His Bloody Project: A Historical Thriller

Roderick notes that his family’s “crops grew poorly that summer,” although he “cannot say if this was for the want of sea-ware on our land or due to some other cause” (83). He notes his father’s declining health, which leaves John unable to tend the croft like he once had. This leads to Lachlan Mackenzie further punishing the Macraes by leveling them a 10-shilling fine for failing to maintain their croft’s upkeep. This prompts John to announce to Roderick that he intends to seek an audience with the factor. Although Roderick has misgivings about the trip, he accompanies his father to see the factor in Applecross.

After being kept waiting by servant who seems reluctant to admit them, they are allowed to see the factor. John is unable to articulate his problems, only vaguely alluding to the “various troubles” he has been facing; after a great deal of effort he explains that Lachlan Mackenzie is the cause of those troubles. He asks to see the regulations governing their tenancy, but the factor balks, believing that John only wishes to see the regulations to flout them. He angrily informs John that there are no written regulations. Roderick intervenes and attempts to explain that Lachlan Mackenzie is waging a harassment campaign against his family but, without any evidence, the factor sends them away.