'But did he not go back to his friends in Scotland?
it was not natural to think he would stay here.' 'Not unless he is under restraint,' said Fairford, surprised at the coolness with which the provost seemed to take up the matter.
'Rely on it, sir,' said Mr.Crosbie, 'that if he has not returned to his friends in Scotland, he must have gone to his friends in England.' 'I will rely on no such thing,' said Alan; 'if there is law or justice in Scotland, I will have the thing cleared to the very bottom.' 'Reasonable, reasonable,' said the provost, 'so far as is possible; but you know I have no power beyond the ports of the burgh.' 'But you are in the commission besides, Mr.Crosbie; a justice of peace for the county.' 'True, very true--that is,' said the cautious magistrate, 'I will not say but my name may stand on the list, but I cannot remember that I have ever qualified.' [By taking the oaths to government.] 'Why, in that case,' said young Fairford, 'there are ill-natured people might doubt your attachment to the Protestant line, Mr.Crosbie.' 'God forbid, Mr.Fairford! I who have done and suffered in the Forty-five.

I reckon the Highlandmen did me damage to the amount of 100l.

Scots, forby all they ate and drank--no, no, sir, I stand beyond challenge; but as for plaguing myself with county business, let them that aught the mare shoe the mare.

The commissioners of supply would see my back broken before they would help me in the burgh's work, and all the world kens the difference of the weight between public business in burgh and landward.

What are their riots to me?
have we not riots enough of our own ?--But I must be getting ready, for the council meets this forenoon.