human
And what is it, cousin David? says he--
gpt
Mr. Balfour, said I,
human
I am sorry to hear this of you, kinsman,
gpt
I must not take that at your hands, Mr. Balfour, said I;
human
I have nothing to my charge to make me sorry, or you for me, but just the common infirmities of mankind. 'The guilt of Adam's first sin, the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of my whole nature,' so much I must answer for, and I hope I have been taught where to look for help, I said; for I judged from the look of the man he would think the better of me if I knew my questions.[11]
gpt
But in the way of worldly honour I have no great stumble to reproach myself with; and my difficulties have befallen me very much against my will and (by all that I can see) without my fault. My trouble is to have become dipped in a political complication, which it is judged you would be blythe to avoid a knowledge of.
human
Why, very well, Mr. David, he replied,
gpt
I am pleased to see you are all that Rankeillor represented. And for what you say of political complications, you do me no more than justice. It is my study to be beyond suspicion, and indeed outside the field of it. The question is, says he,
human
Why, sir, said I,
gpt
I propose you should write to his lordship, that I am a young man of reasonable good family and of good means: both of which I believe to be the case.
human
I have Rankeillor's word for it, said Mr. Balfour,
gpt
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,
human
None of which will do you any harm,
gpt
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,
human
As I am not to hear the matter, says the laird,
gpt
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.
human
And then, sir, said I, and rubbed my neck a little with my thumb,
gpt
Protection? says he.
human
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.
gpt
I believe I could indicate in two words where the thing sticks,
human
Perhaps that would be the best,
gpt
Well, it's the Appin murder,
human
Sirs! sirs!
gpt
Let me explain ...
human
I thank you kindly, I will hear no more of it, says he.
gpt
I decline _in toto_ to hear more of it. For your name's sake and Rankeillor's, and perhaps a little for your own, I will do what I can to help you; but I will hear no more upon the facts. And it is my first clear duty to warn you. These are deep waters, Mr. David, and you are a young man. Be cautious and think twice.
human
It is to be supposed I will have thought oftener than that, Mr. Balfour, said I,
gpt
Well, well, said he; and then again,
human
Well, well! I will do what I can for you. Therewith he took a pen and paper, sat awhile in thought, and began to write with much consideration.
gpt
I understand that Rankeillor approves of what you have in mind?
human
After some discussion, sir, he bade me to go forward in God's name,