"Says he, 'There's mair tak an interest in him than you, and some that I am bound to obey, and it's no just on my ain will that I'm here to tell you something about him that will no please you.'
"'Faith, naething will please me,' quo' I, 'that's no pleasing to him.'
"'And then,' quo' he, 'ye'll be ill sorted to hear that he's like to be in the prison at Portanferry, if he does na tak a' the better care o' himsell, for there's been warrants out to tak him as soon as he comes ower the water frae Allonby. And now, gudeman, an ever ye wish him weel, ye maun ride down to Portanferry, and let nae grass grow at the nag's heels; and if ye find him in confinement, ye maun stay beside him night and day, for a day or twa, for he'll want friends that hae baith heart and hand; and if ye neglect this ye'll never rue but ance, for it will be for a' your life.'
"'But, safe us, man,' quo' I, 'how did ye
