 opened to the character of a person against
        whom you have often, I know, warned him, and whose baneful influence has
        been the occasion of these distresses. And as I owe the means of
        relieving Sir Arthur to the generosity of a matchless friend, it is my
        duty to take the most certain measures for the supplies being devoted to
        the purpose for which they were destined, - and I know your wisdom and
        kindness will see that it is done. My friend, as he claims an interest
        in your regard, will explain some views of his own in the enclosed
        letter. The state of the post-office at Fairport being rather notorious,
        I must send this letter to Tannonburgh; but the old man Ochiltree, whom
        particular circumstances have recommended as trustworthy, has
        information when the packet is likely to reach that place, and will take
        care to forward it. I expect to have soon an opportunity to apologize in
        person for the trouble I now give, and have the honour to be your very
        faithful servant,
                                                      REGINALD GAMELYN WARDOUR.«
        »Edinburgh, 6th August, 179 -.«
 
The Antiquary hastily broke the seal of the enclosure, the contents of which
gave him equal surprise and pleasure. When he had in some measure composed
himself after such unexpected tidings, he inspected the other papers carefully,
which all related to business - put the bills into his pocket-book, and wrote a
short acknowledgment to be despatched by that day's post, for he was extremely
methodical in money matters - and lastly, fraught with all the importance of
disclosure, he descended to the parlour.
    »Sweepclean,« said he, as he entered, to the officer who stood respectfully
at the door, »you must sweep yourself clean out of Knockwinnock Castle, with all
your followers, tag-rag and bobtail. See'st thou this paper, man?«
    »A sist on a bill o' suspension,« said the messenger, with a disappointed
look; - »I thought it would be a queer thing if ultimate diligence was to be
done against sic a gentleman as Sir Arthur - Weel, sir, I'se go my ways with my
party - And who's to pay my charges?«
    »They who employed thee,« replied Oldbuck, »as thou full well dost know. -
But here comes another express: this is a day of news, I think.«
    This was Mr. Mailsetter on his mare from Fairport, with a letter for Sir
Arthur, another to the messenger, both of which, he said, he was directed to
