He knew me and greeted me with his doleful smile, shaking his foolish old beard.
"What's your errand this e'en, Mr.Garvald ?" he said in broad Scots.
"Will you drink a rummer o' toddy, or try some fine auld usquebaugh I hae got frae my cousin in Buchan ?" I sat down on the settle outside the tavern door.

"This is my errand.

I want you to bring me to a man or bring that man to me.

His name is Ninian Campbell." Mercer looked at me dully.
"There was a lad o' that name was hanged at Inveraray i' '68 for stealin' twae hens and a wether." "The man I mean is long and lean, and his head is as red as fire.

He gave me your name, so you must know him." His eyes showed no recognition.