But the heart of the matter is the business of my chief, Ardshiel." "I thought they called your chief Appin," said I.
"Ay, but Ardshiel is the captain of the clan," said he, which scarcely cleared my mind.

"Ye see, David, he that was all his life so great a man, and come of the blood and bearing the name of kings, is now brought down to live in a French town like a poor and private person.

He that had four hundred swords at his whistle, I have seen, with these eyes of mine, buying butter in the market-place, and taking it home in a kale-leaf.

This is not only a pain but a disgrace to us of his family and clan.

There are the bairns forby, the children and the hope of Appin, that must be learned their letters and how to hold a sword, in that far country.