"
"Is not this against the law?" I asked
"I cannot say so much," he replied. "It was a favour so natural
and so constantly rendered (till this nonesuch business) that the
law has never looked to it. And now admire the hand of Providence!
A stranger is in Fleming's printing house, spies a proof on the
floor, picks it up, and carries it to me. Of all things, it was
just this libel. Whereupon I had it set again--printed at the
expense of the defence: sumptibus moesti rei; heard ever man the
like of it?--and here it is for anybody, the muckle secret out--all
may see it now. But how do you think I would enjoy this, that has
the life of my kinsman on my conscience?"
"Troth, I think you would enjoy it ill," said I.
"And now you see how it is," he concluded, "and why, when you tell
me your evidence is to be let in, I laugh aloud in your face."
It was now my turn. I laid before him in brief Mr. Simon's threats
and offers, and the whole incident of the bravo, with the
subsequent scene at Prestongrange's. Of my first talk, according
to promise, I said nothing, nor indeed was it necessary.
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