Rankeillor's son was short and small in the girth; his clothes scarce held on me; and it was plain I was ill qualified to strut in the front of a bank-porter.

It was plain, if I did so, I should but set folk laughing, and (what was worse in my case) set them asking questions.

So that I behooved to come by some clothes of my own, and in the meanwhile to walk by the porter's side, and put my hand on his arm as though we were a pair of friends.
At a merchant's in the Luckenbooths, I had myself fitted out: none too fine, for I had no idea to appear like a beggar on horseback; but comely and responsible, so that servants should respect me.

Thence to an armourer's, where I got a plain sword, to suit with my degree in life.

I felt safer with the weapon, though (for one so ignorant of defence) it might be called an added danger.