Guy Mannering Volume I - Chapter VII

In which the singular customs and uneasy existence of the Scottish gipsy tribes are delineated with a measure of both severity and sentiment, tracing their ancient privileges and subsequent hardships as neighbours to the estate of Ellangowan. The uneasy peace between these itinerants and the newly appointed Justice is shaken by a small incident regarding the estate’s gate, sparking a sequence of petty hostilities that disturb the long-standing truce.