John, who had proved himself most prudent, even in his youth, was
satisfied that his uncle Hector, a man of undoubted valour and
wisdom, in possession of the estates, and highly popular with the
clan, could not be expelled without great difficulty and extreme
danger to himself. Any such attempt would produce feuds and
slaughter among his people, with the certain result of making
himself personally unpopular with the clan, and his uncle more
popular than ever. He therefore decided upon a more prudent course
resolving to strike only at Hector's person, judging that, if his
uncle failed, his claims and the personal respect of his followers
would fall with him. To carry out his resolution, he contrived
a scheme which proved completely successful. Having secured an
interview with Hector, who then resided at Wester Fairburn, he
pleaded that since he had taken his estates from him, and left
him in such reduced circumstances, it was not in accordance with
his feelings and his ambition for fame to remain any longer in his
native country, where he had neither position nor opportunities
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.
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