Together they crept back to the ravine, found their difficult way into
the cave, and regaining their boat returned to Bute by the same way that
they had left it.
At daybreak on the following morning the fiery cross -- the Highlanders'
summons to arms -- was sent round to every dwelling in Bute. Allan
Redmain was despatched to Arran to warn Sir Piers de Currie. Other
boatmen were sent on a like errand to Toward, Dunoon, Largs, and all
other villages and castles upon the banks of the Clyde, while a special
messenger was sent into Scotland to warn King Alexander.
For three days and nights there was not a man in Bute who was not
occupied in some fashion in preparing to meet the expected enemy.
CHAPTER XXIII. THE INVASION OF BUTE.
The awful words that he had heard spoken by Earl Sweyn of Colonsay
impressed Kenric with a terrible fear, and his knowledge of the
overwhelming force of ships and men at the command of the Norse king
assured him that the threatened invasion of Bute was no idle boast. Not
for his own castle of Rothesay did he fear, although he would defend his
fortress to the end. The thought of the terrible vengeance that was
about to fall upon Bute on account of the bad work of the wild Scots of
Galloway was a matter for far graver consideration.
On his return from Gigha he passed many hours pacing the great hall of
his castle, racking his brain to discover a means whereby he might
protect the lives of the women and children who were under his care.
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