Page:Laird of Cool's ghost (NLS104185062).pdf/2



UPON 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, although 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 throughout my whole joints, something also of anger had its share in any confusion; for though he taught when my staff flew out of my hand, coming up with him again (who halted all the time I was seeking my staff,) 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