the well known cry of "A Gordon! a Gordon! to the rescue!" instantly leaped out of bed, and seizing his sword, rushed, all undressed as he was, down the steps leading to the close, calling out to know what was the matter. Directly Innermarky heard his voice he raised his gun, and the white shirt poor Cromy wore offering a good mark in the darkness, he was instantly shot down by his unnatural kinsman. The rest of the party, to make sure work of him, hacked at his senseless body with their swords and dirks-all but Laird John, who, terrified at the dreadful deed, stood irresolute and inactive, until Innermarky, with a fearful oath, seized him, and with threats compelled him also to plunge his dagger into the disfigured corpse, so that he might share the blame of the cowardly act with the rest of them. Their next step was to secure Cromy's son Robert, who had been sleeping in the same bed with his father, but who, fortunately, was able, by the assistance of the people of the house, to make his escape by a back door, and found safety in a neighbouring house. Cromy's servants were all secured prisoners before they were able to strike a blow, and taking them and their horses with them, Innermarky and his party departed as suddenly as they had come, without any one daring to interrupt them, Innermarky first taking the precaution of drawing from the finger of the murdered man his signet ring, for which he had a special purpose. After getting clear away from Aberdeen, the party separated, and Innermarky picking out one of Cromy's servants, prevailed upon him, partly by threats and partly by promises of payment, to mount his dead master's horse, and, taking his signet ring, to go back to Cromy and ask for the box of deeds, as though he came from Cromy himself. Innermarky and the Laird, the latter helpless as a child in the hands of his strong-willed cousin, did not return at once to their own houses, thinking it safer for the present to seek shelter and protection from Lord Saltoun, whose son-in-law the laird was. They accordingly went to Rothiemay, where Lord Saltoun then lived. Whether his lordship was cognisant beforehand or not of their designs is not certain; he, however, gave them his countenance after the deed, and afforded them protection until the law got too strong for even his influence to shield them from the just retribution their crime so truly merited.

It is the forenoon of a lovely May day, and the lady of Cromy House sits at the open casement enjoying the freshness and sweetness peculiar to the early summer-time. She is looking more cheerful than when we saw her last. Ever and anon a smile flits across her still handsome face, while her fingers are busy with her tambour work, She is thinking of her husband and son. Only two days ago she received a message, telling her to expect to see them both at home very soon, Robert's health being so much improved that he would soon be able to travel. Even while she is thus thinking, the distant tramp, tramp, of an approaching horseman is heard, and with a heightened colour and quickened pulse she leans out to catch the first view of the rider as he enters the long avenue leading to the house; for perhaps it might be her husband returning to-day, and riding on in advance of the others as he often did. And surely that splendid black horse can be no other than Bruce, her husband's favourite charger, but a second glance shows that it is not her husband's well known figure that rides him, Wondering that any one but himself should be

allowed to mount Bruce, the lady hurries out to the door to meet the
horseman, who she finds to be one of the servants who attended her
husband to Aberdeen. And as he drew up she eagerly exclaimed,
"What
news, Duncan, what news? Is your master coming, or have you only a
message from him? Be quick, man, and give me your news," she added
impatiently, as the man seemed to have some difficulty in speaking, and
kept his eyes carefully averted from her searching gaze. At length he
managed to say that his master was still detained in Aberdeen' for some
days, and had sent him for a box of papers which he had left in her
hands; that his master had no time to write, but had sent his signet
ring to convince the lady all was right, and had also told him to ride
Bruce as being the fleetest horse he had, as the documents were required
immediately. The lady listened in astonishmeut, mingled with doubt.
It was so unlike her husband to send such an important message without
writing. What if it should be a ruse of the crafty Innermarky to gain
possession of the papers? But then there was her husband's ring, his
servant, and his horse. There could scarcely be a mistake, and she turned
to enter the house, when she remembered her husband's particular in-
junctions not to let the box out of her possession; and she again cross-
questioned the man, but could elicit nothing but his former story, that
his orders were peremptory to get the box and return without a moment's
delay, adding, "You may be sure, mistress, that Cromy was in great need
of the papers before he would let me ride Bruce." This argument could
not be refuted, and the lady got the box and delivered it to the man,
who immediately prepared to depart.

Young Alexander Innes, the nephew of Cromy, was very anxious to
go to Aberdeen to see his cousin Robert, to whom he was much attached
and thinking this was a good opportunity, he begged Duncan to let him get
up
behind him, as Bruce was quite strong enough to carry them both;
and the more the man objected, the more urgent did the lad get to gain
his purpose. He was suspicious, too, of the man's truthfulness, for he
found him prevaricating, sometimes saying he was only going as far as Kin-
nardy—which indeed was the fact, as it was there Innermarky was waiting
him—and in the next breath saying he must return at once to Aberdeen.
Finding him so stubborn, young Innes desisted from importuning him,
but being more determined than ever to attain his object, he ran on before
to the end of the avenue where there was a gate, which he closed, and
then concealed himself among the trees; and as Duncan rode up, slacken-
ing his headlong speed to bend forward and open the gate, the lad with
one bound sprang on to the saddle and firmly clasping the rider from be-
hind, swore he should take him wheresoever he was bound, whether to
Aberdeen or elsewhere. In vain Duncan tried to throw the lad off, At
last, losing his temper, he drew his dirk and threatened young Innes with
a taste of cold steel if he did not leave him alone. Now firmly convinced
from Duncan's manner that there was something wrong, the brave lad
wrenched the weapon from his hand and the next moment buried it in
the traitor's heart; then, securing the box of papers, he galloped back to
the house to acquaint his aunt with what had occurred. The recital
threw the lady into great perturbation of mind. She did not know
whether to blame or praise the daring deed of the lad. While they were
still discussing the strange affair, another horseman was seen rapidly ap

proaching; his mud-stained, disordered dress, his terrified looks, his horse covered with sweat and flecked with foam, proclaimed at once that he was the bearer of some fearful news. All too soon was the terrible tidings made known to the horror-stricken household. Long and loud arose the wails of the women. Loud and deep were the curses of the men upon the murderers, and eager their cries for vengeance. The blow fell with overwhelming force upon the widow, who was stunned at the suddenness of the calamity. The thought of her son first recalled her to herself, and having been assured by the messenger that Robert was in safety, she nerved herself to make some efforts to avenge her husband's untimely and cruel death. She now realised the value of the service young Innes had performed in regaining possession of the papers. Taking the box with her, and accompanied by her nephew, she fled for protection to her own friends, the Forbeses of Balfour, who assisted her in bringing her cause before the King, and demanding justice against her enemies. Meanwhile the Earl of Huntly, who was connected by ties of kinship to the murdered man, took special charge of his son Robert, whom he took to Edinburgh and placed for safety in the house of Lord Elphinstone, who was at that time Lord High Treasurer of Scotland.

Young Robert Innes of Cromy remained safely in Edinburgh for fully two years under the powerful protection of Lord Elphinstone, who not only warmly espoused his cause, but got so attached to him personally as to promise him his daughter in marriage. In the meantime John, Laird of Innes, still instigated by Robert of Innermarky, took possession of the murdered man's estate; and five weeks had only elapsed since the slaughter of poor Innes of Cromy when his arch-enemy Innermarky obtained from his facile tool, Laird John, a new disposition of the estate of Cromy, and for two years he kept possession, strengthening himself all he could by making friends and allies of his neighbours, backed up as he was by the countenance of Laird John and Lord Saltoun.

The widowed lady of Cromy was, however, not idle during this time. By persistent and well sustained efforts she at length obtained judgment against her adversaries, who were pronounced outlaws, and her son Robert -now a fine young man, whom the tragic fate of his father and his own trials, had changed from a dreaming student into a determined, energetic man-got a commission against Innermarky, Laird John, and all the others who were implicated in the murder. Accompanied by his cousin Alexander Innes-the same who killed the servant and regained the box of deeds -who was always devoted to him, he marched north with a large party to regain his estate and punish his guilty kinsmen. The weak, timorous John, Laird of Innes, did not wait for the attack, but fled in abject terror and hid himself for a while in the South. He, however, was quickly discovered and taken prisoner by some of the friends of Lord Elphinstone, who at once sent him back to Robert Innes of Cromy. Young Innes spared his life, rightly conjecturing that he was only a cats-paw in the hands of Innermarky, but bound him down to various restitutions, making him revoke all he had done in favour of Innermarky, and confirm the bond of talzie which he had before granted to his father, Innermarky stood his ground as long as he could, but at last, deserted by Laird John and his other friends, he fled to the hills, hotly pursued by young Robert and his party. Being driven from place to place, yet still managing to

L

escape the clutches of his infuriated kinsmen, he at last shut himself up in Edinglassy House, which he made as strong as he could, and then fairly stood at bay.

His career was now, however, nearly over. Young Robert Innes, accompanied by his cousin Alexander and their friends, soon found out his retreat, and one night, in September 1584, they suddenly surrounded the house, and requested him to surrender; but on Innermarky declaring they should never take him prisoner, they broke open the door, and Alexander Innes-with the same reckless courage which had animated him when he killed the traitorous serving man-rushed in first, boldly attacked Innermarky, and, after a brief struggle, succeeded in killing him. Innermarky being a strong man, in the prime of life, noted as a skilful swordsman, and being moreover rendered perfectly desperate, it was considered such a daring deed for a mere youth like Alexander to thus "beard the lion in his den," that he ever after bore the sobriquet of "Craigg in peirill.”

Innermarky was beheaded, and his head carried in triumph to the widowed lady of Cromy, who, receiving the ghastly trophy with fierce pleasure, at once hurried to Edinburgh with it, and, gaining an audience of the King, cast it at his feet; an act, though quite in accordance with the barbarous customs of the age, was still, to use the words of the old chronicler, "a thing too masculine to be commended in a woman.”

Robert Innes was reinstated in his father's property, but there was continued strife and opposition between him and the family of Innermarky, until, by the interference of mutual friends, the Laird of Mackintosh, Sir George Ogilvie of Dunlugus, and others, all differences were arranged, and the parties reconciled by a mutual contract, dated 1587; by which "Robert Innes and his posterity enjoyed the estate and dignities of the house of Innes ever after." He married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert, third Lord Elphinstone, and had a family of two sons and three daughters. His eldest son, Robert Innes of that Ilk, was created a baronet by King Charles the First in 1625.

M. A. ROSE,

FORTHCOMING HIGHLAND PUBLICATIONS.-We observe that Mr Alexander Mackenzie announces that his "History of the Macdonalds and Lords of the Isles," which has been running through the Celtic Magazine, is about to be published by subscription in one goodly volume of 500 pages. The work embraces a great amount of local and genealogical information, and will be acceptable to those who are interested in Highland history, as well as to members of the Clan Macdonald. Mr Mackenzie also announces a volume entitled "Among the Highlanders of Canada,' written by himself, and a "History of Flora Macdonald," by the Rey. Alex. Macgregor, Inverness. The last-mentioned work will be of special interest. No one now living is half so well acquainted as Mr Macgregor with the incidents of Flora Macdonald's life.-Inverness Courier.

The Invernessian (Inverness: A. & W. Mackenzie, 2 Ness Bank) is true to its name, and therefore local in its character; but, in spite of this fact we have been constrained to read nearly the whole of it, so lively and amusing are its contents. It is a kind of miscellany, half newspaper, half magazine, for which a market would be found in many places, were the editor in each case as well up to his work as Mr Mackenzie. -Greenock Telegraph.

The Invernessian, a monthly penny paper, conducted by the editor of the Celtic Magazine, contains much which will be of interest to the natives of the "Capital of the Highlands," and is conducted in a free and independent manner--Huntly Express.

EVAN MACCOLL-THE "BARD OF LOCHFYNE."

III.

EXTRACTS FROM NOTES OF A TOUR IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND IN 1838-39.

OCT. 23.-At Inverness.-Spent the evening with Mr Macinnes, a selftaught painter of great merit. His only daughter is a pretty little girl. Addressed a complimentary verse to her picture-one painted by her father, and in which she is represented as in the act of caressing a favourite dog. Macinnes is an enthusiast in his art, and one of the most intelligent men I ever met with.

Oct. 24.-Visited the Moor of Culloden, on my way to Nairn. Grieved to find the graves of the "mighty dead" shamefully desecrated by burrowing tourists. It seemed as if a herd of swine had been lately digging there. The unhallowed spirit of a despicable industry is soon likely to bring under the dominion of the plough the whole field-grayes and all! Already has the villainous share found its way to within a few yards of that part of the field where the bonneted heroes made their last dread onset. Blush, my countrymen! Eternal shame be to the landlords whose rack-rents you have no other way of paying than by digging and delving the very soil enriched by the blood of your fathers! Oh, ye departed brave! sweet on the dark heath be your slumbers-let no dreams of your degenerate sons ruffle the calm of your repose.

Oct. 25.-Manse of Croy. My reverend host, a warm-hearted, hospitable, half-saint, half-sinner kind of soul. His wife a very superior woman, and an enthusiast in Celtic literature.

Oct. 26.-Visited Kilravock Castle, and also that of Calder, in company with Miss Campbell, their daughter. Calder Burn, exquisitely romantic. According to one tradition Calder Castle is the scene of King Duncan's death. The room where he slept, and where Macbeth slew him, is yet shown to visitors. So is also a curious concealed hole or room where the unfortunate Lord Lovat secreted himself for six weeks, during the reign of terror succeeding the battle of Culloden. Some of the rooms are hung with tapestry, in which several scriptural characters are curiously and strikingly grouped.

Oct. 28.-At Nairn. Had an interview with Mrs Grant of Duthil, a most intelligent, venerable lady-the author of a work on education, and also several poetical "flights" in the Ossianic style.

Oct. 30.-Met the celebrated Nairnshire poet, William Gordon, the most laughable, self-important, egotistical specimen of the doggerel tribe that ever lived.

Nov. 5.-Visited last night the Misses Carmichael-three delightful maiden ladies from Strathspey, and inhabiting a large old house, in which, from its being the best in Nairn at the time, Prince Charles slept on the second, and Cumberland on the very night preceding the battle of Culloden. In a fit of Jacobite enthusiasm I proposed, and was cordially welcomed, to sleep in the identical room where Charlie stretched his own