I have made a selection, which I now group together, and they have this character in common, that they are all anecdotes of ministers:-- Rev.Walter Dunlop of Dumfries was well known for pithy and facetious replies; he was kindly known under the appellation of our "Watty Dunlop." On one occasion two irreverent young fellows determined, as they said, to "taigle[176]" the minister.

Coming up to him in the High Street of Dumfries, they accosted him with much solemnity--"Maister Dunlop, dae ye hear the news ?" "What news ?" "Oh, the deil's deed." "Is he ?" said Mr.Dunlop, "then I maun pray for twa faitherless bairns." On another occasion Mr.Dunlop met, with characteristic humour, an attempt to play off a trick against him.

It was known that he was to dine with a minister whose house was close to the church, so that his return back must be through the churchyard.

Accordingly some idle and mischievous youths waited for him in the dark night, and one of them came up to him, dressed as a ghost, in hopes of putting him in a fright.

Watty's cool accost speedily upset the plan:--"Weel, Maister Ghaist, is this a general rising, or are ye juist takin' a daunder frae yer grave by yersell ?" I have received from a correspondent another specimen of Watty's acute rejoinders.