In consequence of a violent quarrel which Michael Scott once had with a
person whom he conceived to have caused him some injury, he resolved, as
the highest punishment he could inflict upon him, to send his adversary
to that evil place designed only for Satan and his black companions. He
accordingly, by means of his supernatural machinations, sent the poor
unfortunate man thither; and had he been sent by any other means than
those of Michael Scott, he would no doubt have met with a warm reception.
Out of pure spite to Michael, however, when Satan learned who was his
billet-master, he would no more receive him than he would receive the
Wife of Beth; and instead of treating the unfortunate man with the
harshness characteristic of him, he showed him considerable civilities.
Introducing him to his "Ben Taigh," he directed her to show the stranger
any curiosities he might wish to see, hinting very significantly that he
had provided some accommodation for their mutual friend, Michael Scott,
the sight of which might afford him some gratification. The polite
housekeeper accordingly conducted the stranger through the principal
apartments in the house, where he saw fearful sights. But the bed of
Michael Scott!--his greatest enemy could not but feel satiated with
revenge at the sight of it. It was a place too horrid to be described,
filled promiscuously with all the awful brutes imaginable. Toads and
lions, lizards and leeches, and, amongst the rest, not the least
conspicuous, a large serpent gaping for Michael Scott, with its mouth
wide open. This last sight having satisfied the stranger's curiosity, he
was led to the outer gate, and came away. He reached his friends, and,
among other pieces of news touching his travels, he was not backward in
relating the entertainment that awaited his friend Michael Scott, as soon
as he would "stretch his foot" for the other world. But Michael did not
at all appear disconcerted at his friend's intelligence. He affirmed
that he would disappoint all his enemies in their expectations--in proof
of which he gave the following signs: "When I am just dead," says he,