THE ISLE OF SKYE IN 1882. 29 



women saluted the policemen with volleys of sarcasms about 

 their voyage from Glasgow. A halt was then called, and a 

 parley ensued between the local inspector and what ap- 

 peared to be the leader of the townships. What is passing 

 between the two it is difficult for an outsider to understand, 

 and while the conversation is in progress it is worth while 

 to look about. At the base of the steep cliff on which we 

 stood, and extending to the seashore, lay the hamlet of 

 Balmeanach. There might be about a score of houses 

 dotted over this plain. From each of these the owners were 

 running hillward with all speed. It was evident they 

 had been taken by surprise. Men, women, and children 

 rushed forward, in all stages of attire, most of the females 

 with their hair down and streaming loosely in the breeze. 

 Ever) 7 soul carried a weapon of some kind or another, but 

 in most cases these were laid down when the detachment 

 was approached. While we were watching the crowds 

 scrambling up the declivity, scores of persons had gathered 

 from other districts, and they now completely surrounded the 

 procession. The confusion that prevailed baffles description. 

 The women, with infuriated looks and bedraggled dress for 

 it was still raining heavily were shouting at the pitch of 

 their voices, uttering the most fearful imprecations, hurling 

 forth the most terrible vows of vengeance against the enemy. 

 Martin was of course the object of greatest abuse. He was 

 cursed in his own person and in that of his children, if he 

 should have any, one female shrieking curses with especial 

 vehemence. The authorities proceeded at once to perform 

 their disagreeable task, and in the course of twenty minutes 

 the five suspected persons were apprehended. A scene utterly 

 indescribable followed. The women, with the most violent 

 gestures and imprecations, declared that the police should be 

 attacked. Stones began to be thrown, and so serious an aspect 



