The remainder of Macdonald's fleet, to the number of twenty-one,
following behind his own galley, having heard the uproar, returned
to Kyleakin in such terror and confusion that each thought his
nearest neighbour was pursuing him. Landing in Strathardale,
they left their boats "and their ill-cooked beef to these hungry
gentlemen," and before they slept they arrived in Sleat, from
whence they were sent across to the mainland in the small boats
of the laird.
The great concern and anxiety of her ladyship of Ellandonnan can
be easily conceived, for all that she had yet learnt was the simple
fact that an engagement of some kind had taken place, and this she
only knew from having heard the sound of cannon during the night.
Early in the morning she noticed her protectors returning with
their birlinn, accompanied by another great galley. This brightened
her hopes, and going down to the shore to meet them, she heartily
saluted them, and asked if all had gone well with them. "Yea,
Madam," answered their leader, Duncan MacGillechriost, "we have
brought you a new guest, without the loss of a single man, whom
we hope is welcome to your ladyship." She looked into the galley,
and at once recognising the body of Angus of Glengarry, she ordered
it to be carried ashore and properly attended to.
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