The way we went was over rough mountainsides ; and though Alan pushed on with an assured manner , I could by no means see how he directed himself . At last , about half-past ten of the clock , we came to the top of a brae , and saw lights below us . It seemed a house door stood open and let out a beam of fire and candle-light ; and all round the house and steading five or six persons were moving hurriedly about , each carrying a lighted brand . `` James must have tint his wits , '' said Alan . `` If this was the soldiers instead of you and me , he would be in a bonny mess . But I dare say he 'll have a sentry on the road , and he would ken well enough no soldiers would find the way that we came . '' Hereupon he whistled three times , in a particular manner . It was strange to see how , at the first sound of it , all the moving torches came to a stand , as if the bearers were affrighted ; and how , at the third , the bustle began again as before . Having thus set folks ' minds at rest , we came down the brae , and were met at the yard gate -LRB- for this place was like a well-doing farm -RRB- by a tall , handsome man of more than fifty , who cried out to Alan in the Gaelic . `` James Stewart , '' said Alan , `` I will ask ye to speak in Scotch , for here is a young gentleman with me that has nane of the other . This is him , '' he added , putting his arm through mine , `` a young gentleman of the Lowlands , and a laird in his country too , but I am thinking it will be the better for his health if we give his name the go-by . '' James of the Glens turned to me for a moment , and greeted me courteously enough ; the next he had turned to Alan . `` This has been a dreadful accident , '' he cried . `` It will bring trouble on the country . '' And he wrung his hands . `` Hoots ! '' said Alan , `` ye must take the sour with the sweet , man . Colin Roy is dead , and be thankful for that ! '' `` Ay '' said James , `` and by my troth , I wish he was alive again ! It 's all very fine to blow and boast beforehand ; but now it 's done , Alan ; and who 's to bear the wyte * of it ?
The accident fell out in Appin -- mind ye that , XXXXX ; it 's Appin that must pay ; and I am a man that has a family . ''
* Alan Ay Glens Roy bearers fire first nane third