Here he remained quiet during some time.

He protested that he had no intention of opposing the new government.

He declared himself ready to return to Edinburgh, if only he could be assured that he should be protected against lawless violence; and he offered to give his word of honour, or, if that were not sufficient, to give bail, that he would keep the peace.

Some of his old soldiers had accompanied him, and formed a garrison sufficient to protect his house against the Presbyterians of the neighbourhood.

Here he might possibly have remained unharmed and harmless, had not an event for which he was not answerable made his enemies implacable, and made him desperate, [335] An emissary of James had crossed from Ireland to Scotland with letters addressed to Dundee and Balcarras.