But next day he came striding up to the cottage, at dinner-time, with his claymore (_gladius major_) at one side, his dirk at the other, and his little skene dubh (_black knife_) in his stocking.

And he was grand to see--such a big strong gentleman I And he came striding up to the cottage where the shepherd was sitting at his dinner.
"'Angus MacQueen,' says he, 'I understand the kelpie in the pot has been rude to your Nellie.

I am going to kill him.' 'How will you do that, sir ?' said Angus, quite short, for he was the girl's father.
'Here's a claymore I could put in a peck,' said Allister, meaning it was such good steel that he could bend it round till the hilt met the point without breaking; 'and here's a shield made out of the hide of old Rasay's black bull; and here's a dirk made of a foot and a half of an old Andrew Ferrara; and here's a skene dubh that I'll drive through your door, Mr.Angus.And so we're fitted, I hope.' 'Not at all,' said Angus, who as I told you was a wise man and a knowing; 'not one bit,' said Angus.

'The kelpie's hide is thicker than three bull-hides, and none of your weapons would do more than mark it.' 'What am I to do then, Angus, for kill him I will somehow ?' 'I'll tell you what to do; but it needs a brave man to do that.' 'And do you think I'm not brave enough for that, Angus ?' 'I know one thing you are not brave enough for.' 'And what's that ?' said Allister, and his face grew red, only he did not want to anger Nelly's father.

'You're not brave enough to marry my girl in the face of the clan,' said Angus.