that I am a young man of reasonable good family and of good means:
both of which I believe to be the case."

"I have Rankeillor's word for it," said Mr. Balfour, "and I count
that a warran-dice against all deadly."

"To which you might add (if you will take my word for so much) that
I am a good churchman, loyal to King George, and so brought up," I
went on.

"None of which will do you any harm," said Mr. Balfour.

"Then you might go on to say that I sought his lordship on a matter
of great moment, connected with His Majesty's service and the
administration of justice," I suggested.

"As I am not to hear the matter," says the laird, "I will not take
upon myself to qualify its weight. 'Great moment' therefore falls,
and 'moment' along with it. For the rest I might express myself
much as you propose."

"And then, sir," said I, and rubbed my neck a little with my thumb,
"then I would be very desirous if you could slip in a word that
might perhaps tell for my protection."

"Protection?" says he, "for your protection! Here is a phrase that
somewhat dampens me. If the matter be so dangerous, I own I would
be a little loath to move in it blindfold."

"I believe I could indicate in two words where the thing sticks,"