can
for you." Therewith he took a pen and paper, sat awhile in thought, and
began to write with much consideration. "I understand that Rankeillor
approves of what you have in mind?" he asked presently.

"After some discussion, sir, he bade me to go forward in God's name,"
said I.

"That is the name to go in," said Mr. Balfour, and resumed his writing.
Presently, he signed, re-read what he had written, and addressed me
again. "Now here, Mr. David," said he, "is a letter of introduction,
which I will seal without closing, and give into your hands open, as the
form requires. But since I am acting in the dark, I will just read it to
you, so that you may see if it will secure your end--

"PILRIG, _August 26th_, 1751.

"MY LORD,--This is to bring to your notice my namesake and
cousin, David Balfour Esquire of Shaws, a young gentleman
of unblemished descent and good estate. He has enjoyed besides
the more valuable advantages of a godly training, and his
political
principles are all that your lordship can desire. I am not in
Mr. Balfour's confidence, but I understand him to have a
matter
to 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