She said to herself that much must be done ere he could in these times arise to be an eminent and dreaded leader.

Yet when she saw him again, she almost expected him at the head of a daring band, with pipes playing and banners flying, the noble tartans fluttering free in the wind, in despite of the laws which had suppressed, under severe penalties, the use of the national garb and all the appurtenances of Highland chivalry.
For all this, her eager imagination was content only to allow the interval of some days.
From the moment this opinion had taken deep and serious possession of her mind, her thoughts were bent upon receiving her son at the head of his adherents in the manner in which she used to adorn her hut for the return of his father.
The substantial means of subsistence she had not the power of providing, nor did she consider that of importance.

The successful caterans would bring with them herds and flocks.

But the interior of her hut was arranged for their reception, the usquebaugh was brewed or distilled in a larger quantity than it could have been supposed one lone woman could have made ready.

Her hut was put into such order as might, in some degree, give it the appearance of a day of rejoicing.