This letter contained that species of advice which is frequently
given for the precise purpose that it may lead to a directly
opposite conduct from that which it recommends. At least so
thought Brown, who immediately asked the young fisherman if he
came from Portanferry.

'Ay,' said the lad; 'I am auld Willie Johnstone's son, and I got
that letter frae my sister Peggy, that's laundry maid at
Woodbourne.'

'My good friend, when do you sail?'

'With the tide this evening.'

'I'll return with you; but, as I do not desire to go to
Portanferry, I wish you could put me on shore somewhere on the
coast.'

'We can easily do that,' said the lad.

Although the price of provisions, etc., was then very moderate,
the discharging his lodgings, and the expense of his living,
together with that of a change of dress, which safety as well as a
proper regard to his external appearance rendered necessary,
brought Brown's purse to a very low ebb. He left directions at the
post-office that his letters should be forwarded to Kippletringan,
whither he resolved to proceed and reclaim the treasure which he
had deposited in the hands of Mrs. MacCandlish. He also felt it
would be his duty to assume his proper character as soon as he
should receive the necessary evidence for supporting it, and, as