Page:Laird of Cool's ghost (NLS104186838).pdf/18

18 that I wanted nothing but reason to determine me in that, and all other affairs of my life.--I know, says he, this 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 to do 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 hores'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 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 loath 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 prove that you ever spoke with me? Mr Paton, and other ministers in Dumfries, would tell me, the devil had spokon with me; and why should I repeat these things for truth, which he that was a liar from the beginning, had told me: C—p—l and B—r H—rie would be upon me, and pursue me before the Commissary; every body would look upon me as a brain-sick or mad; therefore I intreat you to do not insist upon sending me so ridiculous an errand. The reasonableness of my demands I leave to your own consideration, as you did your former to mine. But dropping the matter till our next interview, give me leave to enter upon some more diverting subject; I do not know, Cool, but the