Page:Wonderful conferences which passed between the ghost of Mr. Maxwell of Cool, and the Rev. Mr. Ogilvy of Innerwick (NLS104187038).pdf/23

 me it in writing under his hand. I told him that the liſt of the grievances were ſo great, that I could not poſſibly remember them without being in writing, and that I wanted nothing but reaſon to determine me in that and all affairs of my life: I know, ſays he, that 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 concern in theſe matters as myſelf. But tell me, Cool, is it not as eaſy to write your ſtory as to tell it, or to ride on what do you call him, for I forgot your horſe's name.

Cool.) No, Sr, 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 ſhould go to Dumfries to tell your wife, that you had appeared to me, and had told me ſo many forgeries and villainies that you had committed; and that ſhe behoved to make reparation: The event 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 calumny. How would I vindicate myſelf? How could I prove that your