Page:Laird of Cool's ghost (NLS104186838).pdf/17

17 the sea, you may easily dive into the bottom of it, search that, and refund those people their losses, where no man is injured.

Cool.—You are a little too forward this night, Sir, and incline much to banter: what I ve said might satisfy you, but since it does not, I'll tell you further, that no spirits, good nor bad, has the power to take any money or gold; the good never do, though the bad, if once in an age, it is no small quarrel: for if it were allowed them, then they would be very successful in their business, and never fail of gaining their point.

Ogil.— What hinders them Cool?

Cool.— Superior power, that governs and guards all.

Ogil.— You have satisfied me entirely upon that head. But pray; Cool, what is the reason that you cannot go to your wife yourself, and tell her what you have a mind? I should think this a more sure way to gain your point.

Cool.— Because I will not.

Ogil.— That is not an answer to me, Cool.

Cool.— That is one of the questions I told you long ago I would not answer: but if you go as I desire, I promise to give you fall satisfaction after you have done your business. Trust me for once, and believe me I will not disappoint you.

Upon the 10th of April, 1722, coming from Old Cambus, upon the post road, I met with Cool on the head of the heath called the Pees. He asked me, if I had considered the matter he had recommended? I told him I had, and was in the same opinion I was in when we parted; that I would not possibly undertake his commissions, unless he could give me them in writing under his hand. 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