"You speak strangely, sir—I take it you mean no offence to the Clan Campbell?"
"I," echoed Muckle John, "what have I against them? I am a Lowlander, as my name tells ye; we canna all be born across the Highland line."
"Well, well, Captain Strange, there are braw men on both sides; I take it you are on the trail of the rebel leaders?"
"And who else? But I would as wittingly trap foxes in Badenoch; they disappear like peat reek on a summer's night."
Captain Campbell nodded his head, and taking out a dispatch from his pocket, he drew his stool a shade nearer.
"You come at an opportune time," he said, "for here is a dispatch in which your name appears, and certain secret information is contained for transmission to you."
"Indeed, sir," said Muckle John, all attention.
"It has reached the knowledge of the Duke of Cumberland that certain rebels are concealed about the shores of Arkaig, and amongst them Lord Lovat, who has fled in that direction from Gortuleg House. Two days after Culloden, a party of dragoons surrounded the latter place, but he had gone, carrying his papers with him. He is an old man, and should not evade capture long. The Duke places the utmost importance on his capture. If Lovat is taken, he is assured all further trouble will simmer out. As long as Lovat lives he will counsel resistance, and that may mean months of service in the hills."
"Are any others mentioned?"
"It is stated that French gold has been landed at a place near Arkaig, and here is a warrant to arrest two rebels who have knowledge of it—one is a boy, Rob Fraser by name, who is acquainted with the hiding-place of Lord Lovat, and the other is—who do you think?"