I have stated in the preface to the first Edition of this work, and in the Zoology of the Voyage of the Beagle, that it was in consequence of a wish expressed by Captain Fitz
Roy, of having some scientific person on board, accompanied by an offer from him of giving up part of his own accommodations, that I volunteered my services, which received, through the kindness of the hydrographer, Captain Beaufort, the sanction of the Lords of the Admiralty.
The skipper of the boat, on the other hand, was called Neil Roy Macrob; and since Macrob was one of the names of Alan's clansmen, and Alan himself had sent me to that ferry, I was eager to come to private speech of Neil Roy.
At Kinlochaline I got Neil Roy upon one side on the beach, and said I made sure he was one of Appin's men.
For if Colin Roy can get his business done in Appin, he has it all to begin again in the next country, which they call Mamore, and which is one of the countries of the Camerons.
My mother seemed much troubled; she said she had known that horse for years, and that his name was "Rob Roy"; he was a good horse, and there was no vice in him.
What they did with Rob Roy I never knew; but 'twas all for one little hare.
"Why, Anne, I didn't know you were acquainted with
Roy Gardner!"
The envelope, which was unclosed, bore this address: "Lady Janet Roy, Mablethorpe House, Kensington, London." Mercy took the inclosure from the open envelope.
What if she were to ask Lady Janet Roy to let her supply Miss Roseberry's place?
There was absolutely nothing to stop her from presenting herself to Lady Janet Roy under Grace's name and in Grace's place!
Some bear, that Roy Blanchard, some bear.' Some bear--the gazabo!
"But take it from me, it's the last we'll see of Roy Blanchard an' yaps of his kidney buttin' into our affairs.