
gh a i sge a c h t h a i r i s ,
o rs ad s a n .
T ha d u i l am g u m b fh a sa d h uib h sge u l a t h o i r t a s a c h ra n n
’ ’ ’
”
n a do l a s t a i gh a n si e d a rs e i s e a n ’
.
,
C ha n a th a i s e
‘
o rs a Ridir C h u i rn e .
C ha n e a db s fi r in n e
’
,o rs a Ma c a n E a r r a i c h u a i e ri
’
n
R ai n i g a d a n t a o b h m uin d e n t e in e s c h a i d h a d a ir
’
G a i s ge
’
.
,
tl r s t h a r r u i n n a d a n I u b h r a ch b h a l l a c h su a s a s e a c h d fa d fh é in
,
’
a ir f e ur gla s s a b e u l foi e h e fa r n a c h d e a n a d h sgo il e a r a n b a i l e

,
’
,
m h oi r b ui r t n a f o c h a i d n a m a ga dh urr a
,
S h eid a d t u r la c h s
, .
,
’
th u g a d t ri o idh ch e a a s t ri latha n a l e i ge il a n s gi o s
n
’ ’
.
A n c e a nn n a n t ri latha n t h oi si ch a d a ir l i o b h a d h n a n a r m
”
.
“
T ha m i o rs a R idire C h ui r n a f a s sgi t h dh et h se o bu “ ’
”
, , ,
mh i t h i c h l e am s ge u l f h a o t a in n a s a n e i l e a n .
’
S t u fh é i
” o rs a Ma c a n E a r r a i c h n a in e ri G a i s e
n, is m or
g ,
i o n m h u i n e a c h a nn ag us f o l b h a n t o is e a c h f e nc h dé n s ge u l a s
’ ’
n
”
,
f h ea r r a b h e i r th u a r i o n n su i dh
’
.
D h f h a l b h Ridir e Ch u i r s r ai i g e n t e in e s th u g e l amh a i r
’ ’ ’ ’
n, n ,
l e u m t h a i r t e S a sI o s a gh a b h e i n t e g a gh l ui e a n ; s th i ll e
,
’ ‘
n
’
n
’
a ir a is s c ha r o b h r i o b a c a o il l e n a c r a i c i n e a d a r a gh l ui n e an s
,
’
n
’
a m h u t h a i r n e a n n a c h r o b h n a c h u a r a n m a b h n l n am brog ’
e .
’
S d o n e s do n e
’ ” o rs a Ridir e Ch l a id h i mh
’ ’ ’
.
”
, ,
F e i e e a m a n t u fh é i n a s f h ea r r o rs a Ma c a n E a r r a i c h u a i n e
’
,
ri Ga i sge L e i g f h a i c i n n g u m bi b a r r a c h d s p eis aga d a d h o l

.
“ ’
a ir t a gh a i d h a ir n e o bid h am b a r r a c h d sp ors a ga i n n o r t
’
-
” .
,
D h f h a l b h Ridire Ch l a i dh i m h g e n t e in e s th u g e
’ ’
s r a in i
’ ’ ’ ‘
, ,
l amh a ir l e u m t h a i r t e s c h a i dh e s i o s i n t e g u c e a nn r a m h a r n a
’
,
n .
s th i ll e a ir a is s c ha r o b h ri e b a c ao il l e n a c ra i c i n n e a d a r
’ ’ ’
sl e i s d e , ,
c e a nn r am b a r n a sl éi sd e 3 am mu t h a i rn n a c h r o b b n a c h u a r a n
’ ’
ma b h e n l n am br og .
”
Mata o rs a Ma c a n E ar r a i c h n a in e ri G a i sge c ha b u
, ,
gh a i sg e a c h m is e a n am f aga il a b ha i l e nur b e a c h d s a s na m
’ ’ ’ ’
-
bi o d h m o r o gha a r m a s é ididh aga m d e n a b h e i l anns a n d o m h

’ ’
a n mh or c ha bu spai rn o r m sge u l a t h o i r t a s a n e i l e a n ” .
”
,
“
N a m bi o d h s e a n a ga i n n gh e o b h a d h t us e o rs a Ridir e
’ ’
,
’
Ch u i rn .
“
A Ridire Ch ui r n b e t a i r m ag us t é i d e a dh fh é i n d a rn a
’
,
’ ’ ’
a i rm ag us é i d e a dh a b f h ear r l e am agam a nns a n d o m h a n mh o r

’
RID I R E N A S GI A TH A D E I R GE . 47 5
ga d n a c h t u fh é i n d a rn a ga i sge a c h a s fh ea r r a t h a nn ’ ’ ”a rs a
,
M a c a n E ra i c h n a in e ri Ga i g e
ar s .
S e m a i r m ag us m é id e a d h f h é in a s f h a s a f h o t i
’ ’ ” ’ ’
a a nn,
o rs a Ridir e C h ui r ag us gh e b h th us a d ; a c h b f h ea r r l e am
’ ’ ’
n ,
o
g u m bi o d h t u c h o math s g un i s e a d h t u d h o m h c o n a h a i r m ’
nn -
ag us a n t é id e a dh e i l e s fh ea r n a m f h e a d h a i n s
-
” ’
r
’
n -
a .
T ha a i m ag us é id e a dh M h a a i b h m h o i M h a c a ib h a n D o mh ain
r c r
a b h u a il a n d o rn a ir t a th a i
” o rs a Ma c a n E a r a i c h u i n e ri
’
r, r a
G a i sg e .
C h u i r R idir e Ch ii i rn d h e t h ag us eid i dh
a ir m
gh a b h Ma c a n
’
, s
E a r ra i ch ri G a i sg e na h -
a r i m ag us n a h é i di d h -
.
Gh a b h e
’
na th re al l a ich e a n c ath ag u s c r u a i dh -
c h om h r a i g .
Ma r a b ha l e in e ’ ’
n t -
srol ’
s a n
’
t -
sio da sh l e a m h u in n b h u id h e
si n te r a c h n e a s
’
,
A c h ot a in n c a o m h c o t a i n air u a ch d a n a c a o m h c h o t a ig e
’
r ,
A sgi a t h b h u c a i d e a c h b h a c a id e a c h b ha rr a c ha o l a ir a l ai m h e hl i
, ,
-
,
A c h e a n b h e a r t c l o g d a c a id h c h om h r i g
n a- ,
a ru -
a
A c o i m h e a d a c h inn
’
a ch e a n a mh u l l a ic h ,
’
s n -
,
A n t o is a c h n a h i o r gu i l l s a n i o g il l a n di o ma in
’
e -
,
-
r u -
,
A sh l a c a t a c r u a idh c u a i dh a l a i m h dh e i s
n r
’
n
‘
Urr a sgi t h i gh e u r a n t a i c e r a c h n e a s
-
nn
’
.
T h o g e su a s b r ai gh a c h l a da i c h s c ha r o b h f oid a t h il ge a dh
’
,
’
e n d é ig h a s h a la c h n a c h r b h c h o d o m h a i n ri f o id a t h il g a dh
’
o n e
d a l l a ch a r a r a in nu r a bu d o i mh e b h i o d h e t e o b h a d h
nn n
’ ’
r .
c e a c l l t e in L e u m e o b h a r i b h a s h l e a gh g u
’
R ai n i g e n r a e. r a
b o r r a i b h er d a g th a r n a t e in e B ha n s e a n a n a o e i l e a n a bu ’
. n
c a s 0 th u s a n d o mha in
g u d e i a d h n a dl l i
’
b h oib h c h e c h u nn re nn.
G h a b h e su a s f e a dh n e i l e a n s c h u a i c e cn o c ma o l b u id h e n a
’ ’
a nn
m h e a dh o n T h o g e i s a c h n o c B ha I o m h u i n m h a t h a n a
. r
’
. n n n
’
s u i d h e a ir a c h n o c s ogl ac h m or s a c h e a n air a gl u n s e n a
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
,
n ,
ch ad l a L a b h i r e ri th e a nn am b r i t h a fis e a c h a f o i n e a c h a
. a a r n ,
s ,
fl o r gh l i c m in e ma i gh d e a
-
, f i o r e o l a i s Fh e a ga ir i anns n a
,
n a, -
. r se
b r i a t h a c i a d h n a ; s ma r a m b a d a b f h ea r c ha b a d d a d a
’ ’ ’ ’
r r ,
bu m h e a sa s a n am ’
.
S i o n mh u i
’
l e am f h é i f e a r d o c h o l t a is S n a m bi o d h c oir
nn n
’ ’
”
,
a gam o r t dh f h ag a dh t u n t e i l e a n o rs an I o m h u i
’ ’ ’
-
,
n nn .
N am b i o n m h u in n l e at f a r m o c h o sl a i d h i s e a dh t u d m h
’
e s
’
nn o
d é b u d ii sga dh d o n cla c h s e o
’ ” o rs a Ma c a n E a r r a i c h u a i e ri
’
n
,
G a i s ge .
47 6 WE S T HIGH LAND TALES .
T ha b a rr n a l a o d i g a t h o i r t d e th o r s i s e a
’
.
T h u g e l amh a ir a n urr a sg i t h i n n gh eir a b ha n t a i c e r a -

’ ’
s th u g e u l a o d a g d e th o n b h un C ha (1 th u g si e d
’ ’ ’ ’
ch eas n , .
s m o i sl e a c h a d h n a gl u a sa d a ir a n ogl a c h
'
I nnis d o mh dé s du sga d h d o n ogl a e h —a ir n e o s d i t h i sd d e th

’
’ ’ ’
a n (1 t h e i r m i n a cinn th u fh ein s a n t ogl a c h

’
o rs a Ma c a n
’
-
E a r r a i c h n a in e ri Ga i s g e .
S d u sga dh d ha
“ ’ ” o r s i se rud n a c h d ea n t h u sa n a a o n ’ “
, , ,
gh a i sge a c h a nns a n d o m h an mh or a e h g a i s ge a c h n a sgi a t h a ,

.
d e i ge d o n r o b h e s a n t a i r gn e a c h d t i g h i n d o e i l e an se o ag u s
’ ’ ’
r ,
n n ,
a n c a rr agh c l o i c h u d thall a b h u al a d h a ir a n dnin e se o a nn a n

’
c a rr ai g a n u c h d ; s tha e g un b h a is t e a dh g us a n d ea n e s e a n
’ ” .
C h u al e i s e a n se o gu r o b h l e i t h i d a u s a n t i gn e a ch d d ha s
,
’ ’
n a r ,
’
e g un b h a i s t e a d h C h a idh d o rn a ir t h a p a d h s d orn a ir gh l e u s
’
.
,
a d h S d o rn a i r s pi o a d h a nn T h o g e n a d ha l aim h a n c a rr agh
,
’
nn .
’
s b h u a i l e a ir a n b la c h m h o r a n c a rr a i g a n u c h d e Th u g a m
’
.
f e a r a b h a n a c h a d a l b l a o m a dh a ir a d ha s h ui l s dh am b a re e
’ ’ ’
a ir .
”
A ha o r s am f e a r a b ha n a c h a da l ’
an d t h a i ig t h u ’ ’
n
, ,
gh a i sgi c h n a s gi a t h a d e i r ge ? s a nn a n din gh a tha n t a iu m o r t

’ ’ ’
-
.
C ha n f b a d a sh e a sa s th u d h o m h s a
’ ’ ” .
D a t h r i an d e 15 c agal o r t f h é i s a h a o n o r m sa
’ ” a rs a n
’ ’
-
, ,
G a i s g e a c h n a S gi a t h a d e i r ge c ha n f h a d a s h e a sa s t h u s ’ ’
a
”
,
d o mh sa .
A n c a ra i b h a c h ei l e gh a b h a d s b h a a d a c ru a idh l e a da i r t a ,
’ ’
c h ei l e gn s a n o b h a n b e u l ath d h a t h sa n a n m o i ch a nn S m a o
r -
’
.
i t i c h Ga i sge a c h n a Sg i a t h a d e i r ge g un r o b h e fa d o a c h a i d e a n
’
n r
s fag us d a n a i m h d e a n s th u g e n t o g a il b h e ag s h o il l e i r u d a ir
’ ’ ’ ’
, ,
s b h u a il e r i s a n t a l a m h e T h u g o r d a g a c h o is e s amus d o b h u n
’
.
a c h l u a i se ag us sg a t h e d h e th a n c e a nn .
”
,
G a d i s mi rinn s e o c ha m bi gh e a l l e o r s e s a n T h u g e u
’ ’
,
’
.
’
l am h o n gh u a l l a i n n d e th s th u g e n c r i d h e a a c h o m s th u g e n
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
, ,
c e ann b ha r a m h u i n ei l C h u i r e l am h am poc a gh a i sgi c h .

’ ’ ’
m h a i r b h s f h u a ir e t ri fia c l a n s e a n e ic h a nn s l e is a n d e i fi
’ ’
,
n , ,
r,
gh a b h e a i t e fia c l a a n ri gh a d s th u g e l e is a d C h idh e gu
’
n n ,
’
. a
t o m c o i ll e S b h u i n e ga d s c h e a n g h a i l e a ir a n l am h
’ ’ ’
,
a s an , ,
s a n c e a nn
’
c r idh e , .
“
C o c a s f h ea r r l e a t sa fa n ta i l a n se o a ir a n e i l e a n s e o l e at
’ ’
”
,
f h é i n n a fa l b h l e a m s a o r s e ris a n I o n m h u i n n
’
, .
,
S fh ea r r l e a m s a f o l b h l e at f h é i n n a l e fi r n a h I I i r t h a l mh a n t a
’ ‘
-
”
,
g u l eir an I o mh u in n ’
or , s n .
T h o g e l e is i a i r f r a s m h u l l a c h a gh u a il n e s a ir u a l l a c h a -
’
RIDIR E N A S G I A TH A D E i nc E . 47 7
d h re ma a n t e in e L e u m e t h a i r i s s a n I o n m h i n
gh a b h
’ ’
s e
gn s . u n
a ir a m h u i n F a i c i d h e Ridir e Ch i i n s R idire C hl a id h i m h a
.
’
i r
’ ’ ’
t ig h i n n n a c h o m h d h a i l s b o i l a s b u a i r e a s n a n s i il e
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
, i a n.
” a b ha a s d o d h e a gh a i n n
ga i s g a c h m or
’ ’ ’
De n a r s ad s a n
e , ,
a n si o d s a th i ll nur a c h u n a i c e a r l e i t h i d e a n d o d ha gh a is
’
n n
”
,
g e a c h a t i gh i n’
n.
Se o d u ib h se
” o r s e s an a n I o n m h u i n n m h n a t h a s e o ag us
.
’
, ,
t ri fia c l a n b h ur n atha r ag us c e a nn ag us l a m b ag us c r i d h e a n
-
, , ,
i bir a b h u a il a n d o rn a ir D e a a i b h f u i r a e h b e ag s t il l idh m i s c
’
. n e , ,
’
8 C h a n f h ag m i f u i gh a l l sg e o i l a nns a n e i l e a n
’ ” e .
Gh a b h e a ir f a l b h a ir a i s s a n c e a nn t re is th u g e s u i l a s a
’
, ,
dh ei gh s f i c e a r ad sa n ag u s a B h r e a c a c h a d e a a d h f a l a c h c u a i n
’ ’ ’
,
a n
a ir .
-
”
M a r b h ph a i s g o i r b h f éin o r s e s a n ; si a n fala ma r s uil e a n ; ’ ’
,
m a n a d h u r c r o c h a i d h o i r b h m fh a ga il a n e i l e a n l e am fh é i n g un
’ ’
dn i n e s h i e l A d h a i m h a nn s g un fh i o s a m a n o c h d dé n i m i
’ ’ ” ’ ’
.
,
Gh a b h a ir a gh a i d h f e a d h a n e i l e a n s e h a r o b h e f a i e i
e ,
’ ’
nn
t a igh n a t ur a i s a n a i t e s a m bi th i s e a l n a a rd Ma dh e i r d h
’
, . ea
n a i c e s e an a c h a i s t e a l a n i o c h d a a n e i l e a n s ga b h e a i o n ’ ’
ch u n r , n
C h u n a i c e t ri oga n a i c h a t i gh i n g u t r o m a i r t e a l c h
’
su idh . n n ,
n a ,
s gi t h th un a ch a i s t e il La b h a i r e d h a ib h ann am b r i a t h r a
’
.
fisn e a c h a f o i sn e a c h a fio r gh l i c fi o r e o l a i s
, ,
La b h a i r ad s a n a n -
.
c o mai n n am b i a t h a c i a d h n a Th a i i g a d a nn am b i a t h r a
r r . n r
s e a n a c h a i s a ir a c h ei l e ; b ha se o a c h a t h r i n i r dh e a rb h
’ ’ ’
s co
c h o m h dh a l t a n Gh a b h a d a s t a igh a n d e a g h th e i l i n n t i n n a ir a
’
-
.
mh or b ha i l e
-
.
T h o g a d c e ol s l e a g a d bron ’
B h a d e o c h a n n a m in e m e i sge a e h , ,
S d e o c h a n n a ga rga g a c h a n n a c h
’
, ,
B e a t h a n n a s ao r a s o c h a r a e h , ,
E a d ar e fh é i n s a c h o m h dh l t a n
’
a
'
C e ol e a d a r f h i d h l e a n l e is a n c a id l e a d h fi r gh o i n t e s m n a t h a n
’
si u bhla
S e a r ga n a i c h a si o r gh a b h a i l
’
fa ru m a e h i u i l sc a n
le ,
A b ha sh i o rr ach d gu sl o r - b h i n n a n o i dh c h e s e an .
Ch a id h a d a l a idh e A nns a m h a idi n a n la r n a m h ai re a c h

.
’
n
’
d h ei r i d h e a nn a n d e a gh t h o i l i
’
t in s gh u b b e b h i a d h Dé -
nn n
’ ’
.
’
c h u al e a c h gl io ga rsa i ch a r m s d ao in e d o l n a n e i de a d h C o ’ ’ ’
.
b ha s e a c h a c h o m h d h a l t a n
’ ’
.
C a b h e il sibb a d o l a rs e s a n riu
’ ’ ’
.
47 8 WES T H IGHLAND T ALES .
T ha sinn o la a s b l i a d h n a s a n e i l e a n s e e
ch ean n
’
ad s a n
’ ”o r s ’
,
,
a c u m a il c o g ai dh ri Ma c D o r c h a Ma c D o il l e i r s c i a d sl u ai gh
’
, ,
’
s a h ni l e h a o n m h a r b h a s sinn a n din gh bid h e b e o a m

’
ai e
’
g - -
,
m ai r e a c h T ha gh e a sa n o i r n n n a c h f h a o d sinn s e o f h aga il g u
.
’
br a c h g us a m m a r b h sinn a d ” .
Th é i d m is e l e ib h a n din gh s f h ea i r d e sib b m i
”o r s e sa n
’ ’
.
”
,
T ha gh e a sa n o i r n n o r s a d sa n n a c h fh a o d dui n a d h o l
’ ’ ’
l e in n ma r a n d t h éid e a nn l e is fh é i n ”
, ,
’
”
, .
Fa n a dh s i b h se s t a i gh a n din gh s t h é id m is a nn l e a rn fh é i n ’ ’
, ,
o rs e san
’
.
T h o g e a ir f a l b h s d h ama is e a ir sl u a gh Mh ic D o r c h a Mh i c
’ ’
D o il l e i r s c ha d f h ag e c e a nn a ir c o l a i n a c a
’
D h am a is e a i r
’ ’
,
n .
Ma c D o rch a Ma c D o il l e i r fh é i n s t h u i r t Ma c D e re b a M a c ’
”
,
D o i l l e i r ris A n t u se o a Gh a i sgi e h n a Sgi a t h a d e i r ge

’
.
”
,
8 mi o rs a Ga i s ge a c h n a Sgi a t h a d e i ge
’
r
”
.
,
Mata o rs a Ma c D e re b a Ma c D o il l e i r c ha n f b a d a sh e a sa s ’
”
, ,
th u d h o mh s a .
A n c a r a i b h a c h ei l e gh a b h a d s b h a a d a c r u a i dh l e a d a i rt a ,
’ ’
c h ei l e g us a n r o b h b e u l a n ath dh a t h s a n a n m o i c h a nn M u -
’
.
dh e i r e a dh th u g Ridir e n a S gi a t h a d e i r g e a n t o ga il b h e ag s h unu ,
d a c h s h o i l l e i r u d a ir M a c D o r c h a Ma c D o ill e i r s c h n i r e f o i d h e ’
, ,
s t h il g e d h e t h a n c e a nn B ha n s e o Ma c D o r ch a M a c
’ ’
e , .
D o i l l e i r m a r b h s a t h r i m ic d h e u g s c o mh r a g c e u d a ir l ai m h
,
’
,
’
ga c h fi r d h in B ha e i se a n a n se o a ir a m h i l l e a dh s a ir a r e u b a d h
.
, ,
’
c h o m or s n a c h b u r r a i n n e n a r a c h f h a a il s c h a d rinn e a c h
’ ’ ’ ’ ’
g ,
e f h é i n a l e i e i l n a l a idh e m e a s
g n am m a r b h fa d a n l a t h a Bh a
’ ’
g . .
t rai gh m h é r f e d ha gu h I s e a l ; s dé c h u al e a c h a n fh a i r ge
‘ ’ ’
-
t igh i n n n a c a e r a t e in e t e i n t e a c h — n a n a t h a i r b h e u m a n n a c h
’ ’ ’
, ,
’
n a t a r b h t r u i d Dh a m h i c e u a idh e s d e c h u n n a i c e t igh i n n
.
’
a r
’ ’
a ir tl r a ir m e a d h o n n a t r agha a c h c a i ll e a c h mh or fh i a cl a c h n a c h
.
fa c a s r i a b h a l e i t h i d B ha n fh i a c a il l a b fh a i d e n a b ata n a
.
’ ’ ’ ’
d o rn s a n t é bu gh i o rr a n a d e a l g n a h u c h d
,
’ ’ ’
-
.
G h a b h i n i o s g u s a n a r a ic h s b h a d i t h i sd c a d a r i ag us e s a n ,
’
.
C h i r i m e u r n am b e u l s th u g i b e o a d s dh eir idh a d su a s
u
’ ’ ’
,
’ ’
s l a n m ur a b f h ea r r a b ha a d r i a b h R a in ig i e i s e a n s c h u i r i
’
.
,
’
’
m ur n a b h e u l ag us s g a th e d h i t h o n alt i B h u a il i bui ll e d e
e
’
,
’
.
b h ar r a c o is a ir ag us t h i l g i tha r s e a c h d i o m a i r e a e
’
A b h e ad n .
a ga in
” o r s i se s t u f e a r ma d h e i r e a d h a dh ath b h e o t h a i c h
’ ’ ’
-
”
, ,
e a s m i sa n a r a ic h
’
.
C h r o m a c h a i l l e a c h a ir f e a r e i l e s b ha cis e au a n t a o b h sh u a s
’ ’
d i th C ha r o b h f h i o s a ige dé m u r a c h u i r e a dh e a s d o n c h a ill i c h
.
’
.
R I D I R E NA S G I A TI I A D E I R G E . 47 9
S ma o i n t i c h a ir a n a b h ig a ma c a t h il ge il urr a
‘
t sl e a gh gh ea r r
’
e -
a
3 n a n t u i t e a d h a n c e a nn di th g u m bu m h a t h
’ ’
Th i l g e t s l e a gh
’
. n -
e n c e a nn d e B ha e n s e o n a s h i e a d h a ir
’ ’
c h a il l i c h
’
s ch u i
’ ’
r 11 . n
a n a r a i c h 3 f u i l a s f é it h e a a s f o il a ir a n d o c h a
,
’
a c h gu n
n ,
’
e nn ,
r o b h e n amh a n s l a n a ig e D é m h o t h a i e h e a c h c r u i t i r e c i u il fe a dh ’
.
n a h arach
-
.
D é tha th u g i a r ra i dh o r s e ris a c h r u i t ir e
’ ’ ’ ’
”
.
T ha m i c i n n t e a c h gu b h e il u sgi t h o r s a n c r u i ti e ’
,
’
r .
“
T h i g a n i o s s cuir d o c h e a n a ir a n t u l m sa ig s e o 3 d e a n
’
n
’ ’
”
,
c a d al .
C h a idh e su a s s la id h e Th a r r u i n n e s r e a n n a l e i g e i l a ir g u n
’ ’ ’
.
rob h e n a c h a da l A ir a b h o n n a b ha e gu b ri sg e a l a mh
.
, ,
ea sga idh .
T ha th u b ru a d a r ”o r s a n ’
cru it e ar ris .
”
,
“
T ha o r s e i se a n
,
’
.
D é e h u n n ai c th u 2
’ ‘
o rs
’
an c ru i te ar .
C r u it i r e ci u il ,
”o r s ’
e i se a n , a ’
t a r r u in n s e an a c h l a i dh e a mh
m e i r ge a c h an
a n c e a nn a t h o i r t
los di o m ” .
Ru g e n s e o ai r a c h u i t i r e e h i u il s c h n i r e u i o n a ch a i n n n a
’ ’
r ,
’ ’ ’
c uib e a n a n t e in e t rid c h u l a c h inn B ha e n s e o f o gh e a sa n n a c h ’

.
m a r b h a d h e c r u i t i e c i u i l gu b r a t h a c h a e h 1e a c h r u i t fh é i n
r .
Ch u a il e n s e o c a o i e dh f e a d h n a h a r a ic h
’
n a -
.
Co sio d ? ”o r s ’
e is e a n .
T ha n se o d o t h r i u i r dh e a r b h —
’
e h o m h dh a l t a n
ga t ’
i a r ra i d h o
ai t e g u h a i t e a n d i u gh
-
” o r s ad s a n
’
.
,
T ha m is e am s h i n e a dh a n e o o r s cis e a u S fu i l as s
’ ’ ’ ’
”
, , ,
f é i t h e a n a s e amh a a ir a n d o c h a
’
,
n n nn .
N a m bi o d h a ga i n n a n s t opa n o c s h l a in t a t h a i g a c h a il l i c h
’ ‘
I -
’
m h oi r m at h h a i r Mh ic D o r c h a Mh ic D o il l i c ha b f b a d a b h i t h
’ ’
e r
”
,
e a m a i d ga d l e igh e a s o r s ad s a
’
n
”
,
,
T ha i fh é i m a r b h s h u a s a n s e a n o r s e i s e a n
n s c ha n e il
’ ’ ’ ’
”
, ,
u i a i c e n a c h fh a o d s i b h f h a o t a i n n
”
.
T ha sinn e a s a ge a s a n gu b r at h a c h o r s ad sa n ,
’
.
T h u g a d a nu a s a n s t opa n i o c sh l a i n t s ni gh ag us dh fha i l e a d -
,
’ ’
e l e is a n rud a b h a nns a n s t op su a s c h o ’
D h e i id h
’ ’ ’
n sc an . r e , ,
S l i m falla n s a b ha e r i a b h C h a id h e d a c h i d h l e o s c h u i r a d
’ ’
. a ,
,
a n o i dh c h e se a c h a d a nn a n d e a gh th e i l inn t i n -
a .
C h a i dh a d a ma c h a n la r n a m h ai e a c h a nn a n d e o gh th e i l
’
r
i n t i n a d h i o ma in
n n C h a i d h e is e
’
ris a n t ri u ir s h u i e d h
. an ,
’
c r a
e l e a t h b h ai r si o s s l e ath b ha ir su a s
, ,
a s t a igh o rr a M h o t h i h
’
-
,
. a c
a d d o M h a c a b h m er M h a c a ib h a n D o mha in a t igh i n b ha i l e ’
do
’
n n .
48 0 WES T HIGH LAN D TALES .
B
’
e s ee an d e a rb h -
c h o mh d h a l t a c u id e a c h d . Ch a i dh ad a ma c h
fa r a n rob h e
’
s t h u ir t a d ris .
“
Fh i r m o gh a o il s e a c h a i n n sinn e
’
s am b a i l e a n din gh ” .
Gu dé s c o i r e a c h o r s cis e a u
“ ’ ’
-
.
“
T ha G a i sg e a c h na Sgi a t h a d e i r ge st a i gh , ag us ’
s t u a tha e
”o r s ’
g i a r r ai dh , a d sa n
’
.
“
F o l b h a dh s i b h se ris f a l b h a g u s t e ic h
d a c h a i dh ,
’
s a b ra ib h
e a db ,
n -
’ ”
a ir e o g u n d th o ir m is a n c e a nn d e th o rs a M a c a b h m or
’ ’
,
M h a c a i b h a n D o mha in .
G a d a b ha s e o u a i gn e a ch mh o t h a i ch Ga i sge a c h n a Sgi a t h a
d e i r ge d ha s c h a i dh e m a c h a ir a n t a o b h e i l e d e n t a i gh ag u s
’ ’
, ,
b h u a il e h e u m sgé it h e ag us f a d c o mh r a ig
-
Gh a b h a n g a i sge a c h
, .
m or a m a c h a s a dh eigh Th oi s i c h a d a ir a c h ei l e. .
C ha r o bb c l e a s a d h ea n t e 1e sgi t h i c h n a l e sgo t h ai c h ,
N a l e d i sn e i n gh il l e an fe a ll -
,
N a l e o rga n n am ma n a c h ,
N a c h d ea n a d h n a ga i sgi ch 3
M ur a b ha c l e a s a c h l e i t e a m c l e a s a n oige a m ’
, ,
U b h al a c h l e a s a i e h e ga t h i l ge il s g a c h e a pa i l
’ ’ ’ ’
A n u c h d a n n a ib h a c h é il .
G u d é i si n n e a c h , d asu n n a e h ,
Fu i l t e a c h , c n e a d h a c h , c r e u c h d an t a .
To i l -
t o i l e a d ra i gi n n
i n n t in n -
C h u i r e a dh a d t ri di t h e a n n a n d e a r ga t e in e d a n a r ma i b h
’
A c a il c e a dh d a n sgi a t h an fal agu s fe ol a

,
’
,
’
D e n e n e a s ag us d e n c a o i m h c h o l a i n n
’ ’
-
,
8 a d a c r u a i dh l e a d a i r t a c h ei l e
’ ’
.
“
Na c h a m a id e a c h t h u sa
’
Gh a i s gi e h na Sgi a t h a d e i r ge , nur a
th at m a il gl e i e h d n a c r u a i d h
th u
’
cu c h o m h ra i g r iu ms a ,
”a rs a
M a c a b h M h a c a i b h a n D o mha in .
ma r s e o 2 o rs a Ga i sge a c h n a Sgi a t h a d ei r ge
De
’ ‘
.
T ha n a c h e i l ga i sge a c h a nns a n d o mh a n mh or a m h a r b h a s
’
m is e gu s am b u a il e a r m i a s ci o nn t e a c h m o t h r i u b h a i s o rs a ,
M a c a b h m or .
A b h u a i dh b h e a n n a c h d s e a n dui t ga i n n se a dh d o mh sa N a ’
n in n se a dh t u s e a n d o m h o c h i e h n fa d a s f h a d a o n sgr l o b m i
’ ’ ’
”
,
n c e a nn di o t o rs a Ga i sg e a c h n a S g i a t h a d e i r ge
’
.
”
,
T ha n s e a n b a r r a c h d s is u r r a i n n th u dh e an a dh
’ ’ ’
.
T ha t ri fia cl a n a n ri gh a nn a m ph o c a s f e nc h a n t us a b h e ir ’ ’ ’
”
,
a s a d o rs a M a c a b h m b r
, .
R I DIR E NA S GI A T HA D E I R GE . 48 1
N u r a C h u a l a G a i s g e a c h n a S g i a t h a d e i rg e c a r o b h b a s M h c ’ ’
n a
a h h m h oi r b ha d a d h u il l e a i e a ir a t h o i t s a c h d ma
’
, g b h u ill e r e a n ,
d a sh at h a dh m a n s h at h a d h d a fh i o c h d a dh m a n f h r i o h d a dh
’
,
r
’
c ,
s b h a n t r e a s a o n a nns a n t a l a m h g us a n d o c h l gh a i e h e t o ll
’ ’
, a .
L e u m e n s e a n a n c o i m h i r a c h u i l L u m a n g i sg e a h m o r a
’
. e a c
i o n n s u id h s c ha d th u g e n a i r d o n t e l l 8 c h a i d h e si s a nn
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
,
e , o
gu t e a c h an t ri u b h a is R ai i g e i s e a n a i r a n s e o 8 t h i l g e d h e t h ’
. n ,
a n c e a nn C h i r e l am h n a ph oc a s fh a i r e t ri fia e l a a n ri gh
. u
’ ’
,
’
u n
a nn s th u g e l e is a d ag us r ai i g e m o a i st e a l
,
’
,
n
’
.
D e a n a i b h sa o d d e m bs a ir a n e i l e a n s e o f h aga il
“ ” o rs e r
’ ’ ’
a
”
,
m l
h dh t an c o l u ath s is u r a i n n d u i b h
h
’
ch o a r
”
, .
C ha n e i l s ae d a ga i n n o r s ad s a n a ir am fag th u e a c h
’ ’
,
’
fa n l e i n f h e i n gu br a c h s c ha b h i di th b i t h i d h n a d i b h e o t ”
n
'
,
’
r .
C ha b h i e h ui s m a r s c a n 3 a c h ma r a n d e a n si b b s a o d a ir m o
’
l e i ge i l a ir f a l b h b h e i r m i n a t ri cinn a s n a h a m h a i e h e a a g a i b h
” -
n
, ,
’
o rS e i se a n .
“
T ha c u r a ch a n a b h a i g d o m h u i m e s a i g t o id e a n se o s ’ ’ ’
,
’
c u i r i d h sinn l e at i g us a n d t h é i d th u a ir t ir a n E i i n An ’
r n.
t a o b h a c h u i r e a s t u h a gh a i dh f a l b h a i d h i l e at s t il l id h i a ir a
’
-
,
h a i s a r i t h i d l e atha fh é
-
s T ha n se o t i c h l m a i s c u m a idh ’
.
’
r a n
’
”
a d a i r d e a c h d r i u t a ir a n r a t h a d a rs a c h o m h dh a l t a ris ’
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48 2 WES T H IGHLAND T AL ES .
~
Eu a n di o gh a l t a s l e o t h a m is e c h n r a m ph o r t a i r a ir
sh u a r r a c h
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,
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tha ir a b ha ri gu al a i n n a n ri gh e .
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s p a rr a n n a n a b a i r d e b ha s a c h ui r t e f o sh il e a dh n a n l ec h r a n
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m i g e a n n a g a ire aga d ga d h e a n a dh g us am b h e i l m o mh ic a ir am
m a sl a c h a dh
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g us a n s e e a rs a Ga i sge a c h n a Sgi a t h a d e i r ge .
,
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o c h e a n n b l i a dh n a l e o r d g us am b h e i l m o c h e a n n a ir d o l r o i m h e
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c h ei l e l e b r i s de a dh c r idh e s l e c r adh s l e d or n i n n a r s a n ri gh ,
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“ ’ ’ ’ ’
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t fh i a c l a n f h é i n g un n e a m h g un d oru i n n o r s c is e a u ’
.
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a d h f h o l b h a i n n o r s a n ri gh Dh i a r r e c a nn u i sge s c h n i r ’
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TH E K N IGH T or TH E R E D SHI E LD . 48 3
sl n e a dh an a b h io d h cis e a u a d l a ir gh a isge
s iu r r a fe a m a n n n nr
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a r .
i d h m i f e a dh a i n a d h i a r a id h c u a l l a gl a s d a a i e h a i rs o n a n
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l o sg a dh .
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a n la r n a m h ai c h c o b u m h o i c h e b h a ir
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re a
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a gh l u a i g l e a b a idh a ri gh a c h g i s g e a c h n a sg i t h a d e i ge
n n ,
a a r .
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n
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ag u s a m a da i o rr a Ch u i r e a d h a ma c h a s a n a i t a d 8 c o in a s
n .
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g e o c a i c h b a i l e m h o i r a s a n d é i gh P h é s ag u s c h o rd a n I o n m
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h u i n ag us Ga i sg e a c h n a Sg i a t h a d e i r ge
n R i n n e a d h b a n a is a .
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n
math r i s a c h i d l a t h a
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ag e d s e v e n t y t w o y e a rs S a ys h e l e a rn t i t f ro m h i s fath e r Fa r
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q u h a r M Gi l v r a y a nd that h e h e a rd h i m t e ll i t sinc e h e r e m e m
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b e rs a ny th in g .
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th e r e l e a rn t th is tal e in h is b o y h o o d He s e r v e d nin e y a rs in . e
t h e a r m y in N o r th A m e ric a a n d subs e q u e n tl y s e ttl e d in C o l n

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sa y . H e di e d n e a r a b o u t f o r t y y e a rs a go a b o u t s e v e n t y fiv e ,
-
y e a rs o f a ge .
B all y g r a n t I s la y J u l y 7 1 860
, , , .
I wa s u nc e r t a in h o w t o c la ss th is s t o ry —wh e th e r t o c o nsid e r
i t a s a m o c k h e r o ic o r a r o manc e —a nd i f t h e latt e r t o w hat p e ri o d ,
i t be lo ngs .
Th e is la nd w i th fir e a b o u t i t m i ght b e a t r a di t i o n o f I c e la nd .
T h e r e is s om e th in g o f t h s am e k ind in t h e V o l sun g tal e a s e ,
g i v e n i n t h e in t ro duc t i o n t o N o rs e T a l e s ; bu t that al s o m i ght b e

fo und e d o n t h e w o nd e rs o f I c e la nd wh e n th e y w e r e fi rs t
d isc o v e r e d .
Th e la n g u ag e o f t h e s t o ry is a g o d e x ampl e o f t h e w a y i n o
wh ic h th e s e tal s r e r e p e at e d in t h e H i ghla nds \ V o d s l l b u t

e a . r a
syn o ny m o us a nd b e g innin g w i th t h e s am e l e tt e r o r o n e l i k e i t
, , ,
are s t run g t o g e th e r ; th e r e a re s t r a n ge n am e s f o r t h e h e r o e s ,
r o und a b o u t ph r a s e s t o e x p r e ss si mpl e id e a s a nd w o rds us e d ,
wh ic h a r e s e l d o m h e a rd in c o n v e rs at i o n a nd wh i c h a r e ha rd t o
,
t r a ns lat e .
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p o p u la r tal e s a r e p r e s e r v e d by t ra di t i o n —h o w th e y c ha n g e a nd
d e c a y It s h is t o ry ma y th r o w s o m e l i ght o n t h e sub j e c t 3 s o I
.
gi v e i t .
T h e fi rs t incid e n t wa s fi rs t s e n t t o m e by m y k ind f ri e nd M rs .
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, ,
p r e s e n t that p o r t i o n o f a p o p u la r tal e wh ic h fi x e s i t s e lf in t h e
m inds o f t h e w e ll e duc at e d a nd wh ic h w o u l d b e t r a ns fe rr e d f ro m
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o n e la n g u ag e t o a n o th e r It is t h e b e g innin g o f U r sge u l Ri gh
.
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,
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T h is k in g wa s o u t h un t in g w i th a nu m b e r o f att e nd an t s ,
w h e n h is s o n s a id ,
W h e r e is th e r e t h e ma n in I re la nd S c o tla nd , ,
o r t h e f o ur q u a rt e rs o f t h e
g l o b e that w o u l d d a r e s t ri k e m y fath e r
w i th h is fi s t in t h e m ids t o f t h e c o mpa ny w h o n o w surro und
h im o r in G a e l ic C a i t e am b h e i l am f e a r a n Erin n o a n
,
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w o rds t r a ns lat e d f o u r q u a r ter s of th e g l o be l i t e r all y m e a n t h e

fo ur r e ddis h bro w n di v isi o ns o f t h e uni v e rs e T h is ph r a s e th e re .
,
f o re in t r a ns lat i o n fit s i t s e lf t o t h e k n o wl e d g e o f t h e p e rs o n w h o
,
us e s i t a nd l o s e s i t s o ri g in al i t y in t h e n e w lan g u age )
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H e h a d sc a rc e l y u tt e r e d th e s e w o rds wh e n a d a r k c l o u d
app e a re d in t h e n o r th a nd a rid e r o n a b la c k h o rs e w h o s t ruc k
, ,
t h e k in g w i th h is fi s t a nd k n o c k e d o u t o e o f h is f r o n t t e e th
,
n ,
a n d t o o k t h e t o o th awa y w i th h i m Th e k in g wa s d o wn c a s t a t
.
t h e l o ss o f h is t o o th wh e n h is so n s a id
, L e t i t c o st m e w h a t i t
,
w il l b u t I w i l l n o t r est t i ll I r e c o v e r y o u r l o s t t o o th 3 o r a s i t i s
, ,
e x p r e ss e d in G a e l i c C ha (1 t h e i d rui th a s m e c h o is n a l o d an
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g o o u t o f m y f o o t n o r p udd l e o u t o f m y s h o e t i ll I g t th y e
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t o o th ) Hav in g s a i d th is h e w e n t o ff a nd t r av e ll e d a g r e at way
. .
So h e r e a g a in t h e o ri g in al is b e tt e r tha n t h e t r a ns lat i o n .
Th e incid e n t s wh ic h f o ll o w a r e n o t t h e s am e a s in t h e Kni ght

o f t h e R e d S h i e l d bu t th e y e d in t h e r e c o v e ry o f t h e l o s t t o o th
,
n .
T h e k in g s s o n g o e s t o th r e e h o us e s wh e r e h e fi n d s th r e e sis t e rs
’
, ,
e a c h o f wh o m g i v e s h i m a pa ir o f mag ic s h o e s w h ic h r t urn h o m e ,
e
w h e n th e y hav e c a rri e d h i m s e v e n y e a rs j o urn e y in o n e d a y

’
.
Th e la s t sis t e r i s y o un g a nd l o v e l y s h e l o w e rs h i m o v e r a r o c k
in a b a s k e t t o fight h e r br o th e r w h o is a gi an t w i th th re e h e a ds
, .
H e cu t s o ff a h e a d e a c h d a y ; fi r e s a p i s t o l s h o t at t h e f o t o f t h o e
r o c k a s a si g n al t o b e ha u l e d u p e a c h e v e nin g f o r th is g i n t ,
a
n e v e r f o u ght aft e r suns e t ; h e is cur e d w i th m a g i c b al s a m by t h e

la dy e a c h ni ght and g o e s o u t f re s h e a c h m o rnin g T h e g i a n t s
, .
’
th ird h e a d l e ap s o n a s o ft e n a s i t i s cu t o ff bu t a n e agl e c o m e s ,
o v e r t h e p rinc e a nd t e ll s h i m t o h o l d t h e s w o rd
, n th e c k t i ll o e n
t h e ma rr o w f r e e z e s wh ic h h e d o e s a nd t h e g i a n t i s k i ll e d
, , He .
tak e s h is s p i l f ro m a c a s tl e finds t h e t o o th i n a dr awe r r t urns

o , ,
e
h o m e w i th t h e b e a u t i f u l la dy a nd ma rri e s h e r , A nd t h e f s . e
t i vi t i e s o n t h e o cc a si o n c o n t inu e d f o r a y e a r a nd th r e e d ays a nd
”
,
th e y l i v e d l o n g a nd happ i l y t o g e th e r .
Tw o o f t h e t e e th and t w o o f t h e a d v e n t ure rs hav e dro pp e d

o u t o f si ght t h e is la nd w i th fi e a b o u t i t is e xc ha n g e d f r a h i gh
,
r o
r o c k a nd t h e mag ic s h o e s wh ic h a r e s o c o mm o n in all p o p u la r
, ,
tal e s tak e t h e pla c e o f t h e mag ic b o at

,
.
Th e s to ry th e n in th is f o r m is wh o ll y di ffe r e n t f ro m t h e Kni ght

o f t h e R e d S h i e l d a nd y e t i t s g r o und w o r k is ma ni f e s tl y t h e s am e
, .
I ncid e n t s r e ma in and s t y l e a nd a cc e ss o ri e s c ha n g e
, .
Th e incid n t o f t h e k in g o n t h e h i ll a nd t h e rid e r i t h e s h o w e r
e n
h a s c o m e t o m e f ro m a g r e at ma ny s o urc s a nd is f o ll o w d by e , e
a d v e n t ure s wh ic h v e ry w i th e v e ry n a rr at o r b t wh ic h hav e a ,
u
g e n e r al r e s e m b la nc e .
J o h n M a c D o n a l d t r av e ll in g t in k e r g i v e s t h e incid e n t a s t h e
, ,
b e g innin g o f a s t o ry c all e d Lo i c e a n n a l u a i t h —Li ttl e S ha n k s i n

r
t h e A s h e s wh ic h w a s w ri tt e n d o w n by H e c t o r Ur q u ha r t
,
It i s .
v e ry l i k e t h e C o l o ns a y v e rsi o n 3 bu t ins t e a d o f t h e rid e r o n t h e

b la c k h o rs e
“
O e l o o k e d h i th e r a nd o n e th i th e r a nd th e y s w a h e a d
n ,
a
c o m in g in a flam e o f fi e and a n o th e r h a d c o m in g sin g in g t h e

r ,
e
s o g o f s o n g s (o r ? S t Or a n ) A fis t wa s s t ruc k o n t h e d o o r o f
n . .
t h e m o u th o f t h e k in g a nd a t o o th w a s k n o c k e d o t o f h i m a nd
,
u ,
th e r e wa s n o bu tto n o f g o l d o r si lv e r o n t h e c o at o f t h e k in g bu t
s h o w e r d o ff h i m w i th t h e s ham e Th e h e a d did th is th r e e
e .
y e a rs aft e r e a c h o th e r a nd th n i t w e n t h o m e e
” .
,
T h is th e n i t h e v i e w o f t h e incid e n t tak e n by a w i l d ha ru m
s
s c a r u m s t r o ll in g c ha r a c t e r w i th o u t a ny e duc at i o n at all b u t
, ,
w i th a g re at d e al o f n at ur al w i t ; a nd h is fath r ag e d a b o u t e ,
e i ght y t o l d m e a s t o ry w i t h t h e incid e n t o f th r e e o l d m e n w h o
,
l i v e d o n s e pa r at e is la nds a nd s e n t a wa nd rin g h ro o h is w a y
,
e e n ,
w i th what I th e n t o o k t o b e C U R R A C H D a c ap bu t wh ic h I n o w , ,
48 6 WES T H IGH LAND TALES .
b e l i e v e t o b e C U RR A C H a c o r r a c l e wh ic h did t h e s am e a s t h e ,
m ag ic s h o e s H e r e aga in a r e t h e incid n t s bu t t o l d in a di ff e r e n t
. e ,
m a nn e r .
Th e r e ma ind e r o f t h e s t o ry o f L o ir c e a n i s n e a r l y t h e s am e a s
t h e Kni ght o f t h e R e d S h i e l d bu t w i th g r e at va ri at i o ns
, Th e .
k in g s so w h o is a k ni ght R I D ERE 3 C OCA I R E C L A ON R U AD E a

’
n, , , .
r e d s k u l l e d c o o k 3 a nd S H A N K S I N T H E A S H E S g o o ff t o g e th e r a nd ,
pla y t h e pa r t o f t h e k in g s t wo s o ns a nd t h e s o n o f t h e Gr e e n
’
S p rin g .
T h e y c l i m b t h e ma s t Th e d e s p is e d o n e succ e e ds Th e
. .
v o y ag e is th e r bu t o n l y t w o o r th re e l in e s o f t h e d e scri pt i ve
e,
pa ss ag e t h e fi rs t a nd t h e la s t
,
T h e y s e t h e r p ro w t o s e a a nd
.
h e r s t e rn t o s h o r e 3 a nd s h e w o u l d S pl i t a g r a in o f ha rd c o rn w i th
t h e e xc e ll e nc e o f t h e s t e e rin g
” Bu t wh i l e m uc h is l e ft o u t
.
,
m uc h i s p r s e r v e d wh ic h is l o s t e l s e wh e r e
e .
“
W h e n L o i r c e a n l e ap e d o n b o a rd t h e b a r g e a n d s h o o k t h e ,
a s h e s o ff h i m h e all bu t b l ind e d t h e fi e fifth s o f E i r i n n a nd v

”
, ,
th e re f e ll s e v e n b o ll s o f a s h e s o n t h e fl o o r o f t h e b a r g e
”
.
“
T h e y s ai l e d f ur th e r tha n I c a n t ll y o u o r y o u c a n t e ll m e e .
Oh la d s a id L o i r c e a n (f ro m t h e t o p o f t h e mas t ) th e r e
‘ ’
s ,
, ,
is a n is la nd h e r e b e f o r e a nd i t is in a r e d b laz e o f fir e It is n o t
, .
i n o u r p o w e r t o go n e a r e r i t tha n s e v e n m i l e s f o r t h e b a rg e w i ll ,
n fi i f w e d o 3 a nd i t is in th i s is la nd that m y fath e r s t e e th
’
g o o re
a r e a nd y o u m u s t l e ap o n s h o r e
’
.
,
W h e n h e l e ap s o n s h o r e N o w la ds s a i d Lo i r c e a n i f
. ,
’
, ,
‘
y o u s e e t h e fir e g r w in g s mall e r at t h e e n d o f nin e d a ys a nd nin e

o
ni ght s y o u ma y c o m e o n s h o re ; bu t i f y o u d o o t s e e i t
,
n
’
A nd s a yin g th is h e gav e a d a r k s p rin g (D U I LE U M ) o n s h o r e ,
a nd e v e ry hand f u l h e dr o v e o u t wa s sco rc h in g th o s e w h o w e r e i n
t h e ship
” .
A nd th e n f o ll o w a wh o ll y di ff e re nt s e t o f a d v e n t ur e s wh ic h
a r e v e ry curi o u s a nd g i v e gl i mp s e s o f f o r g o tt e n ma nn e rs w i th
,
t h e s am e c ha r a c t e rs app e a rin g Th f e a r f u l o l d w o ma n w i th
. e ,
t h e ma r v e ll o us t e e th 3 t h e g i ga n t ic wa rri o rs o f wh o m th e r e a r e ,
t h r e e w i th ma ny h e a ds 3 a nd th r e e l o v e l y la di e s w h o a r e f o und ,
u nd e r g r o und a nd c a rri e d o ff by t h e c o wards Th e s t o ry e nd s

, .
wi th t h e r e pla c e m e n t o f t h e k in g s l o s t t e e th a nd t h e p unis h
’
,
m e n t o f t h e k ni ght a nd t h e c o o k 3 and Lo i r c e a n ma rri e d t h e

th r e e la di e s at o nc e .
A g in t h e v e ry s am e incid e n t is t h e b e ginnin g o f I u l l a r o g
a
A r m a i l t e a c h Ma c Ri gh n a Gr e i g e Yo un g H e av e n l y E agl e S o n
, ,
TH E K N IGH T on TH E R ED SHIELD . 48 7
o f th e Gr e e c e wh ic h wa s s e n t by J o h n D wa r a nd
Kin g of , e ,
wh ic h h e g o t i n Gl d a r u a i l f r m J L e i t c h s h o e mak e r in
, en , o .
, ,
1 8 6 0 a nd in 1 8 1 7 f 0m o n e D unc a n C amp b e ll o n Lo c h l o sid

‘
1 n
g e
”
,
,
w h o is o w w o r k in g th e r e a s a r o a d ma n
n .
T h th r e e a d v e n t ur e rs w h o g o aft e r t h e k in g s t w o t e th a d
e
’
e n
a b it f h is j a w a r U E R A B A T H A I R T a nd I U LL A R a nd th y g
o e , , , e o
th r u gh a va s t nu m b e r o f a d v e n t ur s w i th g i a n t s m o ns te rs a nd
o
.
e
, ,
mag ic al p e o pl e o f va ri o us s o r t s wh ic h e al s o v e ry curi o us , ar .
Bu t s t i ll th e y s e t o ff in a b o at a nd fo t h e s am e r e a s o n Th e , r .
d e scri pt i v e pa ss ag e o f t h e v o y age is th e re in n e a r l y t h e s am e
w o rds bu t w i th va ri at i o ns ; t w o a r e c o wa rds 3 t h o e wh o m
, e n
th e y d e s p is e is t h e t ru e h e r o a nd p o t ic al j us t ic i s d o n e at t h e ,
e e
T h e k in g s t e e th a r e r e s t o re d a nd h is j a w m e nd e d ; t h e
’
end .
br av e la d ma rri e s a b e a u t i f u l Gre e k la dy wh o m h e h a s r e scu e d ,
a nd h e t urns o t t o b e t h e k in g s o n l y l e g i t i mat e s o n and h e g e t s

u
’
t h e k in g d o m wh i l e t h e o th e rs a e d e g r d e d — o e t o b a s w in e
,
r a n e
h e rd a nd t h e o th e r a g ro m o .
It is c l e a rl y t h e s am e s t o ry bu t a di ff e re n t pa r t o f i t 3 e xc e pt ,
t h e s a i l in g pa ss ag e wh ic h is alm s t id e n t ic al i t i s t o l d in di ffe r
,
o ,
e n t w o rds Th e n am e s a r e all di ff r e n t t h e s c n e is di ff e r e n t
. e , e
,
t h e a d v e n t ur e s a r e di ffe r e n t bu t y e t i t is a r e m n a n t o f t h e s am e
,
s t o ry w i th o u t d o ub t .
J o h n M a c k e n z i e F is h e r m a n n e a r I n v e r a ry r e p e at e d a n o th e r
, , ,
s t o ry t o H e c t o r Urq u ha r t in wh ic h t h e pl o t i s m uc h t h e s am e , ,
in wh ic h a bi t f t h e s a i l in g pa ss ag e o ccurs in wh ic h t h th r e
o , e e
a d v e n t ur rs a r I U LLI N I U A R a nd A RS T s o s o f t h k in g o f
e e , , ,
n e
Gr e e c e a nd th e ir o b j e c t t h e p o ss e ssi o n o f t h d a u ght e r o f t h e
,
e
k in g u nd r t h e w av e s Th e a d v e n t ur e s wh ic h fo ll o w a r e aga in
e .
di ffe re n t bu t l i k e t h e r e s t a nd th e y l in k t h e s t ry t o an o th e r
, ,
o
s e t o f a d v e n t ur e s wh ic h g e n e r all y b e l o n g t o t h e s t o ry o f N i gh
”
,
ea n Ri gh F u i d h Th u in n — a d v e n t ure s a nd e x pl o i t s s m e o f ,
o
wh ic h a r e att ribu t e d t o F i o nn a nd Ossi a n a nd C o n a n in M r.
S i mp s o n s b o o k o f I ris h s t o ri e s
’
.
Many o th e r v e rsi o ns o f t h e s t o ry hav e b e n s n t o r t o l d o r e e , ,
m e n t i o n e d t o m e A g n tl e ma n in S o u th Uis t re p at e d s o m e o f
. e e
t h e d e scri pt i v e pa ss ag e s w i th va ri at i o ns a nd s a id h e r e m e m b e r e d ,
a ma n w h o c am e t o h i s n at i v e is la nd Tyr e e a nd w h o us e d t o r e , ,
p e at t h e s t o ry t o a d m irin g a udi e nc e s a b o u t th ir ty y a rs a go ,
e .
Ol d D o n al d M a c P h i e at t h e S und o f B e b c u l ,
r e p e at d pa r t o n e a, e
o f t h e d scri pt i v e pa ss ag s
e a nd gav e m e t h e o u tl in e o f a v e ry
e ,
si m i la r s to ry On r e p e at in g t h e b o at pa ss ag e t o a n at i v f C
. e o an
48 8 \V E S T H IG H L AND TA L E S .
t yre wh o m I fo und a s a ssis ta n t l i ght k e e p e r at t h e p o in t o f A yr e

-
,
in t h e I s l e o f Man h e fi rs t s ta r e d i n d u m b a s to nis hm e n t at t h e
,
un e x p e c t e d s o und o f h is o w n lan gu age ; a nd th e n e xc la i m e d

\Ve ll I hav e h e a rd t h e se v e ry w o rds s a id by m y fath e r wh e n
,
I wa s a c h i l d I n s h o r t t h e incid e n t s a nd t h e m e a sur e d p ro s e
,
pa ss ag e s w i th wh ic h th e y a r e ga rnis h e d a r e sc att e r e d i n f r ag
m e n t s o v e r t h e wh o l e W e s t H i ghla nds o f S c o tla nd a nd t h e l e ss ,
ins t ruc t e d t h e n a rr at o r t h e m o r e q u a in t a nd c o mpl e t e h i s v e rsi o n

18.
Th e c o nc l usi o n s e e m s un av o id ab l e tha t th e s e a r e t h e f r agm e n t s

o f s o m e o l d r o m a nc e t r a di t i o n all y p r e s e r v e d a nd r ap id l y fa din g
,
awa y b e fo r e t h e l i ght o f m o d e rn t i m e s .
If f ur th e r e v id e nc e w e r e r e q uir e d i t is n o t wa n t in g Th e v e ry
,
.
w o rds o f t h e b o at pa ss ag e a nd a g r e at d e al that is n o t in any

,
v e rsi o n o f i t wh i c h I hav e go t is in t h e F r agm e n t o f a T al e “
”
, ,
pag e 1 7 th l e n t m e by m y f ri e nd M r B a in a nd r e f rre d t o in
,
.
,
e
t h e I n t r o d uc t i o n . It p ro v e s that t h e pa ss ag e wa s in e xis t e nc e
a b o u t t h e b e g innin g o f th is c e n t ury at all e v e n t s a nd that i t wa s ,
th e n th o u ght w o r th y o f p re s e r vat i o n .
T h e r e a r e many o th e r si m i la r pa ss ag e s in t h e m an u scri pt tal e

o f wh ic h I hav e f o und n o t r a c e h i th e r t o am o n g s t t h e p e o pl e a nd ,
wh ic h hav e p r o b a b l y di e d o u t w i th t h e o l d r a c e o r e m i g r at e d ,
w i th th e m t o Am e ric a .
I hav e b e e n p e r m i tt e d t o hav e a cc e ss t o o th e r ma nuscri pt s

b e l o n g in g t o t h e H i ghla nd S o ci e t y T h e y ar e n e a rl y all p o e t ry
. .
On e is m a r k e d M S p o e m s c o ll e c t e d in t h e W e s t e rn H i ghla nds
.
a nd I s la nds by D r J o h n S m i th 3 a nd f ro m i t I c o p y th is
.
A D V ER TI S E M E N T .
“
Th e fo ll o w in g p o e m s b e in g c o mp i l e d f ro m va ri o us e di t i o ns
“
w i ll o ft e n app e a r in e l e ga n t a nd a bru pt i t b e in g s o m e t i m e s
,
n e c e ss a ry t o tak e half a s tan za o r p e r hap s half a l in e fr o m o n e

t o j o in t o a s m u c h o f a n o th e r e di t i o n .
I n o rd e r t o c o mpl e t e t h e s e ns e a nd t o su ppl y m any d e fe c t s

,
“
in t h e v e s ific a t i o n r e c o urs e h a s f r e q u e n tl y b e e n h a d t o t h e
r ,
tal e s o r u r sg eu l s wh ic h g e n e r all y a cc o mpa ny t h e p o e m s A s .
th e s e tal e s alth o u gh th e y hav e t h e app e a r a nc e o f p r o s e w e r e

, ,
c o mp o s e d in a pa r t icu la r k ind o f m e a sur e th e y a r e se t d o w n,
i t h e f o r m o f v e rs e bu t w i th o u t a ny alt e r at i o n in t h e a rr a n g e
n ,
m e n t o f t h e w o rds T h is i t wa s t h o u ght w o u l d g i v e t h e
.
, ,
TH E K N I GH T or TH E R E D SHIELD . 48 9
“
w o r k a m o re u ni fo r m app e a r anc e tha i f i t ha d b n a m ix t ure n ee
o f p r o s e a nd v e rs a s o e is a p t t o su pp o s i t o h e a rin g s o m e
e ,
n e n
“
pa r t s f i t r e p e at e d
o .
“
A s th s p i e c e s w e re f o r t h e m o s t pa r t tak e n d o wn f r o m
e e , ,
o r al r e ci tat i o n f r e q u e n t m is tak e s may hav e b e e n ma d e in t h e

,
“
p r o p r di v isi o n o f t h e l in e s a nd i t h e a ssi g nin g o f i t s d u
e ,
n
'
q u a t i t y t o e a c h A matt r t wh ic h t h e p o e t s th e m s e lv e s d o
n . e o
n o t alwa ys s e e m t o hav e b e n v e ry at t e n t i v e th e ir m e a sur e

e ,
o ft e n va ryin g a s th e ir sub j e c t c ha n g e s .
“
A s th o s e w h o r e ci t d a nci n t p o e m s t o o k f re q u e n tl y t h e
e e
l ib e r ty o f subs t i t t in g s u c h w rds a s th e y w e re b e s t a c q u ain t e d

u o
w i th in r o m o f s u c h a s w e r fo re i g n o bs o l e t a fe w w rds
, o e r o e, o
“
that ma y p e r hap s b e c o nsid e r d s m o d e rn o p ro v inci al ma y e a r
o ccur in t h e c o urs e o f th e s e c o mp o si t i o ns To e x p un g th e s e
“
. e
w o rds wh e n n o n e o f t h e e d i t i o s in t h e di t o r s ha nds su ppl i e d

,
n e
’
h i m w i th b e tt e r wa s a ta s k wh ic h h e did n o t c o nsid e r a s a ny
,
pa r t o f h is p r o v inc e H h o p e s that w i th all th e ir i m pe fe c

. e ,
r
t i o ns t h e p o e m s hav e s t i ll s o m uc h m e ri t a s t o g i v e t h e r e a d r
, e
“
s o m id e a o f what th e y ha d o nc e b e e n W e hav e o n l y t h e
e .
“
f ragm e n t s o f t h ruin bu t th e y may s e r ve t o g i v e a n i d e a o f
e ,
t h e g r a nd e ur o f t h e e di fi c e
” .
T h is th e i s t h e s tat m e n t o f t h e c o ll e c t o r s pla n f a c t i o n
n e
’
o .
Th e f o ll o w in g n o t e s h e w s t h e s piri t i n wh ic h t h e b e s t o f th m e
w o r k e d in th e s e d ays I th in k i t w s a m is tak e n s p iri t tha t

. a
c a us e d t h e Ossi a nic c o n t ro v e rsy a nd th re w discre di t o n H i ghla nd ,
l i t e rat ur e S ti ll a s i t is o p e n l y a nd fa ir l y s tat e d i t is fa i r t o b e
.
, ,
l i v e what i s a ss e r t e d by a g n tl ma n a nd a c l rg y man a nd fo
e e e e , r
m y pa r t I i mpl ici tl y b e l i e v e that D r S m i th o f C amp b e lt o w n .
re all y did what h t e ll s u a nd that th e s p o e m s a r e W hat th e y

e s, e
p urp o r t t o b —pat c h d v e rsi o ns o f o r al r e ci tat i o ns w i th po r t i o ns

e, e ,
l e ft o u t .
D I A R M A I D — Th l s p o e m is g e n e r all y in t e r la rd e d w i th s o m uc h
.
o f t h e n r s ge l s o lat e r tal e s a s t o r e nd e r t h e m o s t c mm o n
u r o
di t i o ns o f i t a bsurd a d e x t r avaga n t B u t t h e fabu l o us dr ss

e n . o
o f th fift n th c e n t ury is e a si l y s e pa r at e d f ro m t h e m o re
e ee
p r ci o us re o f t h e a nci e n t b a rds
e o
” .
O f p r t o f th is s a m e s t o ry o f Di m a id M r s M a c Ta v i s h w ri t e s
a ar , .
in 1 8 5 9
A d a o s n g wh ic h I h a rd a n l d pl o u gh ma n o f m y
n r o e o
fath r s sin g v e ry n e a r si x ty y e a rs sinc

e
’
H e ha d a g r e at c o ll e e e .
2
32
490 W ES T HI G H LAND TALES .
t i o f tal s a nd s o n g s a nd ft e n hav e I s t o o d o r s a t by h i m i n
n o e ,
o
w in t e r wh e n k i l n dryin g c o rn o r in su mm e r wh e n bui l din g a p e at

-
s ta c k l is t e nin g t o what w a s t o m e s o fa scin at in g in th o s e d ays

, .
A nd th n f o ll o w s t h e s t o ry o f h o w D ia m a i d wa s k i ll e d by pa cin g
e r
b a r e fo o t e d aga ins t t h e bris tl e s o f a b e a r wh ic h h e h a d k i ll e d a nd

-
,
t h e lam e n t o f D ia rm a i d s l o v e a nd t h e m usic t o wh ic h i t us e d t o
’
,
b e sun g 3 a nd t h is s am e s t o ry o f D i a r m a i d a nd t h e b a r wa s sun g o
t o m e by A l e x a nd e r M a c D o n a l d i n B a rr a in S e pt e m b e r 1 86 0 , ,
t o g e th e r w i th o th e r l o n g G a el ic p o e m s A nd what e v e r m a y b e .
s a id o r th o u ght o f M a c P h e r so s c o ll e c t i o n th is at l e a s t is
n
’
,
g e nuin e o l d p o e t ry a nd s t i ll k n o w n t o ma ny in t h e H i ghla nds

,
.
Th e s t o ry th e n o f t h e Kni ght o f t h e R e d S h i e l d o r what e v e r

, , ,
i t s r e al n am e ma y h e s e e m s t o b e o n e o f t h e tal e s wh i c h w e r e
,
d e s p is e d b y t h e c o ll e c t o rs o f f o r m e r d ays a nd wh ic h hav e ,
sur v i v e d many o f t h e p o e m s wh ic h w e re fa din g awa y a b o u t e i ght y

y e a rs a go a nd wh ic h a r e n o w v e ry n e a r l y bu t o t q ui t e e x t inc t
, n .
H e c t o r M a c Le a s e n t m e fi rs t a v e rsi o n wh ic h h e g o t f ro m a n
n
I s lay ma n Al e x a nd e r C amp b e ll far m e r at M u l r e a s H e n am e d

, ,
.
h is a u th o ri t y a n o l d ma n st il l l i v in g i n C o l o ns a y w h o f r e
,
“
”
,
q u e n tl y c o m e s t o I sla y a nd is w e l c o m e f o r t h e tal e s h e r e ci t e s
, .
Th e o l d m did c o m e a nd h i s v e rsi o n o f t h e s t o ry b e in g m o r e
an ,
c o mpl e t e is g i v e n th o u gh C amp b e ll s v e rsi o n wa s t h e s am e

, ,
’
s h o r t e n e d It is s a id t h a t i t wa s w ri tt e n d o w n by d e sir e o f t h e
.
lat e C ap t a in S te wa r t o f C l o ns ay a nd that i t w a s n o t ic e d
o ,
a m o n g s t h i s pap e rs aft e r h i s d e ath .
I m i ght hav e t ri e d t o r e c o ns t ruc t th is tal e f ro m t h e mat e ri al s

wh ic h I hav e bu t I hav e g i v e n w i th o u t alte r at i o n t h e b e s t v e rsi o n
,
wh ic h c am e t o m e I ma y s o me d a y t ry t o f s e what I hav e in t o
. u
a wh o l e 3 at all e v e n t s h e r e i s t h e c l e w f o r a ny o th e r w h o may
,
b e dis p o s e d t o w o r k o u t t h e sub j e c t a nd t h e b e s t a cc o un t I c a
,
n
g i v e o f t h e s t o ry .
B E A R R A D H E OI N A G U S A M A D A I N Th is ph r a s e i s e x pla in e d
’2
.
t o m e a n c l i pp in g t h e ha ir a nd b e a rd o ff n e sid e o f t h e h e a d o .
T h e i d a is tak e n f r o m c l i ppi n g o n e w in g o f a bird a nd t h e

e ,
p unis hm e n t wa s p r o b ab l y in fl ic t e d at s o m e p e ri o d fo r t h e pha s e ,
o ccurs s e v e r al t i m e s in G a e l ic tal e s .
A n o th e r ph ra s e wh ic h o ccu r s in t h is a nd o th e r s t o ri e s p r o
, ,
b ab l y g i v e s a t ru e p ic t ure o f t h e hall o f a c h i e f in fo r m r d ays e .
A ma n is s aid t o b e b o und w i t h t h e bindin g o f t h th r e e s mall s e
( w ris t s,
a nc l e s a nd s mall
,
o f t h e b a c k ) a nd e a s t und e r t h e b o a rd , ,
und e r t h e dri pp in g o f t o rc h e s a nd t h e fe e t o f bi g d o g s a nd th e re
, ,
wa s no t one c o mpa ny bu t c a s t a b o n e at h i m a s h e l a y
in th e ,
a nd t h e w ic k e d k ni ght i s k ic k e d o v e r t h e r aft rs Th e hal l e .
m e an t th e n w o u l d s e m t h av b e e n a l a rg e r m W i th o u t a
, ,
e o e oo
c e i l in g f u ll o f m e a nd bi g d g s a nd l i ght e d w i th dri pp in g
,
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t o rc h e s 3 t h e sc e n e o f f e a s t s wh ic h c o nsis t e d o f fl e s h r ath e r t h a
,
n
p tat o e s ; wh i l e t h e p ris o n e rs b o und ha nd a nd fo o t la y o n t h e

o , ,
flo o r .
I n th is a s in t h e g r e at maj o ri t y o f G ae l ic s t o ri e s t h e sc e n e
, ,
i s la id in I re la nd bu t i t s e e m s p r o b a b l e that t h e cus t o m s o f t h e
,
W e s t e rn I s l e s o f S c o tland a nd o f I re la nd w e re o nc e n e a r l y
id e n t ic al .
A v e rsi o n o f th is s t o ry u n de r t h e n am e o f Th e S o n o f t h e “
”
,
Gr e n S p rin g by V al o ur w a s r e p e at e d t o m e by a n o l d man
e , ,
A l e x a nd e r M a c N e il l in B a rr a o n t h e 1 0t h o f S e pt e m b e r 1 86 0
, , , .
Th e s t o ry c o n ta in e d l e ss o f t h e m e a sur e d p r o s e a nd m o re inci ,
d e n t tha n t h e C o l o ns ay v e rsi o n Th e h r o i s r e p r e s e n te d a s . e
”
si tt in g w i th h is f e e t in t h e a s h e s l i k e B o o t s o f t h e N o rs e “
,
T al e s H e i s t h e s o n o f t h e R e d Rid e r e a nd g o e s o ff in t h e b o at
. ,
w i th t h e k in g s t wo s o ns t o r e c o v e r t h e k in g s t e e th W h e n t h e
’ ’
.
fe at o f c l i m bin g t h e ma s t o cc rs h e runs u p fa s t r than a ma d u ,

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e
wo m a s to ngu
n
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H e h a s C L A C H B H U A I D H a s t o n e o f v ic t o ry
e.
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w i th wh ic h h e s la ys h is f o e s T h e re is t h e mag i c is land w i th fir
. e
a b o u t i t t h la dy and t h e S l e e p in g wa rri o r ; h e i s l e ft by t h e
,
e
k in g s s o ns g o e s t o a s mall h o us e wh e re h e fi nds n o ma n bu t
’
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fo o d f o r th r e — w in e a nd W h e at e n l o av e s H e tak e s a l i ttl e f ro m
e .
e a c h p o r t i o n l i k e t h e h e r o o f ma ny p o p u la r tal e s in ma ny la n g u
,
ag e s a nd g e t s i n t o o e o f th r e e b e ds T h r e e s o re l y w o und d
,
n . e
m e n c o m e in a nd c u r e th e m s e lv e s w i th mag ic b al s a m a nd
, ,
disc o v e r h i m a nd o n t h e m o rro w h e g o e s t o fight f o r th e m

, .
T h e s e wa rri o rs a r e e nc ha n te d p rinc e s t h e ri ghtf u l h e irs o f th is ,
fi e ry is la nd c o mp e ll e d f o r tw e n ty y e a rs t o c o n t e nd d a i l y w i th
,
a r m i s a nd g i an t s a nd m o ns t e rs T h y hav e l o s t th e i r m o th e r
e , , . e
,
a nd s o m o e h a s s t l e n th e ir sis t e r w h o t urns o u t t o b e t h e la dy
e n o ,
wh o m t h e h e r e ha d al re a dy r e sc ue d T h e y t e ll h i m what h e w i ll .
hav e t o e nc un t r bu t h e g o e s o n a nd o v rc m e s e r y t i n g
o e ,
e o ev n ,
a nd h is c o m in g ha d b e e n fo r e t o l d A r m e s o f e nc ha n t e d wa rri o rs . i
fall i x h undr e d f u ll h e r o e s ; th r e e g i a n t s w i th s ve r al h e a ds ;
s e
”
,
t ri c r u i t a i re a n n a c r u i t e bi g e 3 t h e th re e ha r p e rs o f t h e l i ttl e
ha rp s w h o c o u l d s e t t h e wh l e w o r l d a s l e p 3 t h e so n o f d a r k
,
o e
n e ss s o o f di m n e ss a nd a t e rrib l e o l d c a rl in w h o a s usu al wa s
,
n ,
t h e w o rs t o f all .
\V E S T H I G H L A ND TA L E S .
He tak e s a wa rri o r by t h e l e g s and k i ll s t h e o th e rs w i t h h i s

h e a d 3 h e dri v s h i s v ic t o ry s t o n th ro u gh t h e h e a ds o f t h e
e e
g i a n t s n d o f M D o r h a M a c Do i l l e i r W h e n t h e h a p e r s c o m e
. a ac c .
‘
r ,
h e g n aw s h is fi n g e rs t i l l h i s m u th i s f u ll o f b l o d t o k e e p h i m o o ,
s e lf awak e a nd at la s t h e k i ll s t h e m ag ic ha rp e r s wi th th e ir o w n
,
ha rp s W h e n t h e o l d c a rl in a rri v e s S h e c o m e s o ve r t h e s e a w i th
.
‘
a m ag ic cu p t r v i v e h e r d e a d wa rri o rs a nd h e r s o ns 3 sh e p u t s
o e
h e fi n g e r in t o h is m o u th a nd h e bi t e s i t o ff
r Sh e h a s a t o o th f o . r
a s taff a nd a t o o th a s br o d gr i o s e h a p o k e r o n e e y e in t h e
, ,
a , ,
m ids t o f h e r fa c e o e l e g ; a nd h e r h e a r t h e r l i v e r a nd h e r
,
n , ,
l un g s c o u l d b e s e e n th r o u gh h e r m o u th wh e n i t wa s o p e n e d .
S h e is in s h o r t t h e s am e m y th ic al c a r l in w h o s o o ft e n app e a rs
, , ,
o n wh o m t h e t e ll e rs o f s t o ri e s e x p e nd th e ir p o w e rs in d e scribin g
all that is h id e o u s a nd m o ns t r o us Th e h e r o cu t s h e h e a d o ff . r ,
i t l e ap s o a ga in h e cu t s i t o fl aga in a nd i t fl i e s u p in t o t h e
n ,
“
,
s k i s 3 h e h o l ds t h e s wo rd o t h e n e c k a nd l o o k s u p a nd s e e s
e n , ,
t h e h e a d c o m in g d o w n a nd a i m in g at h i m 3 h e l ap s t o o n e sid e e ,
a nd t h e h e a d g o es f o u r f e e t i n t o t h e e a rth and t h e v ic t o ry i s ,
ga in e d Th e th r e e wa rri o rs c a rry h i m h o m e and b ath e h i m in

.
b al s am a nd h e re c o v e rs H e r a is e s th e ir fath e r a nd m o th e r f r o m
, .
t h e d e a d a nd th e y p r o m is e h i m th e ir d a u ght e r a nd r e alm
, He .
g e t s a br o w n ma r e r e c o v e rs t h e k in g s t e e th r e t urns t I r la nd
,
’
,
o e
w i th a m ag ic s h o e rid e s in t o t h e hall p r e s e n t s t h e mag ic cu p

, ,
w i th t h e t e e t h in i t t o t h e k in g s ayin g I hav e t r av e ll e d , ,
C h ris t e nd o m w i th m y bro wn m a re a nd I hav e fo und o u t t h e

”
,
k in g s t e e th
’
H e l o o s e s h is fath e r t h e R e d Kni ght in wh o s e
.
, ,
s t e a d h e ha d s e t o ff t i e s t h e k ni ght s t o h is s h o e t i e s and ma rri e s

,
-
t h e fa ir la dy w h o i s t h e d a u ght e r o f t h e k in g o f t h t o w n und e r
,
e
t h e wav e s .
I n s h o r t i t i s mani fe s t that th is Gae l ic s t o ry n o w t o l d by t h e

, ,
p o o r e s t o f t h e in ha bi ta n t s o f t h e w e s t e rn c o a s t s a nd i s l e s o f S c o t
la nd a nd v e ry w id e l y s p re a d i s t h e ruin o f s o m e o l d r o ma nc e
, , ,
si m i la r t o th o s e o f t h e m idd l e ag e s .
It is sure l y w o r th att e n t i o n th o u gh i t i s n o t s t ri c tl y t ru e ” .
,
C e rta in p e rs o ns in a pla c e wh ic h I a bs ta in f r o m n am in g w e re
”
, ,
so z e al o us in t h e c a us e o f t ru th that th y a ssure d a si mpl e “

,
e
o l d ma n w h o ha d r e p e at e d a nu m b e r o f s t o ri e s t o o n e o f m y
,
c o ll e c to rs that h e w o u l d hav e t o subs ta n t i at e e v e ry wo rd h e ha d

,
u tt e r e d o r su ff e r p unish m e n t f o t ll in g fal s h o o ds I fo und

,
r e e .
h i m in g r e at p e r t urb at i o n e v id e n tl y e x p e c t in g that I ha d a rri v e d

,
THE K N I GH T OF TH E R E D SHIELD . 49 3
fo r t h e p ur p o s e o f c all in g h i m t o a cc o un t a nd I ha d s o m e t ro ub l e
,
in s e ttin g h is mind at re s t He r e p e at e d l y a ssur e d m e that h e

.
o n l y t o l d what o th e rs ha d t o l d h i m . I n th is ins tanc e a s i t s e e m s

”
,
t o me ,
t ru th m i ght w e ll s a y k e e p m e f ro m m y f ri e nds
, .
L VII .
THE TAIL .
T o l d a b o u t th ir t y y e a rs a go by J o h n C amp b e ll p i p e r t o h is p u p i l , ,
J F C amp b e ll . . .
T
H E R E w a s a s hephe rd o nc e w h o we n t o u t t o the
h i ll t o l o ok a ft e r h is s h e ep It w a s m is t y a nd .
c ol d a nd he h a d m uc h t r o ub l e to fi nd th em At l a s t
,
.
he h a d th e m all bu t o n e 3 a nd a fte r m uc h s e a rc h in g h e
f o und th a t o n e t o o in a pe a t h a g h alf dr o w n e d 3 so he
took o ff h is pl a id a n d b e n t d o w n a nd t o o k h o l d o f t h e
!
,
’
s h e e p s t ai l a nd he p u ll e d
,
T he s h e ep w a s he a v y
w i th w a t e r a nd h e c o u l d n ot l i ft he r so h e to o k o ff
, ,
h is c o a t a nd h e p u l l ed l bu t i t w a s t o o m uc h fo r h i m ,
s o h e s p i t o n h is h a nds a nd t o o k a g o o d h o l d of t h e
!
,
t a i l a nd h e P U LL E D l a nd t h e t ai l br o ke a nd i f i t h a d
n o t b ee n f o r th a t th is t a l e w o u l d h a ve b e e n a g r e a t d e a l
l o n ge r .
T h is ma y b e c o mpa r e d w i th G ri mm s G o l d e n K e y I hav e ’
.
n o t g i v e n i t in G a e l ic b e c a us e so fa r a s I r e m e m b e r t h e s t o ry
, , ,
wa s n e v e r t o l d tw ic i n t h e s am e w o rds 3 and i t c a n b e t o l d q ui t e
e
a s w e ll i n a n y la n g u ag e It is v e ry w e ll k n o w n in ma ny dis t ric t s
‘
.
i n va r i o us s hap e s I hav e a s e c o nd v e rsi o n wh ic h is c all e d

.
,
2 . U r sge a l a ’
. a n a i ll l e i b h a s a t h o i se a ch e
Gh a m h n a dh u i n n , ,
Th e tal e o f t h e Br o w n S t ir k D o y o u w is h f r o m t h e b g innin g ?
. e
It ha s n o th in g bu t a b e g innin g ; fo r t h e s t ir k fe ll o v e r a r o c k
a nd l e ft h is ta i l in t h e h e rds ma n s ha nds ; a nd t h e s t o ry c o m e s
’
t o a n un t i m e l y e n d w i th t h e G a e l ic p r o v e rbi al ph r a s e — ha d t h e
TH E TAI L . 49 5
tai l b e n t o u gh e r
e th e s t ry ha d b e n l o n g e r
o e . NA
’
M E I OD I I AN
,
U R B A LL N A B U R U I G H N E B H I OD H A N T U R S G E U L N A B
' ‘
l - -
a S k y e v e rsi o n a ma n p u t t h e s t i r k o n a
cc o rdin g
'
3 A to
‘
.
,
h o us e t o p t o e a t a t u ft o f g r a ss 3 t h b e a s t f e ll d o w n t h e c h i m n e y
e ,
‘
and t h e ru pt ure o f t h e tai l w a s
FINIS .

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P O P U LA R .

BY THE LATE J . F . CA MPBELL

XXV III T H E SM I TH AN D THE

J uly 1 85 9 Barra H e c to r Mac l e an

4 . H ow t h e Book w a s got An old car t e r J oh n

XXXV . CON A LL A l e xan d e r M a c N e il l , t e nan

XXXV III M U R A CHA D H

XL T H E SON OF T H E S COT D o nal d M a c Le a n

XLV I . MAC I AI N DI R E A CH A n gu s C am p b e ll q u arry man

859 a iid 1 860 N o r th U ist J F

EFOR E this th e r e w a s a ki n g a n d h e wish e d t o se e

his s o n with a wif e b e f o r e sh e sh o uld d e pa r t H is .

so n said h e had b e tt e r g o f o r a wif e

n e e d n o t gO fu r th e r 3 tha t th e r e was a littl e h o us e

h o us e had t h r e e ﬁn e daught e r s 3 a n d if h e w o uld sta n d

That th e y w e r e all lik e e a c h o th e r an d that h e c o uld

n o t disti n guish o n e f r o m t h e o th e r b ut that t h e e ld e st

had a m o l e That m a n y w e r e g o i n g t o ask fo r th e m

b ut that n o n e go t th e m b e c aus e wh o e v e r wish e d fo r

w o uld c o st hi m a hu n d r e d p o u n ds I hav e b ut half a .

th o u wilt pay m e at t h e e n d Of a day a n d a y e a r ; a n d

h o us e Of th e i r fath e r W h e n h e w e n t i n h e was tak e n

whi c h h e was a n d h e said t o hi m

m e that th o u hast th r e e ﬁn e daught e r s

sam e b u t I a m af r aid that it is n o t th o u wh o wilt b uy

th e m . I will giv e t h e m a t r ial at all e v e n ts said

said t o hi m W h e th e r sh e t h e o n e h e l ike d b e st was

t h e e ld e r o r y o u n g e r H e th o ught h e w o uld tak e t h e

b e a n d h e r fath e r said sh e w o uld b e a hu n d r e d p o u n ds

A day o r t w o aft e r t h e d e ath Of t h e Ol d ki n g t h e ,

a n e xc e e di n gly g o o d wif e wh e n t h o u m ust hav e a g o w n

O f t h e b e st silk I hav e o n I hav e that ” “

said t h e ki n g a wife m a n y o f wh o s e e q uals a r e n o t

t o b e go t ” W ilt th o u lay a wag e r said t h e c aptai n

th o u d e si r e dst that th o u wilt n o t W hat wag e r .

wilt th o u lay ? said t h e c aptai n I will pu t t h e .

s h e c o uld m ak e a n y way t o ge t i n with t o ki n g s ’

c ha mb e r that n ight Th e h e n wif e th o ught a whil e

a n d sh e said That sh e did n o t thi n k that th e r e was

th o ught o n a way : h e r m aid s e r va n t a n d I a r e w e ll

sist e r 3 that I ha v e a b ig kist Of g oo d w o r th a n d I , ,

sh o uld lik e if sh e w o uld o blige m e a n d l e t it i n t o h e r

wh e r e t h e q u e e n was sh e ask e d h e r this a n d sh e go t

l e av e . H e r e t h e c ap ta i n was put i n t o t h e kist a n d ,

w e a ryi n g f o r t h e ki n g was n o t c o m i n g h o m e A t last

g o ld r i n g that was o n h e r ﬁ n g e r a n d a g o ld c hai n that

w a s a b o ut h e r n e c k o n a b o a r d that w a s Opp o sit e t o

t he b ed . W h e n t h e m a n w h o was i n t h e kist th o ught

kist agai n A t t h e m o uth o f day c am e t h e h e n wif e t o

ask fo r t h e kist ; t h e gilli e s w e r e gath e r e d a n d t h e kist ,

had b e e n w ith his wif e o r that h e c o uld n o t hav e t h e

c hai n a n d r i n g He said t o t h e c aptai n

k n o w what t o d o with h e r s e lf f o r that t h e ki n g h a d

stab l e gilli e fl Th e m aid s e r va n t said That sh e did “

sh o uld c o m e i n 3 h e e n gage d h e r an d sh e stay e d w o r k

i n g ab o ut t h e stab l e Th e r e was a h e r d Of wild b e asts

that t h e ge n tl e m a n had 3 a wild ma n aft e r th e m a n d ,

m ast e r t o s e n d a m a n with h e r a n d that th e y w o uld ,

Cat c h hi m He r m ast e r said

that th e y had n o b usi n e ss w ith th e m a n d that h e had

d oo r ; sh e lay hid i n a h o l e till t h e wild m a n a n d t h e

c aught t h e wild m a n T h e y br o ught hi m i n a n d th e y

was t o o h e avy o n h e r a n d that sh e n e e d e d h e lp He r