quay.  She was a roomy brig, and was busy taking on cargo.  Our part of the hold was shown to us, and the mistress at once began to unpack the bedding, and to make the best of everything.  ‘Is it not an awful black hole to put Christians into?’ asked a woman who was taking her first survey.  ’Well, no, I do not think so; it is far better than I expected.’  She had a gracious way, the mistress, of looking at everything in the best light.

In the afternoon a man came on board to see the captain about taking passage, and they agreed.  He had no baggage, and as the ship only supplied part of the provisions he had to go to buy what he needed for the voyage.  He asked the master to let me go with him to help to carry back his bedding and parcels.  We went from shop to shop until he had got everything on his list; last of all he visited a draper and bought cloth.  On getting back to the ship he was tapped on the shoulder by a seedy looking fellow who was waiting for him, and who said, ’You are my prisoner.’  The man started and his face grew white.  I thought it strange he did not ask what he was a prisoner for.  ’Will you go quietly or will I put these on?’ asked the man, showing a pair of handcuffs in his coat pocket.  ‘I will give you no trouble,’ was the answer, ’only allow the boy to stow these parcels and bags in my berth.’

’I think the boy had better come with you; I will wait till he is ready.’  I wondered what he could want with me.  He led us up the street to a large building where he placed us in charge of a man even more greasy and with a worse look than himself.  It was quite a while before he returned and led us into a large room.  There was a long table, at its head sat two well-dressed gentlemen, and at each side men with papers before them.  ’May it please your lordship and Bailie McSweem, the prisoner being present we will now proceed.’  He went on to explain that the prisoner was a member of one of those political associations that were plotting to subvert the government of the country, even thinking they could organize a revolution and drive his majesty from the throne.  He need not dwell on the danger State and Church were in from the plottings of those desperate men, and the need of all upholders of the Crown and Constitution suppressing them with a firm hand.

The gentleman who was addressed as his lordship nodded in approval, and said, ’There is no need, Mr Sheriff, of referring to those unhappy matters as we are fully cognizant of them.  What about the prisoner?’

’He is a member of the Greenock union, proceedings were about to be taken for his arrest on a charge of sedition, when somehow he got wind of what was about to take place and, knowing he was guilty, attempted to flee the country.  I can produce, if you say so, witnesses to prove that he skulked into Troon by back streets and secured passage to Canada on the Heatherbell, which sails in a few hours.  I have one witness now present.’