Page:Laird of Cool's ghost!(NLS104185581).pdf/2



PON the third of February, 1722, at ſeven o'clock at night, after that I had parted with Thurſton, and coming up the burial-road, one came up riding after me. Upon hearing the noiſe of the horſe's feet, I took it to be Thurſton; but looking back and ſeeing the horſe of grey colour, I called, Who's there? The anſwer was, The Laird of Cool, be not afraid. Looking to him with the little light the moon afforded, I took him to be Collector Caſtlelaw, who had a mind to put a trick upon me, and immediately I ſtruck with all my force with my cane, thinking I would leave a mark upon him that would make him remember his preſumption; but altho' ſenſible I aimed as well as ever I did in my life, yet my cane finding no reſiſtance, but flying out of my hand to the diſtance of ſixty feet, and obſerving it by its white head, I diſmounted and took it up, but had ſome difficulty in mounting again, partly by reaſon of a certain ſort of trembling through my whole joints, ſomething alſo of anger had its ſhare in the confuſion ; for tho' he laughed when my ſtaff flew out of my hand, coming up with him again, (who halted all the time I was ſeeking my ftaff,) I aſked him once more who he was? He anſwered, The Laird of Cool. I enquired, Firſt, If he was the Laird of Cool. Secondly, What brought him hither? And, Thirdly, What was his buſiness