Mercy belongs not
to the enemy, now doomed to fall beneath their father's swords!'"
**It was a custom with Scottish chiefs when any feud existed between
their families, to leave the right hand of their children untouched by
the holy water in baptism, as a sign that no law, even of Heaven,
should prevent them taking revenge.
"It is, indeed a deadly contest," rejoined Murray; "for evil has been
the example of that foe. How many innocent bosoms have their steel
pierced! How many helpless babes have their merciless hands dashed
against the stones! Oh, ruthless war! even a soldier trembles to
contemplate thy horrors."
"Only till he can avenge them!" cried a stern voice, entering the
apartment. It was Kirkpatrick's, and he proceeded: "When vengeance is
in our grasp, tell me, brave Murray, who will then tremble? Dost thou
not feel retribution in thine own hands? Dost thou not see the
tyrant's blood at thy feet?" As he spoke, he looked down, with a horrid
exultation in his eyes; and, bursting into a more horrible laugh,
struck his hand several times on his heart: "It glads me! I shall see
it-and this arm shall assist to pull him down.
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