From Seaforth, chief of the MacKenzies, he bore a letter to Rob Roy, stating that he intended to rise in arms for the king, and desired the aid and assistance of the Clan Alpine, when and where the bearer would inform him, as it was dangerous to commit his plans to paper.
The writer was William MacKenzie, Earl of Seaforth, whose father had been created a marquis by the exiled king.
"So, MacGregor, I have come at a fortunate time," said Sir James, as they walked in conference together by the shore of Loch Katrine; "your men I see are all in arms——"
"And prepared to do all that men can do," replied Rob; "but the Lowlands are full of troops, close up to the Highland border; now ships of war come at times even into the salt lochs of the Campbells, and so the Highlands are scarcely what they were when we were boys, Sir James."
"True; but one good battle may alter all that; and remember, Rob, that the Grampians are still the Dorsum Britanniae."
"The what?" said MacGregor, with perplexity.
"The Backbone of Britain, as they were called of old by a Scottish Kuldee."
"Seaforth refers me to you for information; where is he now?"
"At Madrid."
"Madrid—oich; that is a long way from the Braes of Balquhidder!" said Rob, with fresh perplexity.