" The messenger departed, when some of Huntly's principal
officers who heard the conversation remonstrated with his Lordship
for sending the Mackenzie chief so uncivil an answer, as he might
have cause to regret it if that gentleman took it amiss. Kinnock
on his arrival at Brahan, told his master what had occurred,
and delivered Huntly's rude message. Colin, who was at the time
in delicate health, sent for his brother, Rory Mor of Redcastle,
and sent him next day across the ferry of Ardersier with a force
of four hundred warriors. These he marched straight through the
hills; and just as Huntly, on his way from Inverness, was coming
in sight, on the west of Moy, Rory and his followers were marching
along the face of the hill on the east side of the Island, when
his Lordship, perceiving such a large force, asked his officers
who they could be. One of them, present during the interview with
Mackenzie's messenger on the previous day, answered, "Yonder is the
effect of your answer to Mackenzie." "I wonder," replied Huntly,
"how he could have so many men ready almost in an instant." The
officer replied, "Their leader is so active and fortunate that his
men will flock to him from all parts on a moment's notice when he
has any ado.
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