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