David plans to leave Alan, assuming he must have had something to do with the assassination. Alan denies it vehemently and swears “on the Holy Iron” that he had no part in it (96), though he admits he intentionally made himself visible to lead the soldiers away from the shooter. Alan sees this as the right and honorable thing to have done, and though David can’t agree, he is satisfied that his friend is innocent of murder. David wants to explain his innocence in court, but Alan convinces him that justice won’t be found in the legal system as long as the Campbells are in charge. The only option is to make a run for the south. 

Alan and David skulk through the brush to the house of James Stewart, the man who collects funds in Appin for the Jacobites’ exiled leader. They find James and his family frantic with fear and activity. James is sure that blame will fall on him for the Red Fox’s murder. Stewart clansmen come and go, burning documents and hiding weapons and other contraband.

James offers what support and hospitality he can, giving the two fugitives a change of clothes, some weapons, and the few coins he can scrape together.