I have seen and been in company with him under that name, I am sure.' 'Oh aye; in Edinburgh, belike.

You know Redgauntlet was unfortunate a great while ago, and though he was maybe not deeper in the mire than other folk, yet, for some reason or other, he did not get so easily out.' 'He was attainted, I understand; and has no remission,' said Fairford.
The cautious provost only nodded, and said, 'You may guess, therefore, why it is so convenient he should hold his mother's name, which is also partly his own, when he is about Edinburgh.

To bear his proper name might be accounted a kind of flying in the face of government, ye understand.

But he has been long connived at--the story is an old story--and the gentleman has many excellent qualities, and is of a very ancient and honourable house--has cousins among the great folk--counts kin with the advocate and with the sheriff--hawks, you know, Mr.Alan, will not pike out hawks' een--he is widely connected--my wife is a fourth cousin of Redgauntlet's.' HINC ILLAE LACHRYMAE! thought Alan Fairford to himself; but the hint presently determined him to proceed by soft means and with caution.

'I beg you to understand,' said Fairford, 'that in the investigation I am about to make, I design no harm to Mr.Herries, or Redgauntlet--call him what you will.