`` By whom I was received into his own house , '' I answered . `` Did you ever meet a man of the name of Hoseason ? '' asked Mr. Rankeillor . `` I did so , sir , for my sins , '' said I ; `` for it was by his means and the procurement of my uncle , that I was kidnapped within sight of this town , carried to sea , suffered shipwreck and a hundred other hardships , and stand before you to-day in this poor accoutrement . '' `` You say you were shipwrecked , '' said Rankeillor ; `` where was that ? '' `` Off the south end of the Isle of Mull , '' said I. `` The name of the isle on which I was cast up is the Island Earraid . '' `` Ah ! '' says he , smiling , `` you are deeper than me in the geography . But so far , I may tell you , this agrees pretty exactly with other informations that I hold . But you say you were kidnapped ; in what sense ? '' `` In the plain meaning of the word , sir , '' said I. `` I was on my way to your house , when I was trepanned on board the brig , cruelly struck down , thrown below , and knew no more of anything till we were far at sea . I was destined for the plantations ; a fate that , in God 's providence , I have escaped . '' `` The brig was lost on June the 27th , '' says he , looking in his book , `` and we are now at August the 24th . Here is a considerable hiatus , Mr. Balfour , of near upon two months . It has already caused a vast amount of trouble to your friends ; and I own I shall not be very well contented until it is set right . '' `` Indeed , sir , '' said I , `` these months are very easily filled up ; but yet before I told my story , I would be glad to know that I was talking to a friend . '' `` This is to argue in a circle , '' said the lawyer . `` I can not be convinced till I have heard you . I can not be your friend till I am properly informed . If you were more trustful , it would better befit your time of life .
And you know , Mr. XXXXX , we have a proverb in the country that evil-doers are aye evil-dreaders . ''
Balfour Earraid Hoseason Mull Rankeillor accoutrement hiatus informations months right