TRIAL OF THE BRAES CROFTERS. 69 



Macleod of Macleod, Mr. Macallister of Strathaird, Mr. Macdonald of 

 Skaebost, and Major Fraser of Kilmuir. 



I suppose that is the greater part of Skye ? Yes, decidedly. 



And in addition to this you are also a landed proprietor yourself? 

 Well, I believe I am. (Laughter). 



You are also a solicitor and bank-agent ? Yes. 



And 1 believe you are agent for Captain Macdonald of Waternish ? 

 Oh, I have a number of appointments besides these, and lots of clients. 



And your influence extends all over the Isle of Skye? I do not know 

 about my influence, but I hold the positions mentioned. 



You are distributor of stamps ? Yes. 



And Clerk of the Peace for the Skye district ? Yes, Depute under 

 Mr. Andrew Macdonald. (Laughter). 



Any other offices? I may have some, but I do not remember any 

 more. I do not see what right you have to ask these questions. Do 

 you mean to assess my income ? I will tell the Assessor of Taxes when 

 he asks me, but you have no right to inquire. 



You are also a coal-merchant? I am not aware, Mr. Macdonald. 

 (Laughter). 



And how many School Boards and Parochial Boards are you a 

 member of ? Several. 



The Sheriff I don't want to interrupt you, but what has this to do 

 with the case ? 



Mr. K. Macdonald To show that this gentleman is the King of Skye 

 the uncrowned King of the Island (laughter) an absolute monarch 

 who punishes a murmur by transportation to the mainland. There are 

 some other offices which you hold in Skye? Witness Yes. 



Mr. Macdonald In point of fact, you and Martin hold between you 

 pretty much all the valuable offices in Skye except that of parish 

 minister ? (great laughter). Witness (warmly) Not all, sir ; not at 

 all (laughter). 



Did the people of the Braes petition you about Benlee 1 They lodged 

 a document, but I do not call it a petition. I call it a demand or 

 ultimatum. The witness read the document, which was to the effect 

 that the petitioners "demand" the grazings of Benlee, otherwise they 

 would not pay their rents. 



Mr. K. Macdonald These people of the Braes are not very well 

 educated ? Witness Some of them are. 



What did you do with that petition when you got it ? I kept it. 



Did you send it to Lord Macdonald ? No, but I wrote to Lord 

 Macdonald about it. 



