LEAVES FEOM A GAME BOOK. 95 



Athol by chance in Perth, when the Earl, expressing 

 his regret at the constant loss of life entailed by the 

 dispute, proposed that they should meet on the property 

 in question, each accompanied by but two retainers, 

 and then and there on the spot endeavour to settle the 

 doubtful boundaries in a friendly manner. To such a 

 reasonable offer Lochiel at once consented, and accord- 

 ingly on the day before the meeting he, with his two 

 vassals, started from their home in Lochaber, in order 

 to arrive at the trysting-place in good time. On his 

 way he met the wise woman of Moy, who, on hearing 

 his errand, commanded him to turn back and collect 

 " three-score and five " of his stoutest warriors and take 

 them with him. In those times no one dreamt of 

 disputing the orders of a reputed wise woman or 

 witch ; therefore Lochiel did as he was instructed, and 

 then, setting forth once more, he concealed the whole 

 of his retinue except two in a hollow near the meeting 

 ground. 



Before leaving them to confront the Earl, he explained 

 the purpose of his journey, and then, holding up a cloak, 



