declare, touching His Majesty's service and the administration of

justice; purposes for which your Lordship's zeal is known. I

should add that the young gentleman's intention is known to and

approved by some of his friends, who will watch with hopeful

anxiety the event of his success or failure.

"Whereupon," continued Mr. Balfour, "I have subscribed myself with

the usual compliments. You observe I have said 'some of your

friends'; I hope you can justify my plural?"

"Perfectly, sir; my purpose is known and approved by more than

one," said I. "And your letter, which I take a pleasure to thank

you for, is all I could have hoped."

"It was all I could squeeze out," said he; "and from what I know of

the matter you design to meddle in, I can only pray God that it may

prove sufficient."

CHAPTER IV--LORD ADVOCATE PRESTONGRANGE

My kinsman kept me to a meal, "for the honour of the roof," he

said; and I believe I made the better speed on my return. I had no

thought but to be done with the next stage, and have myself fully

committed; to a person circumstanced as I was, the appearance of

closing a door on hesitation and temptation was itself extremely

tempting; and I was the more disappointed, when I came to

Prestongrange's house, to be informed he was abroad. I believe it

was true at the moment, and for some hours after; and then I have

no doubt the Advocate came home again, and enjoyed himself in a

neighbouring chamber among friends, while perhaps the very fact of

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