96 LEAVES FROM A GAME BOOK. 



he showed them it was grey on one side, and scarlet on 

 the other ; and telling them he should approach the 

 Earl wearing the grey side out, which would instantly 

 be reversed to scarlet at the least sign of treachery, he 

 bade them keep a sharp look out to be ready to come 

 to his aid should the necessifcy arise. 



Exactly at midday the two chieftains met, each with 

 his two attendants ; then began the discussion, which, 

 although commencing in the most amicable manner, by 

 degrees developed into a heated one, and at last into 

 downright hot, rude words. Suddenly the Earl waved 

 his bonnet, at which signal fifty fully-armed Athol men 

 bounded into sight from behind a hill that had hidden 

 them. Sternly Lochiel demanded of the Earl what these 

 men might mean, receiving for reply, " They are but 

 fifty Athol wedders come to graze on Ben-y-Yricht, so 

 now, Lochiel, I have you in my power, and submit you 

 must to my terms." 



While the Earl was making this declaration with 

 mocking politeness, Lochiel had turned his cape, at which 

 signal his sixty-five men dashed from their hiding-place 



