His stature was above the common size, and his looks such as were used to command.

He cast a severe, and almost stern glance upon the assembly of Chiefs.
Those of the higher rank among them returned it with scornful indifference; but some of the western gentlemen of inferior power, looked as if they wished themselves elsewhere.
"To which of this assembly," said the stranger, "am I to address myself as leader?
or have you not fixed upon the person who is to hold an office at least as perilous as it is honourable ?" "Address yourself to me, Sir Duncan Campbell," said Montrose, stepping forward.
"To you!" said Sir Duncan Campbell, with some scorn.
"Yes,--to me," repeated Montrose,--"to the Earl of Montrose, if you have forgot him." "I should now, at least," said Sir Duncan Campbell, "have had some difficulty in recognising him in the disguise of a groom .-- and yet I might have guessed that no evil influence inferior to your lordship's, distinguished as one who troubles Israel, could have collected together this rash assembly of misguided persons." "I will answer unto you," said Montrose, "in the manner of your own Puritans.

I have not troubled Israel, but thou and thy father's house.
But let us leave an altercation, which is of little consequence but to ourselves, and hear the tidings you have brought from your Chief of Argyle; for I must conclude that it is in his name that you have come to this meeting." "It is in the name of the Marquis of Argyle," said Sir Duncan Campbell,--"in the name of the Scottish Convention of Estates, that I demand to know the meaning of this singular convocation.

If it is designed to disturb the peace of the country, it were but acting like neighbours, and men of honour, to give us some intimation to stand upon our guard." "It is a singular, and new state of affairs in Scotland," said Montrose, turning from Sir Duncan Campbell to the assembly, "when Scottish men of rank and family cannot meet in the house of a common friend without an inquisitorial visit and demand, on the part of our rulers, to know the subject of our conference.

Methinks our ancestors were accustomed to hold Highland huntings, or other purposes of meeting, without asking the leave either of the great M'Callum More himself, or any of his emissaries or dependents." "The times have been such in Scotland," answered one of the Western Chiefs, "and such they will again be, when the intruders on our ancient possessions are again reduced to be Lairds of Lochow instead of overspreading us like a band of devouring locusts." "Am I to understand, then," said Sir Duncan, "that it is against my name alone that these preparations are directed?
or are the race of Diarmid only to be sufferers in common with the whole of the peaceful and orderly inhabitants of Scotland ?" "I would ask," said a wild-looking Chief, starting hastily up, "one question of the Knight of Ardenvohr, ere he proceeds farther in his daring catechism .-- Has he brought more than one life to this castle, that he ventures to intrude among us for the purposes of insult ?" "Gentlemen," said Montrose, "let me implore your patience; a messenger who comes among us for the purpose of embassy, is entitled to freedom of speech and safe-conduct.