How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
This was but one of Cluny's hiding-places; he had caves, besides, and underground chambers in several parts of his country; and following the reports of his scouts, he moved from one to another as the soldiers drew near or moved away. By this manner of living, and thanks to the affection of his clan, he had not only stayed all this time in safety, while so many others had fled or been taken and slain: but stayed four or five years longer, and only went to France at last by the express command of his master. There he soon died; and it is strange to reflect that he may have regretted his Cage upon Ben Alder. (23.6)
While he lives in Scotland, Cluny depends on "reports of his scouts" and "the affection of his clan" to stay alive. Their commitment to him as the head of the Macpherson clan sustains him for many years longer than other Highland clan leaders. Yet once he's removed from that support network, even though he's safe in France, he dies. Is there a lesson in this about ideology keeping you alive? We're not quite sure what to make of Stevenson's little meditation on Cluny missing his Cage at Ben Alder.
Quote #8
"Step in by, the both of ye, gentlemen," says Cluny. "I make ye welcome to my house, which is a queer, rude place for certain, but one where I have entertained a royal personage, Mr. Stewart–ye doubtless ken the personage I have in my eye. We'll take a dram for luck, and as soon as this handless man of mine has the collops ready, we'll dine and take a hand at the cartes as gentlemen should. My life is a bit driegh," says he, pouring out the brandy; "I see little company, and sit and twirl my thumbs, and mind upon a great day that is gone by, and weary for another great day that we all hope will be upon the road. And so here's a toast to ye: The Restoration!" (23.11)
Not to get too repetitive, but Cluny and Alan represent a kind of state of their own making, one ruled by a descendant of the Stuart line (also now living in exile). This state has no practical meaning at this point in British history. It is only kept alive as an idea by patriotic gestures like Cluny's toast to "The Restoration" – the return of Charles Edward Stuart to the throne of England and Scotland.
Quote #9
Thereupon we all touched glasses and drank. I am sure I wished no ill to King George; and if he had been there himself in proper person, it's like he would have done as I did. No sooner had I taken out the drain than I felt hugely better, and could look on and listen, still a little mistily perhaps, but no longer with the same groundless horror and distress of mind. (23. 12)
Davie is pretty willing to compromise his loyalty to King George for the sake of staying alive. Perhaps his loyalties are less important or less in question because he supports the ruling state in power, while the Highlanders continually have to reassure one another of their faith in an ideal?