"Dioul, yes!—molesting honest people on the open highway."
"Truly the taunt comes well from you—you, who have kept the whole Highland border in hot water since Dundee fell at Rin Ruari!"
On the face of MacLaren of Invernentie there was a malicious smile, which compelled Rob to seem calm; for he feared that if he fell in this impending conflict, his nephew's interest would infallibly suffer by the wiles and roguery of Invernentie and Killearn, especially if aided by the bad influence of Athole and Montrose.
"Barra," said he, "I never draw my sword without a just cause of quarrel. Go your way in peace, and leave me to pursue mine."
Then Barra is recorded to have taunted him by saying,—
"You are afraid—your valour is in words."
"You shall have more than words," replied MacGregor, furiously, as he unsheathed his sword. "You have come a long way to see me, and shall not go back without having done a portion of your errand. My hand is strong."
"And my sword sharp and sure."
"Neither sharper nor surer than mine, Barra," replied Rob Roy.
"That we shall see, MacGregor Campbell."