During this period the messenger came back with an answer to the despatch which Dundee had sent to MacKay the night before. He had found William's general at Pitlochry, as he was approaching the pass of Killiecrankie, and, not without difficulty and some danger, had presented his letter.
"This man, sir, surrendered himself late last night to my Lord Belhaven, who was bivouacking in the pass which is ahead," said an English aide-de-camp to General MacKay, "and his lordship, from what I am told, was doubtful whether he should not have shot him as a spy, but seeing he had some kind of letter addressed to you, sir, he sent him on under guard. It may be that it contains terms of surrender, and at any rate it will, I take it, be your desire that the man be kept a prisoner."
"You may take my word for it, Major Lovel," said young Cameron of Lochiel, who, according to the curious confusion of that day, was with MacKay, while his father was with Dundee, "and my oath also, if that adds anything to my word, that whatever be in the letter, there will be no word of surrender. Lord Dundee will fight as sure as we are living men, and I only pray we may not be the losers. Ye be not wise to laugh," added he hotly, "and ye would not if ye had ever seen the Cameron's charge."
"Peace, gentlemen, we are not here to quarrel with one another," said General MacKay. "Hand me the letter, and do the messenger no ill till we see its contents."
As he read his cheek flushed for a moment, and he made an impatient gesture with his hand, as one repudiating the shameful accusation, and then he spoke with his usual composure.
"You are right," he said, addressing Cameron, who was on his staff, "in thinking that Lord Dundee is ready for the fight. I had expected nothing else from him, for I knew him of old, the bigotry of his principles, and the courage of his heart. We could never be else than foes, but I wish to say, whatever happens before the day is done, that I count him a brave and honorable gentleman, as it pleases me to know he counts me also.
"This letter"--and MacKay threw it with irritation on the table of the room in which he had taken his morning meal, "is from Dundee explaining that two English officers have been arrested, who were serving as privates in his cavalry, and who are suspected of being sent by us to assassinate him. If no answer is sent back they will be hung at once, but if the charge is denied, they will be released, which, I take it, gentlemen, is merciful and generous conduct.