"I believe ye sang so on purpose," snapped Mistress Macpherson, now thoroughly awakened to the danger, and considerably ashamed of herself. "On my oath, madam," he replied, "I advised the lad against it--ye heard me with your ain ears." "But thae songs?" "Tuts," he said, "what are songs?" The dawn was already in the east, and a faint grey light shone beneath the door. With a start, the stranger rose to his feet. "The day is near," he said, sombrely, "I must be stepping"; and for a breath or two he looked Rob in the eyes. "And I, too, if I may go with you," said Rob, casting a glance at his aunt. For a moment she struggled with her anger, then, taking him roughly by the shoulder, she shook him. "Go then," she cried, "but dinna say it was with my leave. And you, sir, do what you can for him." "Madam," said the stranger, wrapping his greatcoat about him, "I promise you that." "What name do ye go by?" asked Mistress Macpherson, of a sudden. He appeared for an instant slightly put about. "The name I go by," repeated he, "is Muckle John." "That's no sort of name," she snapped. "It's sufficient for me," he replied, and touching Rob on the shoulder, they passed into the street. From far away came the shrill notes of many bagpipes, and the faint stirring of assembling men. "Rob," said Muckle John, slyly, "I thought you had forgotten." "I knew you at once," said Rob, "but you never looked at me." "Did I no," said Muckle John, "maybe there were reasons, Rob--there are folk would do the world for a friend of mine, but there are others, Rob--there are others." CHAPTER III THE END OF THE JACOBITE CAUSE The position of Prince Charlie in Inverness was exceedingly critical. To the north lay the forces of Lord Loudon. To the east and south were the Hanoverian army commanded by the Duke of Cumberland now stationed at Aberdeen. But his position was rendered even more precarious by lack of foresight in ignoring the advice of Lord George Murray, and refusing to provide a supply of provision in the Highlands. Judging that the Duke would not advance for some weeks, the Prince decided on the reduction of various forts and positions held by the enemy, and above all the destruction of Lord Loudon's army. It was arranged, therefore, that Lord Cromartie (one of those incompetent officers who handicapped the Jacobite cause) should advance upon Lord Loudon in order that the menace from the north might be destroyed, and this, he prepared to do, accompanied by the Mackenzies, the Mackintoshes, Macgregors and others.