and, by your leave, we'll pick a bit of dinner, all the three of

us. When that's done, I'll give you the direction of a very decent

man, that'll be very fain to have you for a lodger. And I'll fill

your pockets to ye, forbye, out of your ain bag. For this

business'll not be near as dear as ye suppose--not even the ship

part of it."

I made him a sign that his clerk was within hearing.

"Hoot, ye neednae mind for Robbie," cries he. "A Stewart, too,

puir deevil! and has smuggled out more French recruits and

trafficking Papists than what he has hairs upon his face. Why,

it's Robin that manages that branch of my affairs. Who will we

have now, Rob, for across the water!"

"There'll be Andie Scougal, in the Thristle," replied Rob. "I saw

Hoseason the other day, but it seems he's wanting the ship. Then

there'll be Tam Stobo; but I'm none so sure of Tam. I've seen him

colloguing with some gey queer acquaintances; and if was anybody

important, I would give Tam the go-by."

"The head's worth two hundred pounds, Robin," said Stewart.

"Gosh, that'll no be Alan Breck!" cried the clerk.

"Just Alan," said his master.

"Weary winds! that's sayrious," cried Robin. "I'll try Andie,

then; Andie'll be the best."

"It seems it's quite a big business," I observed.

"Mr. Balfour, there's no end to it," said Stewart.

"There was a name your clerk mentioned," I went on: "Hoseason.

That must be my man, I think: Hoseason, of the brig Covenant.

Would you set your trust on him?"

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