Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/246

 arsenic, and put it into that dram glass full of water, you would run the immediate risk of your life by swallowing it; but that if you were to dissolve the same quantity in yonder tub with ten gallons of water, the risk would be diminished; and that if you were to put it in the river, all the people of Glenburnie might drink of the water without injury. The bad air which surrounds our poor friend in that close bed, is the arsenic in a glass of water: it cannot be breathed with impunity. Had he been placed, as I at first recommended, the greater quantity of air would have diminished the danger; but let us still do what is in our power to remedy the evil."

"I never heard better sense in my life," said the pale-faced man; "if either me or my wife can do you any good, we shall stay and help you: if no, we shall gang hame, and remember you in our prayers. I shall never forget what you have now told us as lang as I live."