THE WOLF. 179 
“long dogs” or deer-hounds in the country. One 
winter’s day, about the: year before mentioned, he 
received a message from the Laird of MacIntosh 
that a large “black beast,” supposed to be a Wolf, 
had appeared in the glens, and the day before killed 
two children, who with their mother were crossing 
the hills from Calder, in consequence of which a 
‘‘Tainchel ” or “ gathering” to drive the country was 
called to meet at a tryst above Fi-Giuthas, where 
MacQueen was invited to attend with his dogs. He 
informed himself of the place where the children had 
been killed, the last tracks of the Wolf, and the con- 
jectures of his haunt, and promised his assistance. 
In the morning the “ Tainchel”’ had long assem- 
bled, and MacIntosh waited with impatience, but 
MacQueen did not arrive. His dogs and himself were, 
however, auxiliaries too important to be left behind, 
and they continued to wait until the best of a 
hunter’s morning was gone, when at last he appeared, 
and MacIntosh received him with an _ uritable 
expression of disappointment. 
“ Ciod ea chabhag?” (“ What was the hurry ?’) 
said he of Pall-a-chrocain. 
MacIntosh gave an indignant retort, and all pre- 
sent made some impatient reply. 
MacQueen lifted his plaid and drew the black, 
bloody head of the Wolf from under his arm! 
“ Sin edhiuibh /” ( There it is for you !”’) said he, 
and tossed it on the grass in the midst of the surprised 
circle. 
MacIntosh expressed great joy and admiration, 
N 
