it in Writing under his Hand. I wanted nothing but Reason to determine me, not only in that, but all oyr Affairs of my Life. I added that the List of his Grievances was so long, that I could not possibly remember them w^tout being in Writing.

I know, said he, that this is a mere Evasion: but tell me, if your Neighbour, the Laird of Thurston will do it? I would gladly wait upon him.

O. I am sure, said I, he will not: and, if he inclined so, I would do what I could to hinder him; for, I think, he has as little Concern in these matters, as I. But tell me, Coul, is it not as easie for you to write your story, as to tell it, or to ride on What is it you call him, for I have forgotten your Horse’s Name.

C. No, Sir, ’tis not, and perhaps I may convince you of it afterwards.

O. I would be glad to hear a Reason that is solid, for your not speaking to your Wife your Self. But however, any rational Creature may see, what a Fool I would make of my self, if I should go to Dumfries and tell your Wife, that you had appeared to me, and told me of so many Forgeries and Villanies which you had committed, and that shee behoved to make Reparation. The Event might, perhaps, be, that shee would scold me: for, as ’tis very probable, shee will be loth to part with any money shee possesses, and therefore tell me, I was mad, or possibly might pursue me for Calumny. How could I vindicate my Self, how should I prove, that ever you had spoken with me? M^r Paton, and the Rest of my Broyrn would tell me, that it was a Devil who had appeared to me, and why should I repeat these Things as Truth, which he that was a Lyar from the Beginning had told me? Chapel and Barn-howrie would be upon my Top, and pursue me before the Commissary, and every Body will look upon me, as brainsick or mad. Therefore, I entreat you, do not insist upon sending me an April-Errand: The Reasonableness of my Demand I leave to your Consideration, as you did your former to mine; for I think what I ask is very just. But dropping these matters till our next Interview; give me leave to enter upon some more diverting Subject; and I do not know, Coul, but thro’ the Information given to me, you may do as much Service to Mankind, as the Redress of all the Wrongs, you have mentioned would amount to, &c.

THE END.

Elliot Stock, Paternoster Row, London.

Footnotes:

[1] The first appearance that Coul made was to Dr. Menzies’s Servant at a Time he was watering his Master’s Horse. At some subsequent Appearance, while the Lad was about the same Business, whether Coul had done him any real Harm, or, that the Lad had fallen from his Horse thro’ Fear and Confusion, is uncertain, but so it was, that the Lad was found Dead on the Road.

[2] A Paith in Scottish signifies a steep, and oft times rugged Road.