68 THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES. 



kinnon, John Stuart, and Donald Macwilliam. I instructed Martin to 

 go and serve the summonses, and he proceeded to do so. 



Cross-examined by Mr. Macdonald Is Martin your clerk ? Yes, 

 and has been so for a long time. 



How long has he been so ? I think he entered my office first, at the 

 very beginning, and then he went to Glasgow, and came back, and has 

 been with me for the last eight or ten years. 



From the beginning of what ? Of his career. 



How many years will that be ? I cannot tell you, Mr. Macdonald. 



He was in your office before he became sheriff-officer ? Yes. 



Is he your clerk still ? Yes. 



Was he absent for a time recently ? Well, I think he was. 



What was that for? I cannot tell you. I was away (a pause). Let 

 me see (another pause). I think I was away in the south somewhere, 

 and when I came home (a pause) 



Mr. K. Macdonald Oh, don't be afraid (laughter). 



Witness I am not afraid at all. I beg to assure you 



Mr. Macdonald Well, go on then. 



Witness I was absent from the office lately, and, during my absence 

 from home, I understand he was absent. 



The Sheriff What was the cause of the absence ? 



Witness I don't know. He was absent when I returned. I think 

 he was absent for a fortnight, or nine or ten days. 



Did you enquire what was the cause of his absence ? No, I did not 

 enquire particularly. 



The Sheriff Did you not enquire at all ? Yes. 



By Mr. Macdonald And what was the result of your enquiries ? 

 I heard a suspicion cast on him by some people that he was rather un- 

 steady, but I do not think it is true at all. 



Did you dismiss him ? No, certainly not. 



You took him back whenever he came ? I forget the circumstances. 

 I was not prepared to speak to this. I took him back. 



And made little enquiry ? I asked of his mother and wife, but I 

 don't remember much about it, 



Martin is your clerk and a sheriff-officer. Does he hold other offices ? 

 He is clerk to the Road Trustees and collector of rates for the parish 

 of Snizort, about five miles from Portree, and collector of poor rates for 

 Bracadale, nine miles away. I do not recollect if he is collector for any 

 other parish. 



How many proprietors are you factor for besides Lord Macdonald ? 



