Page:Witty and entertaining exploits of George Buchanan (1).pdf/19

19 did not know what to do, knowing very well that his servant could swim none. He hearing of George being in town, who was always a good friend to Scots- mon, he went unto him and told him the whole story, and that he would be entirely broke, and durst never return home home to his own country, for he was sure to lose it. Then George called the drover and his men aside and instructed them how to behave, so that they should be safe and gain two. So accordingly they met at the place appointed. The captain's man stript directly and threw himself into the sea, taking a turn until the Highlandman was ready, for the drover took some time to put his servant in order. After he was stripped, his master took his plaid, and rolled a kebbuck of cheese, a big loaf, and a bottle of gin in it, and this he bound on his shoulders, giving him directions to tell his wife and children that he was well, and to be sure he returned with an answer against that day so'nnight. As he went into the sea, he looked back to his master, and called out to him for his claymore. And what waits he for now? says the captain's servant. He wants his sword says his master. His sword, says the fellow: What is he to do with a sword ? Why, says his master, if he meets a whale or a monstrous beast, it is to defend his life: I know he will have to fight his way through the north seas, ore he get to Lochaber. Then cried the captain's servant, I'll swim none with him, if he take his sword. Ay, but says his master, you shall, or lose your wager; take you another sword with you. No, says the fellow I never did swim with a sword, nor any man else, that ever I saw or heard of, I know not but that wild man will kill me in the deep water; I would not for the whole world, venture myself with him and a sword. The captain seeing his servant