If he were in the hands of his uncle, might there not exist some rivalry in fortune, or rank, which might induce so stern a man as Redgauntlet to use unfair measures towards a youth whom he would find himself unable to mould to his purpose?
He considered these points in silence, during several revolutions of the glasses as they wheeled in galaxy round the bowl, waiting until the provost, agreeably to his own proposal, should mention the subject, for which he had expressly introduced him to Mr.Maxwell of Summertrees.
Apparently the provost had forgot his promise, or at least was in no great haste to fulfil it.

He debated with great earnestness upon the Stamp Act, which was then impending over the American colonies, and upon other political subjects of the day, but said not a word of Redgauntlet.
Alan soon saw that the investigation he meditated must advance, if at all, on his own special motion, and determined to proceed accordingly.
Acting upon this resolution, he took the first opportunity afforded by a pause in the discussion of colonial politics, to say, 'I must remind you, Provost Crosbie, of your kind promise to procure some intelligence upon the subject I am so anxious about.' 'Gadso!' said the provost, after a moment's hesitation, 'it is very true .-- Mr.Maxwell, we wish to consult you on a piece of important business.

You must know indeed I think you must have heard, that the fishermen at Brokenburn, and higher up the Solway, have made a raid upon Quaker Geddes's stake-nets, and levelled all with the sands.' 'In troth I heard it, provost, and I was glad to hear the scoundrels had so much pluck left as to right themselves against a fashion which would make the upper heritors a sort of clocking-hens, to hatch the fish that folk below them were to catch and eat.' 'Well, sir,' said Alan, 'that is not the present point.

But a young friend of mine was with Mr.Geddes at the time this violent procedure took place, and he has not since been heard of.

Now, our friend, the provost, thinks that you may be able to advise'-- Here he was interrupted by the provost and Summertrees speaking out both at once, the first endeavouring to disclaim all interest in the question, and the last to evade giving an answer.
'Me think!' said the provost; 'I never thought twice about it, Mr.
Fairford; it was neither fish, nor flesh, nor salt herring of mine.' 'And I "able to advise"!' said Mr.Maxwell of Summertrees; 'what the devil can I advise you to do, excepting to send the bellman through the town to cry your lost sheep, as they do spaniel dogs or stray ponies ?' 'With your pardon,' said Alan, calmly, but resolutely, 'I must ask a more serious answer.' 'Why, Mr.Advocate,' answered Summertrees, 'I thought it was your business to give advice to the lieges, and not to take it from poor stupid country gentlemen.' 'If not exactly advice, it is sometimes our duty to ask questions, Mr.
Maxwell.' 'Aye, sir, when you have your bag-wig and your gown on, we must allow you the usual privilege of both gown and petticoat, to ask what questions you please.