He told her that after returning to Scotland a year ago, he spent months surviving on his own or with a band of "broken men’ who had no clan, living off the land or raiding cattle. One day, he was struck on the head and lost consciousness for two months. Dougal, his uncle, transported him to France to keep him safe from English patrols. He stayed at the Abbey of Ste—Anne de Beaupré, where his uncle, the abbot, cared for him. Under the care of the monks and his strong constitution, Jamie recovered. Once he regained his health, he returned to Scotland with Dougal and his men. They were in the midst of a cattle raid when they encountered Captain Randall and his dragoons.