28 THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES. 



thing more serious. We were perfectly aware that the 

 crofters had made preparations for giving us a warm recep- 

 tion. In front, some distance ahead of the main body, 

 walked the sheriff-officer, a policeman, and another person 

 occupying for the time being some official position. Then 

 came the police detachment, and the Sheriffs and the Fiscals 

 brought up the rear the three unofficial persons already 

 mentioned forming what may be termed the rearguard. In 

 this manner we proceeded without incident for four miles, 

 when the Sheriff and his friends left the vehicle and sent it 

 back. About half-past six o'clock we reached the boundary 

 of the disaffected district nearest Portree. Hitherto scarcely 

 a single soul was observed along the route, and some sur- 

 prise was expressed by those in charge. At the schoolhouse, 

 however, it was expected that a portion of the colony would 

 be encountered, but the place was untenanted. On another 

 mile, and signs of life appeared among the hillocks. Pre- 

 sently our ears were saluted with whistling and cheering, 

 and this was interpreted as a sign that it was time to close 

 the ranks. Gedentailler township was passed without any 

 demonstrations of hostility. At the south end of this town- 

 ship there is an ugly looking pass, which seemed to cause 

 some anxiety to the officers in charge. No wonder, as there 

 could not be a finer position for an attack on a hostile body 

 of men. On the west, a steep rocky brae rises sheer from 

 the road to the height of about 400 or 500 feet. On the 

 other side, a terrific precipice descends to the sea. We 

 passed through it in safety, however, but Inspector Cameron, 

 of the Skye police, had reason to believe that the return 

 passage would be disputed. 



Arrived at the boundary of Balmeanach, we found a collec- 

 tion of men, women, and children, numbering well on to 

 100. They cheered as we mounted the knoll, and the 



