The day at last arrived when Alan, after an absence of twenty-one years, was to look again on his native hills, an event which, no doubt, gladdened and warmed his Highland heart. It is stated that he timed his first appearance to take place on the last day of the market, and he observed it punctually. This enabled the people, if so inclined, to meet him without interfering with their business affairs. His brother was most useful to him in making proper preparations for his reception. Quite a multitude went out to meet him and his companions, a mile or so, and accorded him a most enthusiastic reception. It has, indeed, been said, that the ovation and the escort of that day resembled more that usually awarded to an illustrious conqueror than that to a mere field-officer of the British army. Alan gave instructions to make that and subsequent days a carnival of hospitality--feasting and rejoicing without limit. After a reasonable time, however, festivities must terminate, and business commence. A writer of ripe experience, on Highland subjects, adverts to the anxious state of public feeling at this time[B]--"In 1793, and the succeeding years, the whole strength and resources of the United Kingdom were called into action. In the northern corner a full proportion was secured. A people struggling against the disadvantages of a boisterous climate and barren soil, could not be expected to contribute money. But the personal services of young and active men were ready when required for the defence of the liberty and independence of their country." Producing so many defenders of the State, as these glens have done, they ought to have been saved from a system which has changed the character of, if not altogether extirpated, their hardy inhabitants. CHAPTER X.