Page:Laird of Cool's ghost!(NLS104185581).pdf/22

 I told him that the liſt of his grievances were ſo great, that I could not poſſibly remember them without being put in writing; and that I wanted nothing but reaſon to determine me in that and all other affairs of my life.——— I know, ſaid he, that is a mere evaſion; but tell me if the Laird of Thurſton will do it? I am ſure, ſaid I, he will not: And if he ſhould, I would do all that I could to hinder him; for I think he has as little concern in theſe matters as myſelf. But tell me, Cool, is it not as eaſy to write your ſtory as tell it, or ride on what-do-ye-call him? for I have forgot your horſe's name?

Cool. No, Sir, it is not; and perhaps I may convince you of the reaſonableneſs of it afterwards.

Ogil. I would be glad to hear a reaſon that is ſolid, for not ſpeaking to your wife yourſelf. But, however, any rational creature may ſee what a fool I would make of myſelf, if I would go to Dumfries, and tell your wife that you had appeared to me, and told ſo many forgeries and villanies that you had committed, and that ſhe behoved to make reparation: The conſequence might perhaps be, that ſhe would ſcold me; for ſhe would be loth to part with any money ſhe poſſeſſes, and therefore tell me I was mad, or poſſibly purſue me for a calumny: How would I vindicate myſelf? How could I prove that ever you ſpoke with me; Mr. Paton, and other miniſters in Dumfries, would tell me,