THE FIFE ADVENTURERS. 215 



Fife Syndicate. They endeavoured to escape service by 

 representing its great inconvenience, at a time of the year 

 when the crops had to be gathered, and when the winter 

 was approaching. These representations prevailed, and 

 a proclamation was issued on I5th September, delaying 

 the expedition until the following spring. 



Accordingly, on 3rd March, 1603, each of the partners 

 of the Syndicate was ordered to hire thirty soldiers, well 

 furnished with "armour, powder and bullet," and sixty 

 bolls of meal ; to proceed in person with his company to 

 Lewis "for recoverie of the same" ; and to find sufficient 

 provisions for a year, under a penalty of a thousand pounds 

 and forfeiture of his share. Each of the principal share- 

 holders was instructed to build a "sufficient" house of 

 stone and lime, or mortar, for his own defence and safety, 

 within a year from the date of his landing in the island ; 

 and was to pay the rent due to the King at Whit-Sunday 

 and Michaelmas silver at the former, and fish at the 

 latter term. Failing in the performance of these con- 

 ditions, he was to forfeit his share to the partners who 

 fulfilled them. The King on his part agreed, that if by 

 means of his levies, he failed to succeed in re- instating 

 the Adventurers in the possession of Lewis by Midsum- 

 mer, the bond and caution furnished by them should be 

 null and void.* 



It will be seen that the re-organisation of the Syndicate's 

 affairs involved fresh sacrifices on the part of the members, 

 which were by no means inconsiderable. It is not sur- 

 prising that they hesitated, or appeared to hesitate, about 

 undertaking new liabilities; but the glamour of Lewis and 

 its undeveloped resources was irresistible. So far, it had 

 proved a delusive Eldorado ; but with the help of the 

 King's levies, re-inforced by their personal exertions, they 

 might hope to make the investment pay, and pay hand- 

 somely. But an event occurred which drove Lewis and 

 its affairs clean out of the King's head, and effectually 



* Reg. o'T.C., Vol. VI., pp. 545-6. 



