108 CLUNY MACPHEKSON. 



were his constant companions ; and they were attended by 

 a few trusty Highlanders, who carried to him every ne- 

 cessary, and many of the luxuries of life. 



" Cluny had generally the charge of this forest in olden 

 times. On one occasion, a nephew of his, a young man, 

 met a party of the Macgregors of Kannoch, who were 

 upon a hunting excursion : there were six of them ; but 

 Macpherson, who had still a stronger party, demanded 

 their arms : to this the Macgregor leader consented, with 

 the exception of his own arms, which he declared should 

 not be given up to any but to Cluny in person. Mac- 

 pherson, however, 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 far- 

 ther 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. Mac- 

 donald 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 



