[Waverley by Sir Walter Scott]@TWC D-Link book
Waverley

CHAPTER LXXII
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The author has seen a memoir of Mac-Pherson of Cluny, chief of that ancient clan, from which it appears that he levied protection-money to a very large amount, which was willingly paid even by some of his most powerful neighbours.

A gentleman of this clan hearing a clergyman hold forth to his congregation on the crime of theft, interrupted the preacher to assure him, he might leave the enforcement of such doctrines to Cluny Mac-Pherson, whose broadsword would put a stop to theft sooner than all the sermons of all the ministers of the synod.
NOTE 11 .-- ROB ROY An adventure, very similar to what is here stated, actually befell the late Mr.Abercromby of Tullibody, grandfather of the present Lord Abercromby, and father of the celebrated Sir Ralph.

When this gentlemen, who lived to a very advanced period of life, first settled in Stirlingshire, his cattle were repeatedly driven off by the celebrated Rob Roy, or some of his gang; and at length he was obliged, after obtaining a proper safe-conduct, to make the Cateran such a visit as that of Waverley to Bean Lean in the text.

Rob received him with much courtesy, and made many apologies for the accident, which must have happened, he said, through some mistake.

Mr.Abercromby was regaled with collops from two of his own cattle, which were hung up by the heels in the cavern, and was dismissed in perfect safety, after having agreed to pay in future a small sum of blackmail, in consideration of which Rob Roy not only undertook to forbear his herds in future, but to replace any that should be stolen from him by other freebooters.


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