122 SCOTLAND ILLUSTRATED. 



in a writ dated 1703, he was denominated Robert Campbell of INVERSNAID, his 

 paternal inheritance, which extended for some miles along the eastern border 

 of LOCH-LOMOND. From embarrassments, however, the estate had fallen into the 

 hands of the duke of Montrose, but on this condition, that it should revert to 

 the original proprietor as soon as he could repay the sum advanced to him by 

 Montrose, which was only a part of the value. Finding himself, some years 

 later, in a condition to redeem his paternal lands, he brought the money to the 

 duke, and requested to be reinstated in his inheritance. This offer was rejected, 

 and an adjudication obtained in behalf of Montrose, which deprived Macgregor 

 of any future claim. He contrived, however, to levy the rents of the alienated 

 lands ; and on one occasion, when Graham of Killearn, the duke's factor, had 

 received a year's rent from the tenants, he was compelled to refund it in a manner 

 little to the satisfaction of his master. Killearn had imbibed all his chieftain's 

 hostility towards Rob Roy ; and after the business of the day was over, and 

 money collected to a large amount, he loudly declared that the ponderous 

 money-bag should be the property of him who should bring the Highland free- 

 booter into his presence. Macgregor, who, on occasions of moment and interest 

 to himself might almost be said to enjoy an ubiquity, was near enough to hear 

 this friendly declaration. With his wonted circumspection and celerity, he 

 ordered his gillies to take their stations, two by two, around the house, as a 

 precaution against any unexpected arrival, and to prevent an escape, should 

 any be attempted. He then boldly entered the apartment where the factor was 

 seated in the midst of a group of tenants who had just emptied their purses 

 into his. " Well, Killearn," said the fearless free-booter, " here am I, Rob 

 Roy Macgregor, the greatest enemy your master has on this side of purgatory- 

 I claim the proffered blood-money. Produce the bag !" The factor, who at first 

 stared at Macgregor with as much amazement as if he had been a spectre from 

 the grave, was quite astounded at this demand more especially as it came from 

 a person whom he well knew it was fruitless to refuse or resist. Accordingly, 

 he began, as well as a faltering voice would allow, to work on the feelings of 

 his unwelcome visitor. " No whimpering for me," said Rob, striking the table 

 with his fist, " down with the bag!" The demand was instantly complied with, 

 and the unfortunate factor was compelled on the spot to give the tenants receipt 

 in full for their rents. " One word more," said Rob, " and our business is 

 settled for this time ; swear by your salvation that you will neither raise an 

 alarm, nor divulge one circumstance that has passed at this interview, before 

 the expiration of two hours." The oath was accordingly administered and taken. 

 " Now," said Rob, in conclusion " now I have done with you, valiant factor. 



