32 THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES. 



descended the precipice with a noise like thunder. An 

 order was given to dislodge a number of the most deter- 

 mined assailants, but the attempt proved futile. They 

 could not be dislodged. Here and there a constable might 

 be seen actually bending under the pressure of a well- 

 directed rounder, losing his footing, and rolling down the 

 hill, followed by scores of missiles. This state of matters 

 could not continue. The chief officials were securing their 

 share of attention. Captain Donald is hit in the knee with 

 a stone as large as a matured turnip. A rush must be made 

 for the pass, or there seems a possibility that Sheriff Ivory 

 himself will be deforced. Once more the order was given 

 to double. On, on, the procession went Sheriffs and Fiscals 

 forgetting their dignity, and taking to their heels. The scene 

 was the most exciting that either the spectators or those who 

 passed through the fire ever experienced, or are likely ever 

 to see again. By keeping up the rush, the party got through 

 the defile, and emerged triumphantly on the Portree side, 

 not however, without severe injuries. If the south end 

 township had turned out, the pass would, I believe, never 

 have been forced, and some would in all probability have 

 lost their lives. 



The crofters seemed to have become more infuriated by 

 the loss of their position, and rushing along the shoulder of 

 the hill prepared to attack once more. This was the final 

 struggle. In other attacks the police used truncheons freely. 

 But at this point they retaliated with both truncheons and 

 stones. The consequences were very serious indeed. Scores 

 of bloody faces could be seen on the slope of the hill. One 

 woman, named Mary Nicolson, was fearfully cut in the head, 

 and fainted on the road. When she was found, blood was 

 pouring down her neck and ears. Another woman, Mrs. 

 Finlayson, was badly gashed on the cheek with some 



