“Is James More Macgregor now in Helvoet, sir?” says I.

“I ken nobody by such a name,” says he, impatient-like.

“Since you are so particular,” says I, “I will amend my question, and ask you where we are to find in Helvoet one James Drummond, alias Macgregor, alias James More, late tenant in Iveronachile?”

“Sir,” says he, “he may be in Hell for what I ken, and for my part I wish he was.”

“The young lady is that gentleman’s daughter, sir,” said I, “before whom, I think you will agree with me, it is not very becoming to discuss his character.”

“I have nothing to make either with him, or her, or you!” cries he in his gross voice.

“Under your favour, Mr. Sprott,” said I, “this young lady is come from Scotland seeking him, and by whatever mistake, was given the name of your house for a direction.  An error it seems to have been, but I think this places both you and me—­who am but her fellow-traveller by accident—­under a strong obligation to help our countrywoman.”

“Will you ding me daft?” he cries.  “I tell ye I ken naething and care less either for him or his breed.  I tell ye the man owes me money.”

“That may very well be, sir,” said I, who was now rather more angry than himself.  “At least I owe you nothing; the young lady is under my protection; and I am neither at all used with these manners, nor in the least content with them.”

As I said this, and without particularly thinking what I did, I drew a step or two nearer to his table; thus striking, by mere good fortune, on the only argument that could at all affect the man.  The blood left his lusty countenance.

“For the Lord’s sake dinna be hasty, sir!” he cried.  “I am truly wishfu’ no to be offensive.  But ye ken, sir, I’m like a wheen guid-natured, honest, canty auld fallows—­my bark is waur nor my bite.  To hear me, ye micht whiles fancy I was a wee thing dour; but na, na! its a kind auld fellow at heart, Sandie Sprott!  And ye could never imagine the fyke and fash this man has been to me.”

“Very good, sir,” said I.  “Then I will make that much freedom with your kindness, as trouble you for your last news of Mr. Drummond.”

“You’re welcome, sir!” said he.  “As for the young leddy (my respec’s to her!) he’ll just have clean forgotten her.  I ken the man, ye see; I have lost siller by him ere now.  He thinks of naebody but just himsel’; clan, king, or dauchter, if he can get his wameful, he would give them a’ the go-by! ay, or his correspondent either.  For there is a sense in whilk I may be nearly almost said to be his correspondent.  The fact is, we are employed thegether in a business affair, and I think it’s like to turn out a dear affair for Sandie Sprott.  The man’s as guid’s my pairtner, and I give ye my mere word I ken naething by where he is.  He micht be coming here to Helvoet; he micht come here the morn, he michtnae come for a twalmonth; I would wonder at