And that was how I came to enlist , which was a black spot upon my character at the best of times , and would still be a sore job for me if I fell among the red-coats . '' `` What , '' cried I , `` were you in the English army ? '' `` That was I , '' said Alan . `` But I deserted to the right side at Preston Pans -- and that 's some comfort . '' I could scarcely share this view : holding desertion under arms for an unpardonable fault in honour . But for all I was so young , I was wiser than say my thought . `` Dear , dear , '' says I , `` the punishment is death . '' `` Ay '' said he , `` if they got hands on me , it would be a short shrift and a lang tow for Alan ! But I have the King of France 's commission in my pocket , which would aye be some protection . '' `` I misdoubt it much , '' said I. `` I have doubts mysel ' , '' said Alan drily . `` And , good heaven , man , '' cried I , `` you that are a condemned rebel , and a deserter , and a man of the French King 's -- what tempts ye back into this country ? It 's a braving of Providence . '' `` Tut ! '' says Alan , `` I have been back every year since forty-six ! '' `` And what brings ye , man ? '' cried I. `` Well , ye see , I weary for my friends and country , '' said he . `` France is a braw place , nae doubt ; but I weary for the heather and the deer . And then I have bit things that I attend to . Whiles I pick up a few lads to serve the King of France : recruits , ye see ; and that 's aye a little money . But the heart of the matter is the business of my chief , Ardshiel . ''
`` I thought they called your chief Appin , '' said I. `` Ay , but XXXXX is the captain of the clan , '' said he , which scarcely cleared my mind .
Alan Ardshiel English France King Providence Tut braw deserter shrift