“Yes, those involving supply wagons. But ships docked along Inverness Firth have apparently also lost cargo to this thief, and cattle have been stolen up and down Glenmore as far south as Loch Lochy.”
Garrett’s expression grew thoughtful. “Have any soldiers been killed during these raids?”
“Surprisingly, no. A few men have been wounded, but nothing serious. It seems Black Jack’s only interest is theft. As soon as he’s stolen what he wants, he and his men disappear into the night.”
“An interesting story, colonel, but what has this to do with me?” Garrett asked.
Colonel Wolfe leaned his elbows on the table and lowered his voice. “You and I are of like mind, Garrett. During the past three months we have seen a great deal of bloodshed, and much of it has been irrational, cruel, and against all sense of fair play. Culloden was proof of that, and now Cumberland’s policy of harrying the glens…”
His voice trailed off, and he shook his head gravely. “There has been enough slaughter of innocents. I simply cannot sit by and watch it begin anew. When Hawley got the dispatch this morning, his first impulse was to send my entire regiment to Strathherrick, beside Loch Ness, since all evidence points to that valley as Black Jack’s main territory.”
“Where you would carry out his normal policy in matters concerning the Highlanders,” Garrett said quietly. “Torture, maim, rape, burn, and then ask questions.”
“Right. Instead I took a chance and suggested a more peaceful method of capturing this brigand. Amazingly Hawley agreed to hear me out, probably due to the recent outrage expressed by clans loyal to King George about the atrocities committed against the defeated Highlanders.”
“It certainly wouldn’t do to have those powerful clans join their Jacobite cousins against the excessive ravages of the English,” Garrett commented.
“Indeed not. Now, it’s my guess that Black Jack is carrying out these raids to provide food for that region,” Colonel Wolfe continued. “Opened sacks of the king’s grain were found in a cave near the loch, and villagers have been found with good supplies of salted meat in their cellars.”
“Not likely for an area that lost its cattle and crops to Cumberland’s more aggressive troops.”
“Exactly. I told Hawley if a large force of armed soldiers descended upon Strathherrick, Black Jack and his men would take to the mountains and never come down from hiding. We already know how well these people guard their secrets, despite the threat of death. Prince Charles has managed to remain on the run for three months, eluding thousands of our troops. It would be the same for Black Jack.”
“So instead I’m supposed to take a third of my men and attempt to discover the whereabouts of the elusive Black Jack by living among the Highlanders of Strathherrick as an occupying yet peaceful force.”
Colonel Wolfe nodded. “With your insight into Highland ways, the task may be easier than you think.” He smiled broadly. “If I were a younger man, I’d relish the assignment. Your prowess with the ladies is renowned, Garrett. You’re as much of a gentleman to the doxies who follow our troops as to the elegant damsels we’ve met in the cities. You’ve charmed them all. Perhaps you may find a willing Highland lass or two to aid you in your quest. Who knows what secrets might be betrayed at the height of passion?”
Garrett laughed. He was not convinced that a pretty Highland wench would so willingly hop into bed with an English soldier, but the thought intrigued him nonetheless.
“I would suggest you and your men billet in a village, or perhaps in one of the few manor houses still left standing,” Colonel Wolfe said. “I’ve heard of a place that might be large enough for all of you. Hmmm, what was the name of that village?”
He paused, rapping his knuckles absently on the table. “Ah, yes, now I remember. It’s near Farraline, I believe. The owner may not take kindly to the inconvenience, but at least it’s better than finding his home burned to the ground.” He stood up. “Any more questions, captain?”
“One,” Garrett replied. “How long do I have to find this Black Jack and bring him to the king’s justice?”
Colonel Wolfe sobered, his features darkening. “Hawley is an impatient man, Garrett. If our plan proves unsuccessful, he’ll carry out his threat.”
“Just as I thought,” Garrett said, rising from his chair and following the colonel from the room.
Chapter 2
“Will ye be ridin’ out again this ev’ning, Maddie?” Glenis asked as she smoothed a clean cloth over the rough-hewn kitchen table. She glanced up when she received no answer. Her eyes, brown as dried berries, anxiously studied her young mistress. Madeleine was seated on a low stool by the window, poring over a worn and yellowed map balanced atop her knees.
Her brow creased in concentration, Madeleine traced her finger along the thin line of General Wade’s Road, which stretched from Inverness to Fort Augustus. The road hugged Loch Ness for three-quarters of the way, then jutted out to the southeast around Beinn a Bhacaidh, a lesser mountain, and Loch Tarff. The narrow valley of Glen Doe lay just to the south of the tiny loch, and it was the site of tonight’s raid.
“‘Tis a risky plan,” she whispered to herself, unaware of Glenis’s scrutiny. There would doubtless be many soldiers so close to Fort Augustus, but that could not be helped.
According to her sources, a large herd of cattle was grazing in Glen Doe, cattle which until a few weeks ago had belonged to some hapless Highland villages. Well, she would simply “rescue” a few tonight, during the wee hours of darkness. Her people would have fresh meat for their suppers within two days.
A smile briefly touched Madeleine’s lips, then faded as her thoughts turned once again to the impending raid. She looked up from the map and gazed out across the apple orchard, the sun’s bright rays warm on her face. The damp morning fog had long since burned away, leaving the sky overhead a pristine blue. The clear, sunny afternoon boded well for the weather later that night.
She and her five kinsmen would start out at dusk for the distant valley. They would ride the sturdy, dun-colored horses native to the Highlands and keep to the mountains they knew so well, away from Wade’s Road and any unwelcome encounters with redcoats. On the rugged slopes above Glen Doe they would tether the horses and descend into the valley like silent ghosts to gather together a dozen cattle and drive them back into the mountains.
Moonlight would guide them along the footpaths of ancient drovers as they traveled as far as possible before daybreak, hiding in the forested brae beside the River Feohlin until nightfall. Then they would set out again. Once they reached Aberchalder Burn near Farraline, the cattle would be slaughtered and the meat distributed to the surrounding villages before dawn.
“Maddie, hinny. Dinna ye hear me?” Glenis repeated. Again there was no reply. With an exasperated sigh the old woman walked to the window, stopping just behind the stool. She reached out and brushed an unruly chestnut lock away from Madeleine’s temple. “Maddie?”
Madeleine jumped up, the map sliding from her knees to the freshly swept floor. “Och, Glenis, ye startled me!” she exclaimed. “I dinna know ye were standing there.”
