The peat-fire flame : folk-tales and traditions of the Highlands & Islands

THE PEAT-FIRE FLAME
impatience, when he found that the fish were not even
nibbling at the bait.
" Stronger I cannot row," repHed Dark John; " and what
I cannot do, you may do yourself."
In a fit of passion Donald Cam let go the hand-lines, and
drew his sgian-dnhh—the black knife ! Instantly Dark
John, in order to escape the wrath of his master, pitched
both oars overboard, and plunged into the sea himself. For
hours he swam against wind and tide; and eventually he
came ashore on the storm-beach at Aird Uig. Straightway
he made for the retreat in Loch Bharabhat. Having
discarded his wet clothing, he tidied the duyi, kindled a big
fire and proceeded to cook great quantities of fish and
venison, for he knew well that his resourceful master would
be arriving at any moment.
For long enough the Atlantic billows tossed Donald Cam
in an oarless boat. At length, however, he recovered one
of the oars, and thus was enabled to manoeuvre under
difficulties until he came within grasp of the other. By
nightfall he had managed to secure both oars. He rowed
ashore at Aird Uig, as was his wont, greatly distressed at
the loss of his attendant, whom he believed to have been
drowned. When he came in sight of Loch Bharabhat, he
perceived with great joy that smoke was ascending from the
dun. On entering, he found the place in readiness for him.
a meal prepared, and Dark John seated motionlessly before
a roaring fire.
" What made you throw the oars out of the boat yon way,
you foolish fellow? " inquired Donald Cam of his attendant.
" The black rage that was on yourself ! " replied Dark
John.
They smiled one to the other; and never a word more
did they utter on the trials and perils of that day.
Having partaken heartily of the meal prepared, Donald
Cam and Dark John of the Large Fist fell into deep sleep
before the fire.
How THE Fletchers lost Achallader.
The story is still recited in Glen Orchy of how the
superiority of the lands appertaining to Achallader Castle
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