15
money; and he at my desire, produced it to you which you sustained.
A great many of the like instances were told, of which I cannot remember the persons names and things: but, says he, what vexes me more than all these, is the injustice I did Homer Maxwell, tenant to my Lord Nithsdale for whom I was factor. I borrowed 2000l. from him, 500l. of which he borrowed from another hand: I gave him my bond and, for reasons I contrived, I obliged him to secrecy: He died within the year, and left nine children, his wife being dead before himself. I came to seal up his papers for my lord's security; his eldest daughter entreated me to look through them all, and to give her an account what was their stock, and what was their debt. I very willingly undertook it, and in going through the papers, I put my own bond in my pocket. His circumstances proving bad, his nine children are now starving. These things desire you to represent to my wife; and take her brother with you, and let them be immediately rectified, for she has a sufficient fund to do it upon; and if it were done, I think I would be easy and happy; therefore, I hope you will make no delay.
After a short pause, I answered, "Tis a good errand Cool, you are sending me to do justice to the oppressed and injured; but notwithstanding I see myself come in for 200l. Scots, yet I begged a little time to consider the matter. And since I find you are as much master of reason now as ever, and more than ever, I will reason apon the matter in its general view, and then with respect to the expediency of my being the messenger; and this I will do with all manner of frankness. From what you have said, I see clearly what your present condition is, so that i need not ask any more questions on that head; and you
