You are to consider also that this step will make for my
protection. I have enemies here accustomed to drive hard; his
Grace is in his own country, Lovat by his side; and if there should
hang any ambiguity over our proceedings I think I might very well
awake in gaol."
Not finding any very ready answer to these considerations, my
company of advisers were at the last persuaded to consent, and made
only this condition that I was to lay the paper before
Prestongrange with the express compliments of all concerned.
The Advocate was at the castle dining with his Grace. By the hand
of one of Colstoun's servants I sent him a billet asking for an
interview, and received a summons to meet him at once in a private
house of the town. Here I found him alone in a chamber; from his
face there was nothing to be gleaned; yet I was not so unobservant
but what I spied some halberts in the hall, and not so stupid but
what I could gather he was prepared to arrest me there and then,
should it appear advisable.
"So, Mr. David, this is you?" said he.
"Where I fear I am not overly welcome, my lord," said I. "And I
would like before I go further to express my sense of your
lordship's good offices, even should they now cease."
"I have heard of your gratitude before," he replied drily, "and I
think this can scarce be the matter you called me from my wine to
listen to. I would remember also, if I were you, that you still
stand on a very boggy foundation."
"Not now, my lord, I think," said I; "and if your lordship will but
glance an eye along this, you will perhaps think as I do."
He read it sedulously through, frowning heavily; then turned back
to one part and another which he seemed to weigh and compare the
effect of. His face a little lightened.
"This is not so bad but what it might be worse," said he; "though I
am still likely to pay dear for my acquaintance with Mr. David
Balfour."
"Rather for your indulgence to that unlucky young man, my lord,"
said I.
He still skimmed the paper, and all the while his spirits seemed to
mend.
"And to whom am I indebted for this?" he asked presently. "Other
counsels must have been discussed, I think. Who was it proposed
this private method? Was it Miller?"
"My lord, it was myself," said I. "These gentlemen have shown me
no such consideration, as that I should deny myself any credit I
can fairly claim, or spare them any responsibility they should
properly bear. And the mere truth is, that they were all in favour
of a process which should have remarkable consequences in the
Parliament House, and prove for them (in one of their own
expressions) a dripping roast. Before I intervened, I think they
were on the point of sharing out the different law appointments.
Our friend Mr. Simon was to be taken in upon some composition."
Prestongrange smiled. "These are our friends," said he. "And what
were your reasons for dissenting, Mr. David?"
I told them without concealment, expressing, however, with more
force and volume those which regarded Prestongrange himself.
"You do me no more than justice," said he. "I have fought as hard
in your interest as you have fought against mine. And how came you
here to-day?" he asked. "As the case drew out, I began to grow
uneasy that I had clipped the period so fine, and I was even
expecting you to-morrow. But to-day--I never dreamed of it."
I was not of course, going to betray Andie.
"I suspect there is some very weary cattle by the road," said I
"If I had known you were such a mosstrooper you should have tasted
longer of the Bass," says he.
"Speaking of which, my lord, I return your letter." And I gave him
the enclosure in the counterfeit hand.
"There was the cover also with the seal," said he.
"I have it not," said I. "It bore not even an address, and could
not compromise a cat. The second enclosure I have, and with your
permission, I desire to keep it."
I thought he winced a little, but he said nothing to the point.