INVERNESS-SHIRE. 131 



be in good time at the appointed rendezvous. On his 

 way he was met by the wise woman of Moy, who, 

 on hearing his errand, ordered him to turn back and 

 gather together " three score and five " of his stoutest 

 men, and to take them with him. In those times 

 no one dreamt of disputing the commands of a 

 reputed wise woman or witch, therefore Lochiel did 

 as he was bidden, and marching off with his men, 

 he concealed them in a hollow close to the trysting 

 place. Before leaving them to meet the Earl, he 

 explained the purpose of his journey to his retinue, 

 and then showing them the cloak he wore had 

 a grey outside with a red inside, he said he would 

 meet the Earl with the grey side out, while if 

 there should be any sign of treachery he would 

 instantly reverse it to the red side, on which signal 

 his men should promptly advance to his aid. 



At mid-day the parties duly met, each with his 

 two followers ; then began the discussion, which, 

 starting amicably, eventually developed into hot 

 words ; suddenly the Earl waved his bonnet, at 



