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of no moan order, and he had a stock of      news perhaps more extensive than his wares, so that at a time when newspapers in remote districts were nearly unknown, Jock’s company for a night or two was little short of a luxury, he knew all pol- itics and scandal, which the malice and in- telligence of the country could supply; and it was alleged, moreover, that he was not altogether averse, on some occasions, to      invent, or at least strongly to embellish. With those qualities, Jock, for a time, was in no ordinary degree popular. But it un- fortunately happened, that his talent for mimickry misled him; and whilst relating the conversation of a subject, he never fail- ed to hit of the manner also. These ex- hibitions were, more amusing than safe: and he found that the very persons who were the loudest to applaud his dexterity, were also the readiest afterwards to eschew his company. They were willing enough to laugh at their neighbours expense, but a moment's reflection convinced them, that they woul themselves be the victims of his humour in their turn In the course of a year or two he had become so ob- noxious, that in many houses he was re- fused admittance. Happening at one time to be benighted, he was compelled to throw