Several barges had attended, loaded with provisions, so that they were in every respect as well accommodated as such an army wished or expected to be.
Argyle, in council with Auchenbreck and Ardenvohr, expressed his full confidence that Montrose was now on the brink of destruction; that his troops must gradually diminish as he moved eastward through such uncouth paths; that if he went westward, he must encounter Urrie and Baillie; if northward, fall into the hands of Seaforth; or should he choose any halting-place, he would expose himself to be attacked by three armies at once.
"I cannot rejoice in the prospect, my lord," said Auchebreck, "that James Grahame will be crushed with little assistance of ours.

He has left a heavy account in Argyleshire against him, and I long to reckon with him drop of blood for drop of blood.

I love not the payment of such debts by third hands." "You are too scrupulous," said Argyle; "what signifies it by whose hands the blood of the Grahames is spilt?
It is time that of the sons of Diarmid should cease to flow .-- What say you, Ardenvohr ?" "I say, my lord," replied Sir Duncan, "that I think Auchenbreck will be gratified, and will himself have a personal opportunity of settling accounts with Montrose for his depredations.

Reports have reached our outposts that the Camerons are assembling their full strength on the skirts of Ben-Nevis; this must be to join the advance of Montrose, and not to cover his retreat." "It must be some scheme of harassing and depredation," said Argyle, "devised by the inveterate malignity of M'Ilduy, which he terms loyalty.

They can intend no more than an attack on our outposts, or some annoyance to to-morrow's march." "I have sent out scouts," said Sir Duncan, "in every direction, to procure intelligence; and we must soon hear whether they really do assemble any force, upon what point, or with what purpose." It was late ere any tidings were received; but when the moon had arisen, a considerable bustle in the camp, and a noise immediately after heard in the castle, announced the arrival of important intelligence.