a neighbour concerning the bounds of their ⟨right⟩ and gables, the whole authority and power of ⟨the⟩ magistrates devolved, by a courtesy on the part of their colleague Bailie Hammerman, into my hands.
For some time before, there had been an in gathering among us of sailor lads from the neighbouring ports, who, on their arrival, in order to shun the press-gangs, left their vessels, and came to scog themselves with us. By this a rumour of a suspicion rose, that the men-of-wars-men were suddenly to come at the dead hour of the night and sweep them all away. Heaven only knows whether this notice was bred in the fears and jealousies of the people, or was a humane inkling given by some of the men-of-wars-men, to put the poor sailor lads on their guard, was never knowing. But, on a Saturday night, as I was on the eve of stepping into my bed, I shall never forget it, Mrs Pawkie was already in and as sound as a door-nail, and I was just crooking my mouth to blow out the candle, when I heard a rap. As our bed-room window was over the door, I looked out. It was a dark night, but I could see by a glaike of light from a neighbour's window that there was a man with a cocked hat at the door.
"What's your will?" said I to him, as I looked out at him in my night-cap. He made no other answer, but that he was one of his Majesty's officers, and had business with the justice.
I did not like this Englification and voice of claim and authority; however, I drew on my stockings and breeks again, and taking my wife's flannel coaty about my shoulders, for I was then
