The old man at first made the same excuse with those who had already declined acting as the traveller's guide; but perceiving him in great perplexity, and paying the respect due to his profession, "You are a clergyman, sir ?" he said.

Mr.Walker assented.

"And I observe from your speech, that you are from the north ?"--"You are right, my good friend," was the reply.

"And may I ask if you have ever heard of a place called Dunnottar ?"--"I ought to know something about it, my friend," said Mr.Walker, "since I have been several years the minister of the parish."-- "I am glad to hear it," said the Dumfriesian, "for one of my near relations lies buried there, and there is, I believe, a monument over his grave.

I would give half of what I am aught, to know if it is still in existence."-- "He was one of those who perished in the Whig's Vault at the castle ?" said the minister; "for there are few southlanders besides lying in our churchyard, and none, I think, having monuments."-- "Even sae--even sae," said the old Cameronian, for such was the farmer.