Dr. Macleod being informed of this difficulty, said he would risk his life once more for Prince Charles; and it having occurred, that there was a little boat upon a fresh-water lake in the neighbourhood, young Rasay and Dr. Macleod, with the help of some women, brought it to the sea, by extraordinary exertion, across a Highland mile of land, one half of which was bog, and the other a steep precipice.

These gallant brothers, with the assistance of one little boy, rowed the small boat to Rasay, where they were to endeavour to find Captain M’Leod, as Malcolm was then called, and get one of his good boats, with which they might return to Portree, and receive the Wanderer; or, in case of not finding him, they were to make the small boat serve, though the danger was considerable.

Fortunately, on their first landing, they found their cousin Malcolm, who, with the utmost alacrity, got ready one of his boats, with two strong men, John M’Kenzie, and Donald M’Friar.  Malcolm, being the oldest man, and most cautious, said, that as young Rasay had not hitherto appeared in the unfortunate business, he ought not to run any risk; but that Dr. Macleod and himself, who were already publickly engaged, should go on this expedition.  Young Rasay answered, with an oath, that he would go, at the risk of his life and fortune.  ’In GOD’S name then (said Malcolm) let us proceed.’  The two boatmen, however, now stopped short, till they should be informed of their destination; and M’Kenzie declared he would not move an oar till he knew where they were going.  Upon which they were both sworn to secrecy; and the business being imparted to them, they were eager to put off to sea without loss of time.  The boat soon landed about half a mile from the inn at Portree.

All this was negotiated before the Wanderer got forward to Portree.  Malcolm M’Leod and M’Friar were dispatched to look for him.  In a short time he appeared, and went into the publick house.  Here Donald Roy, whom he had seen at Mugstot, received him, and informed him of what had been concerted.  He wanted silver for a guinea, but the landlord had only thirteen shillings.  He was going to accept of this for his guinea; but Donald Roy very judiciously observed, that it would discover him to be some great man; so he desisted.  He slipped out of the house, leaving his fair protectress, whom he never again saw; and Malcolm Macleod was presented to him by Donald Roy, as a captain in his army.  Young Rasay and Dr. Macleod had waited, in impatient anxiety, in the boat.  When he came, their names were announced to him.  He would not permit the usual ceremonies of respect, but saluted them as his equals.