of distinguishing himself. He therefore begged that his uncle
should give him a galley or birlinn, and as many of the ablest and
most determined youths in the country as should voluntarily follow
him in his adventures for fame and fortune in a foreign land.
With these he should pass to Ireland, then engaged in war, and
"there purchase a glorious death or a more plentiful fortune than
he was likely to get at home." The idea pleased Hector exceedingly,
and he not only gave him his own galley, then lying at Torridon,
but furnished him with all the necessary provisions for the
voyage, at the same time assuring him that, if he prosecuted his
intentions, he should annually transmit him a sufficient portion
to keep up his position, until his own personal prowess and fortune
should place him above any such necessity whereas, if he otherwise
resolved or attempted to molest him in what he called his rights,
he would bring sudden and certain ruin upon himself.

Thirty brave and resolute young men joined the supposed adventurer,
after having informed them that he would have none except those
who would do so of their own free will, from their affection for
him, and determination to support him in any emergency; for he well
judged that only such were suitable companions in the desperate
aims which he had laid out for himself to accomplish. These he
dispatched to the galley then at Torridon, one of the most secluded
glens on the West Coast, and distant from any populated place;
while he himself remained with his uncle, professedly to arrange
the necessary details of his journey, and the transmission
of his portion, but really to notice "his method and manner of
converse." John soon took farewell of Hector, and departed with
every appearance of simplicity. His uncle sent a retinue to convoy
him with becoming respect, but principally to assure himself of