Hoseason guides the ship toward France and Alan and Davie settle into their new home in the Round-House (place where the battle took place). Davie and Alan share their life stories and Davie finds Alan's story very complicated. It seems that Alan, a Stewart, has a hatred of anyone named Campbell. The Campbell clan, Alan claims, has taken land from the Stewarts by treachery. Alan talks about his father, Duncan Stewart, who had once displayed his swordsmanship to the King George of England, then given away the three guineas the king gave him to a beggar.
Davie also find out that Alan was once in the English army. However, because he left during a battle, if the army finds Alan again he will have to be killed. Surprised by this, Davie asks Alan why he lives in Scotland. Alan says that the poor peasants of his clan pay two rents—one to King George, and one to Alan's clan's chief, Ardshiel. James Stewart manages the collection of this second rent. James Stewart is Ardshiel's half-brother and a friend of Alan's father. It is this rent money that Alan carries with him. Alan clearly wishes death on the Red Fox.
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