Danny McTavish was a soldier of Alexander Mackay's Scottish regiment. He spoke English and German and knew little about farming. On Mackay's recommendation, McTavis served as an interpreter and guide for Larkin Newhouse's land purchasing scheme outside of the Ring of Fire. He was, in his opinion, handsomely paid, five one-liter plastic soda bottles, complete with their lids, and a gutting knife. Newhouse also threw dinner into the deal, so they could eat while they talked over the plan. While enacting the transition with locals from Sundremda, McTavish explained the ramifications of 17th century land ownership to Newhouse.