Page:Laird of Cool's ghost (NLS104185062).pdf/22

 I told him that the list of his grievances were so great, that I conld 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, this is a mere evation; 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-you-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 calnmny. How would I vindicate myself? How would I prove that ever you spoke with me? Mr Paton, and other ministers in Dumfries, would tell me,