FAREWELL TO THE HIGHLANDS. 53 



bow-and-arrow time, as lie termed it rather an inde- 

 finite, but certainly a distant, date. In those days the 

 Spital of Glen Shee, Glen Thaitneach, and Glen Beg 

 had numerous inhabitants, as shown by the ruins of 

 many houses, then occupied by small crofters, who 

 owned sheep and cattle, which fed on the adjoining 

 hills and moors. Now the only houses in that district 

 can be counted on the fingers of two hands. A 

 feud existed between the men of these glens, 

 caused by a habit of cattle-raising, the Highland 

 caterans having a rooted idea that it was their 

 mission to steal other people's cattle, which naturally 

 led to complications, and finally to a battle on what is 

 now the highroad to Braemar. On one side were 

 ranged the men of Glen Isla, and on the other slope 

 the men of Glen Shee, led by a noted chief, Cam-rhoua 

 by name otherwise the red man a diminutive and 

 deformed being, but possessed of much courage and 

 cunning, and a notable marksman, whose arrow seldom 

 missed its aim. As a specimen of his craft and 

 quickness of perception a tale is extant that on one 

 occasion several caterans came in search of him, 

 seeking his life in retaliation for some kinsman slain in 

 one of the neighbourly raids that were common in 

 those parts. Noting their approach, he at once 

 assumed the ways and appearance of a daft cheild, 

 which thoroughly deceived the visitors who had so 

 unceremoniously entered his home; then, taking up 

 their bows one by one, he shot the arrows as far as 

 possible. Still not suspecting that he was the man 

 they were in search of, they told him, as he had fired 

 the arrows away, he must go and pick them up. This 

 ,he did ; and, having thus gained a good start, he 



