got wind; so that, when we left the council-room, there was a great
congregation of funny weans and misleart trades' lads assembled
before the tolbooth, shouting, and like as if they were out of the
body with daffing, to see so many of the heads of the town in their
night-caps, and no, maybe, just so solid at the time as could have
been wished. Nor did the matter rest here; for the generality of
the sufferers being in a public way, were obligated to appear the
next day in their shops, and at their callings, with their
nightcaps--for few of them had two wigs like me--by which no small
merriment ensued, and was continued for many a day. It would
hardly, however, be supposed, that in such a matter anything could
have redounded to my advantage; but so it fell out, that by my
wife's prudence in sending me my other wig, it was observed by the
commonality, when we sallied forth to go home, that I had on my wig,
and it was thought I had a very meritorious command of myself, and
was the only man in the town fit for a magistrate; for in everything
I was seen to be most cautious and considerate. I could not,
however, when I saw the turn the affair took to my advantage, but
reflect on what small and visionary grounds the popularity of public
men will sometimes rest.



CHAPTER XXIII--THREE THE DEATH OF MR M'LUCRE



Shortly after the affair recorded in the foregoing chapter, an event
came to pass in the burgh that had been for some time foreseen.