First to appear was Donald Ross, the elder.

For years he had given over the driving of his team to his boys, but to-day he felt that respect to the family demanded his presence on such an errand as this; and besides, he knew well that his son Dannie, Mack's special chum, would expect him to so honor the home-coming of his dead friend.
Peter McGregor, fearing to leave his daughter for that long and lonely day, sent his son John in his place.

It was with difficulty that Mack's father, Long John Cameron, had been persuaded to remain with the mother and to allow Murdie to go in his stead.
The last to arrive was Farquhar McNaughton, Kirsty's Farquhar, with his fine black team and new light wagon.

To him was to be given the honor of bearing the body home.

Gravely they talked and planned, and then left all to Ranald to execute.
"You will see to these things, Ranald, my man," said Donald Ross, with the air of one giving solemn charge.