oon a man came on board to see the captain about taking
passage, and they agreed. He had no baggage, and as the ship only
supplied part of the provisions he had to go to buy what he needed for
the voyage. He asked the master to let me go with him to help to carry
back his bedding and parcels. We went from shop to shop until he had got
everything on his list; last of all he visited a draper and bought
cloth. On getting back to the ship he was tapped on the shoulder by a
seedy looking fellow who was waiting for him, and who said, 'You are my
prisoner.' The man started and his face grew white. I thought it strange
he did not ask what he was a prisoner for. 'Will you go quietly or will
I put these on?' asked the man, showing a pair of handcuffs in his coat
pocket. 'I will give you no trouble,' was the answer, 'only allow the
boy to stow these parcels and bags in my berth.'

'I think the boy had better come with you; I will wait till he is
ready.' I wondered what he could want with me. He led us up the street
to a large building where he placed us in charge of a man even more
greasy and with a worse look than himself. It was quite a while before
he returned and led us into a large room. There was a long table, at its
head sat two well-dressed gentlemen, and at each side men with papers
before them. 'May it please your lordship and Bailie McSweem, the
prisoner being present we will now proceed.' He went on to explain that
the prisoner was a member of one of those political associations that
were plotting to subvert the government of the country, even thinking
they could organize a revolution and drive his majesty from the throne.
He need not dwell on the danger State and Church were in from the
plottings of those desperate men, and the need of all upholders of the
Crown and Constitution suppressing them with a firm hand.

The gentleman who was addressed as his lordship nodded in approval, and
said, 'There is no need, Mr Sheriff, of referring to those unhappy
matters as we are fully cognizant of them. What about the prisoner?'

'He is a member of the Greenock union, proceedings were about to be
taken for his arrest on a charge of sedition, when somehow he got wind
of what was about to take place and, knowing he was guilty, attempted
to flee the country. I can produce, if you say so, witnesses to prove
that he skulked into Troon by back streets and secured passage to Canada
on the Heatherbell, which sails in a few hours. I hav