TRIAL OF THE BRAES CROFTERS. ' 79 



Did you hear Murdo Nicolson say anything to him ? I heard some 

 one say, I am not very certain if it was Angus Nicolson, but I heard 

 some one say, " No one here will do anything to him ". 



What did he say to that ? He said, " Oh, I had no fear. I know 

 that the Braes people will not do anything to me. " He was shaking 

 hands with the people before he went away. He was shaking hands 

 and thanking them for dealing so gently with him. He told them to be 

 active after this, as it was now they had it to do. 1 don't know what 

 he meant by that. I did not hear him say he was a sheriff-officer, or 

 that he came from the Sheriff. I know he is the factor's clerk in 

 Portree. I thought the "bailie " sent him there that day. I saw the 

 widows standing up as if they were speaking to him. One of them, 

 Widow Nicolson, seemed to be angry. I did not hear Martin say any- 

 thing to her at the time. She was done speaking to him before I came. 

 I don't know what they were talking about, but people were telling me 

 afterwards. I did not see anyone touching Martin other than to shake 

 him by the hand. 



John Nicolson, Gedintailler, gave corroborative evidence. He saw 

 no one putting a hand on Martin, and said Martin seemed quite pleased, 

 and put the papers on the top of the fire. 



John Nicolson, Peinachorrain, also gave evidence regarding the pro- 

 ceedings at Martin's visit. He saw no stones thrown. In cross- 

 examination by Mr. Anderson, he admitted that clods had been thrown 

 by the school children, but if Martin was frightened it was only at 

 seeing so many women. (Laughter.) 



John Maclean, Balmeanach, described the scene at the schoolhouse 

 where the papers were burnt. He said Martin stepped into the centre 

 of the crowd, and getting a fire-brand blew it until he had lighted the 

 papers. He then set them on the ground, and said, "Men of the 

 Braes, I am obliged to you for your kindness". He appeared quite 

 hearty, and shook hands with the people. There was no reason for 

 Martin fearing anything. He added, I was in the factor's office in 

 November last as one of the deputation. Our names were taken down 

 at that time, and we were charged with impertinence. The factor was 

 sending us letters after that threatening us. 



This brought the evidence to a close. 



Mr. Anderson did not address the court, but simply 

 asked a conviction for assault. 



Mr. Macdonald began by showing the effect upon the 

 indictment, of the judgment sustaining his objection to the 



