 extremely hazarded, and I own I think it would be a pity for a
young man, with some idea of coming to the Bar, to ingrain upon himself the
character of a turbulent, factious fellow before he was yet twenty. As for
James, it seems - at this date of the proceedings, with the sentence as good as
pronounced - he has no hope but in the King's mercy. May not his Majesty, then,
be more pointedly addressed, the characters of these high officers sheltered
from the public, and myself kept out of a position which I think spells ruin for
me?«
    They all sat and gazed into their glasses, and I could see they found my
attitude on the affair unpalatable. But Miller was ready at all events.
    »If I may be allowed to put our young friend's notion in more formal shape,«
says he, »I understand him to propose that we should embody the fact of his
sequestration, and perhaps some heads of the testimony he was prepared to offer,
in a memorial to the Crown. This plan has elements of success. It is as likely
as any other (and perhaps likelier) to help our client. Perhaps his Majesty
would have the goodness to feel a certain gratitude to all concerned in such a
memorial, which might be construed into an expression of a very delicate
loyalty; and I think, in the drafting of the same, this view might be brought
forward.«
    They all nodded to each other, not without sighs, for the former alternative
was doubtless more after their inclination.
    »Paper then, Mr. Stewart, if you please,« pursued Miller; »and I think it
might very fittingly be signed by the five of us here present, as procurators
for the condemned man.«
    »It can do none of us any harm at least,« says Colstoun, heaving another
sigh, for he had seen himself Lord Advocate the last ten minutes.
    Thereupon they set themselves, not very enthusiastically, to draft the
memorial - a process in the course of which they soon caught fire; and I had no
more ado but to sit looking on and answer an occasional question. The paper was
very well expressed; beginning with a recitation of the facts about myself, the
reward offered for my apprehension, my surrender, the pressure brought to bear
upon me; my sequestration; and my arrival at Inverary in time to be too late;
going on to explain the reasons of loyalty and public interest for which it was
agreed to waive any right of action; and winding up with a
