Nec gemino bellum Trojanum orditur ab ovo -- do you understand that ? '' says he , with a keen look . `` I will even do as Horace says , sir , '' I answered , smiling , `` and carry you in medias res . '' He nodded as if he was well pleased , and indeed his scrap of Latin had been set to test me . For all that , and though I was somewhat encouraged , the blood came in my face when I added : `` I have reason to believe myself some rights on the estate of Shaws . '' He got a paper book out of a drawer and set it before him open . `` Well ? '' said he . But I had shot my bolt and sat speechless . `` Come , come , Mr. Balfour , '' said he , `` you must continue . Where were you born ? '' `` In Essendean , sir , '' said I , `` the year 1733 , the 12th of March . '' He seemed to follow this statement in his paper book ; but what that meant I knew not . `` Your father and mother ? '' said he . `` My father was Alexander Balfour , schoolmaster of that place , '' said I , `` and my mother Grace Pitarrow ; I think her people were from Angus . '' `` Have you any papers proving your identity ? '' asked Mr. Rankeillor . `` No , sir , '' said I , `` but they are in the hands of Mr. Campbell , the minister , and could be readily produced . Mr. Campbell , too , would give me his word ; and for that matter , I do not think my uncle would deny me . ''
`` Meaning Mr. Ebenezer XXXXX ? ''
Angus Balfour Campbell Essendean Horace Pitarrow Rankeillor Shaws ovo res