But when I looked this argument full in the face I could see nothing to be ashamed of.

As for the rest, "Here are the two roads," I thought, "and both go to the same place.

It's unjust that James should hang if I can save him; and it would be ridiculous in me to have talked so much and then do nothing.
It's lucky for James of the Glens that I have boasted beforehand; and none so unlucky for myself, because now I'm committed to do right.

I have the name of a gentleman and the means of one; it would be a poor discovery that I was wanting in the essence." And then I thought this was a Pagan spirit, and said a prayer in to myself, asking for what courage I might lack, and that I might go straight to my duty like a soldier to battle, and come off again scatheless as so many do.
This train of reasoning brought me to a more resolved complexion; though it was far from closing up my sense of the dangers that surrounded me, nor of how very apt I was (if I went on) to stumble on the ladder of the gallows.

It was a plain, fair morning, but the wind in the east.