"What kind of Whiggish, canting talk is this, for the house of Cluny Macpherson ?" "I will put my hand in the fire for Mr.Balfour," says Alan.

"He is an honest and a mettle gentleman, and I would have ye bear in mind who says it.

I bear a king's name," says he, cocking his hat; "and I and any that I call friend are company for the best.

But the gentleman is tired, and should sleep; if he has no mind to the cartes, it will never hinder you and me.

And I'm fit and willing, sir, to play ye any game that ye can name." "Sir," says Cluny, "in this poor house of mine I would have you to ken that any gentleman may follow his pleasure.