Kidnapped Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Well," says he, "ye ken very well that I am an Appin Stewart, and the Campbells have long harried and wasted those of my name; ay, and got lands of us by treachery–but never with the sword," he cried loudly, and with the word brought down his fist upon the table. (12.9)

Alan's hatred for Colin Roy of Glenure arises from the traditional Appin Stewart family rivalry with the Campbells. Would he have taken Colin's treatment of Ardshiel's tenants so hard if Colin had been a Maclaren or a Cameron?

Quote #5

"As for you, Alan, it was no more than your bounden duty," [Mrs. Stewart] said. "But for this lad that has come here and seen us at our worst, and seen the goodman fleeching like a suitor, him that by rights should give his commands like any king–as for you, my lad," she says, "my heart is wae not to have your name, but I have your face; and as long as my heart beats under my bosom, I will keep it, and think of it, and bless it." (19.41)

Alan and Davie are both putting themselves in danger for James Stewart's sake – Alan even more so, in fact, since his name is going out on the wanted poster. But Mrs. Stewart takes Alan's actions as a matter of course while Davie's are special. The expectations the Highlanders have for their families' mutual self-sacrifice seem extremely high!

Quote #6

At the door of the first house we came to, Alan knocked, which was of no very safe enterprise in such a part of the Highlands as the Braes of Balquhidder. No great clan held rule there; it was filled and disputed by small septs, and broken remnants, and what they call "chiefless folk," driven into the wild country about the springs of Forth and Teith by the advance of the Campbells. (25.1)

Balquhidder is the only part of the Highlands Alan and Davie visit that isn't under the jurisdiction of a single family. What kinds of dangers might this lack of clan governance pose to Alan and Davie? What are the possible benefits of hiding out in a country that isn't dominated by one clan?