Page:History and comical transactions of Lothian Tom (3).pdf/18

 ( 18 ) an ale-houſe door and calls for a bicker of ale, and as he he was drinking it, up come another butcher's lad on the ſame errand, he being called by the firſt to come and drink, which cauſed other bicker ; then to come other two on the ſame errand; a- gain up comes other fit more, which made the ten; and every one cold he was going to Lothian Tom's for a calf, which made them think Tom had gather- ed together all the calfs it that country de Soup they come to Tom's home and every one called for his call; and Tom bad but one call to ſerve them all which he took out and shews them. Now. ſays he, whoever gives moſt for it ſhall have it, or I'll at it to a roup. What ſaid they, our maſterſ bought it yeſterday. Then, ſays Tom, you would be fools to buy it te dy, for it is heavy to ourry al futhious to lead, you mud all go home without it. Nea day Tom gets ten ſummontes to answer at the inſance of the butchers, for ſelling his calf and not delivering it. Tom goes to Edinburgh and gets the belt lawyer in town for that purpoſe, tells him the whole ſtory. form firſt to laſt. Then ſaid the Lawyers they cannot prove a bargen, and deny the paying them rey again if you'll give me the call, Til bring you Al' but remember in law there's no point like that of denial, The calf, says Tom, you'll not waar that and a ſtone of butter to make it ready with. Then the lawyer goes to the court, where Tom is called upon the lawyer anſwers fill, who aſked the but- chers, if they could tell the price or prove the bar- gain; they anſwered no. but he ordered us to lend our lads, and we would agree about it. Agree about it! ſaid the judges, why do you come to le for a bargain and to agree about it! Ay but ſaid they we want twenty ſillings a-piece from him of the money we gave him. Tom is called out, then ſaid the Judge, Did you borrow money from any of thoſe men? Not my Lord, I came indeed aſking the