CLUNY MACPHERSON. 103 



exception of his own arms, which he declared should not be 

 given to any but to Cluny in person. Macpherson, how- 

 ever, persisted in disarming the whole, and in the attempt 

 to seize Macgregor, was shot dead upon the spot. The 

 Macgregors immediately fled, and effected their escape : 

 one alone suffered, who was wounded in the leg, and- died 

 from loss of blood. 



" This unlucky circumstance was attended with no 

 farther evil consequences no lasting animosity no secret 

 vow of mutual extermination ; but, contrary to usual 

 custom, it had the effect of renewing an ancient treaty 

 between the two clans, for mutual protection and support. 



"When Cluny Macpherson resolved upon departing to 

 France, on account of the share he had in the affair of 1745, 

 he called upon a gentleman with whom he was intimate, 

 and who was a noted deer-stalker (Mr. Macdonald of 

 Tulloch), and said that he wished to kill one more hart 

 before quitting his native country for ever : the proposal 

 was cheerfully accepted by Macdonald, and they proceeded 

 to Benalder accordingly. 



" They soon discovered a solitary stag on the top of a 

 mountain ; but just as they had stalked almost within shot 

 of him, he started off" at full speed, and went on end for 

 about two miles ; he then stood for a few minutes, as if 

 considering whether he had any real cause for alarm, and 

 at length deliberately walked back to the very spot from 

 which he first started, and was shot dead by Cluny. This 

 circumstance was considered a good omen, and the pros- 

 perous interpretation was not falsified by future events. 



" As for the forest of Glenmore, I would advise you to 

 keep clear of it, unless, like the northern champions of old, 

 you delight in encounters with military spectres ; for it is 

 said to be haunted by a fairy knight or spirit called Lham- 

 deargh, in the array of an ancient warrior, having a bloody 

 hand, from which he takes his name. He challenges those 



o 



he meets to do battle with him ; and as lately as 1669 

 he fought with three brothers one after another, who 

 immediately died thereafter.* 



* Account of Strathspey, apud Macfarlane's MSS. 



