The steps on which they stood at the back of the rock are still
pointed out. Donald Odhar, being of small stature, took the
higher of the two ledges, and Ian took the lower. Standing on
these they crouched down behind the rock, completely sheltered
from the enemy, but commanding a full view of the island, while
they were quite invisible to the Macleods, who lay down on the
island. As soon as the day dawned the two Macraes directed their
arrows on the strangers, of whom a number were killed before
their comrades were even aware of the direction from which the
messengers of death came. The Macleods endeavoured to answer
their arrows, but not being able to see the foe, their efforts
were of no effect. In the heat of the fight one of the Macleods
climbed up the mast of the birlinn to discover the position of
the enemy. Ian Odhar observing this, took deadly aim at him when
near the top of the mast. "Oh," says Donald, addressing John,
"you have sent a pin through his broth." The slaughter continued,
and the remnant of the Macleods hurried aboard their birlinn.
Cutting the rope, they turned her head seawards. By this time
only two of their number were left alive.
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