"
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.
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