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 is to be supported by such minute enquiries after obscure individuals?"

"You do not suppose we take the trouble?" said the General haughtily. "The curates, for their own sakes, willingly collect all these materials for their own regulation in each parish; they know best the black sheep of the flock. I have had your picture for three years."

"Indeed?" replied Morton. "Will you favour me by imparting it?"

"Willingly," said Claverhouse; "it can signify: little, for you cannot avenge yourself on the curate, as you will probably leave Scotland for some time."

This was spoken in an indifferent tone. Morton felt an involuntary shudder at hearing words which implied a banishment from his native land, but ere he answered, Claverhouse proceeded to read, Henry Morton, son of Silas Morton, Colonel of horse for the Scottish parliament, and nephew of Morton of Milnwood—imperfectly educated, but with spirit beyond his years