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that you who know so many things, should not know the difference between an absolute and conditional promise; I did indeed at the time you mention, blame Mr Paton, for I thought him justly blameable, in hindering the lad to meet with you, and if I had been in his place, I would have acted quite the reverse; but I did never say, that if you would come to Innerwick and employed me, that I would go all the way to Dumfries on such an errard, that is what never so much as entered into my thoughts. He answered, what were your thoughts, I don't pretend to know, but I can depend on my information that these were your words; but I see you are in some disorder, I will wait upon you when you have more presence of mind.
By this time we were at James Dickson's inclosure below the church-yard; and when I was recollecting in my mind, if ever I had spoken these words he alledged, he broke off from me through the church-yard, with great violence than ever any man on horseback was capable of, with such a singing and buzzing noise, as put me in greater disorder than I was in all the time I was with him. I went to my house, and my wife observed more than ordinary paleness in my, countenance, and would alledge that something ailed me. I called for a dram, and told her I was a little uneasy. After I found myself a little refreshed, I went to my closet to meditate upon the most astonishing adventure of my whole life.
