Thirty brave and resolute young men joined the supposed adventurer, after having informed them that he would have none except those who would do so of their own free will, from their affection for him, and determination to support him in any emergency; for he well judged that only such were suitable companions in the desperate aims which he had laid out for himself to accomplish. These he dispatched to the galley then at Torridon, one of the most secluded glens on the West Coast, and distant from any populated place; while he himself remained with his uncle, professedly to arrange the necessary details of his journey, and the transmission of his portion, but really to notice "his method and manner of converse." John soon took farewell of Hector, and departed with every appearance of simplicity. His uncle sent a retinue to convoy him with becoming respect, but principally to assure himself of his departure, and to guard against surprise or design on John's part. Accompanied by these, he soon arrived at Torridon, where he found his thirty fellow adventurers and the galley awaiting him. They at once set sail, and with a fair wind made for the Isles, in the direction of, and as if intending to make for, Ireland. The retinue sent by Hector Roy returned home, and informed their master that they saw John and his companions started before a fair wind, with sails set, in the direction of Ireland when Hector exclaimed, referring to Anne of Lovat, "We may now sleep without fear of Anne's children."