him to a mountain of his father's, which he named, in
Aberdeenshire, he would show him a giant spirit of the same
dimensions, any morning at the rising of the sun, provided he
shone on that spot. This statement excited George's curiosity
exceedingly; and, being disgusted with some things about
Edinburgh, and glad to get out of the way, he consented to go
with Gordon to the Highlands for a space. The day was
accordingly set for their departure, the old laird's assent obtained,
and the two young sparks parted in a state of great impatience for
their excursion.

One of them found out another engagement, however, the instant
after this last was determined on. Young Wringhim went off the
hill that morning, and home to his upright guardian again without
washing the blood from his face and neck; and there he told a
most woeful story indeed: how he had gone out to take a
morning's walk on the hill, where he had encountered with his
reprobate brother among the mist, who had knocked him down
and very near murdered him; threatening dreadfully, and with
horrid oaths, to throw him from the top of the cliff.

The wrath of the great divine was kindled beyond measure. He
cursed the aggressor in the name of the Most High; and bound
himself, by an oath, to cause that wicked one's transgressions
return upon his own head sevenfold. But, before he engaged
further in the business of vengeance, he kneeled with his adopted
son, and committed the whole cause unto the Lord, whom he
addressed as one coming breathing burning coals of juniper, and
casting his lightnings before him, to destroy and root out all who
had moved hand or tongue against the children of the promise.