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328 with great activity, diving through closes and ascending covered stairs, in order to attain the High-Street by an access, which, compared to the common route, was what the Streights of Magellan are to the more circuitous, but open passage around Cape Horn.

Upon looking at the cards of introduction which Pleydell had thrust into his hand, Mannering was gratified with seeing that they were addressed to some of the first literary characters of Scotland. "To David Hume, Esq." "To John Home." "To Dr Ferguson." "To Dr Black." "To Lord Kaimes." "To Mr Hutton." "To John Clerk, Esq. of Eldin." "To Adam Smith, Esq." "To Dr Robertson."

"Upon my word, my legal friend has a good selection of acquaintances—these are names pretty widely blown indeed—an East-Indian must rub up his faculties a little, and put his mind in order, before he enters this sort of society."