 had written, and addressed me again. »Now
here, Mr. David,« said he, »is a letter of introduction, which I will seal
without closing, and give into your hands open, as the form requires. But since
I am acting in the dark, I will just read it to you, so that you may see if it
will secure your end: -
 
                                                      Pilrig, August 26th, 1751.
 
        My Lord, - This is to bring to your notice my namesake and cousin, David
        Balfour, Esquire of Shaws, a young gentleman of unblemished descent and
        good estate. He has enjoyed besides the more valuable advantages of a
        godly training, and his political principles are all that your lordship
        can desire. I am not in Mr. Balfour's confidence, but I understand him
        to have a matter to declare, touching his Majesty's service and the
        administration of justice: purposes for which your lordship's zeal is
        known. I should add that the young gentleman's intention is known to and
        approved by some of his friends, who will watch with hopeful anxiety the
        event of his success or failure.«
 
»Whereupon,« continued Mr. Balfour, »I have subscribed myself with the usual
compliments. You observe I have said some of your friends; I hope you can
justify my plural?«
    »Perfectly, sir; my purpose is known and approved by more than one,« said I.
»And your letter, which I take a pleasure to thank you for, is all I could have
hoped.«
    »It was all I could squeeze out,« said he; »and from what I know of the
matter you design to meddle in, I can only pray God that it may prove
sufficient.«
 

                                   Chapter IV

                          Lord Advocate Prestongrange

My kinsman kept me to a meal, »for the honour of the roof,« he said; and I
believe I made the better speed on my return. I had no thought but to be done
with the next stage, and have myself fully committed; to a person circumstanced
as I was, the appearance of closing a door on hesitation and temptation was
itself extremely tempting; and I was the more disappointed, when I came to
Prestongrange's house, to be informed he was abroad. I believe it was true at
the moment, and for some hours after; and then I have no doubt the Advocate came
home again, and enjoyed himself in a neighbouring chamber among friends, while
perhaps the very fact of my arrival was forgotten. I would have gone away a
dozen
