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Muster your men and let us at once hasten over to Cunningham, for, if I mistake not, King Alexander must even now be marching to the coast. 'Tis but small help that we can offer, but let it not be said that we shirked our duty in the hour of Scotland's need." "Go, Sir Allan," said Kenric, "hasten to the headland of Garroch and there blow me on your horn the call to arms.

There was nothing to show that within the small space between him and Garroch Head were collected together many hundreds of islanders with anxiously beating hearts islanders whose happy homes had been laid waste, and who now dreaded the moment that might bring their death. Two figures alone could Roderic see. These were the abbot Godfrey and the old crone Elspeth Blackfell.

And he has come hither to do you injury, my lord." "Doubtless; for when came he to Bute with other intent? Where can I find him?" "That will I soon tell," said Elspeth, "and glad I am that so little time has been lost. You will find him, my lord, at midnight on the Garroch Head. Take with you your sword of Somerled, and meeting him, send him speedily to his deserved death. You will not fail.

"I will come back, Aasta. And now, a truce to all fear. Let me now meet this man and slay him, for there is no one who can now mourn for his death. It is right that he should die, for the hour of retribution has surely come!" Not long was Kenric in covering the few miles between Loch Ascog and Garroch Head. He feared to be too late, for it was already but one short hour before midnight.

Then for another short mile beyond the abbey he hastened, until from the rising ground he came in sight of the murmuring, moonlit sea. Now he slackened his pace to a brisk walk, and skirting the line of cliffs he presently came upon the rocky headland of Garroch. His whole body was in a warm glow; his breath came regular and strong from the depths of his broad chest.

If what I hear of your increased prowess with your weapon be true, assuredly you are now a match even for Roderic MacAlpin." "What takes him to Garroch at that dread hour?" "It is that he expects to meet Aasta." "Aasta?" "Even so, my lord." "And wherefore should Roderic have aught to do with the maid?" "You well may ask," said Elspeth, "and it is not willingly that I would have them meet.

"Right so," said Roderic; "at midnight on the Garroch Head." "And now I beg you, Earl Roderic, go hence from this cave. Go hence to your boat and remain there in hiding; for if it be that the maid, who knows you not as her father, should learn of your presence in Bute, your plans will most surely be frustrated." "I will obey you, Elspeth," said the outlaw, rising. And forthwith he left the cave.

"Alas! but I cannot show my face in the company of men," said Roderic. "I am in hiding as an outlaw, and I am alone and ill-defended." "Be, then, upon the headland of Garroch at the midnight hour," said Elspeth. "Wait there, my lord, and I will send to you either Aasta herself or else a messenger who will tell you all you may wish to know."