I was so thinking when , upon a sudden , Mr. Rankeillor cried out , clapped his hand to his pockets , and began to laugh . `` Why , '' he cries , `` if this be not a farcical adventure ! After all that I said , I have forgot my glasses ! '' At that , of course , I understood the purpose of his anecdote , and knew that if he had left his spectacles at home , it had been done on purpose , so that he might have the benefit of Alan 's help without the awkwardness of recognising him . And indeed it was well thought upon ; for now -LRB- suppose things to go the very worst -RRB- how could Rankeillor swear to my friend 's identity , or how be made to bear damaging evidence against myself ? For all that , he had been a long while of finding out his want , and had spoken to and recognised a good few persons as we came through the town ; and I had little doubt myself that he saw reasonably well . As soon as we were past the Hawes -LRB- where I recognised the landlord smoking his pipe in the door , and was amazed to see him look no older -RRB- Mr. Rankeillor changed the order of march , walking behind with Torrance and sending me forward in the manner of a scout . I went up the hill , whistling from time to time my Gaelic air ; and at length I had the pleasure to hear it answered and to see Alan rise from behind a bush . He was somewhat dashed in spirits , having passed a long day alone skulking in the county , and made but a poor meal in an alehouse near Dundas . But at the mere sight of my clothes , he began to brighten up ; and as soon as I had told him in what a forward state our matters were and the part I looked to him to play in what remained , he sprang into a new man . `` And that is a very good notion of yours , '' says he ; `` and I dare to say that you could lay your hands upon no better man to put it through than Alan Breck . It is not a thing -LRB- mark ye -RRB- that any one could do , but takes a gentleman of penetration . But it sticks in my head your lawyer-man will be somewhat wearying to see me , '' says Alan . Accordingly I cried and waved on Mr. Rankeillor , who came up alone and was presented to my friend , Mr. Thomson . `` Mr. Thomson , I am pleased to meet you , '' said he . `` But I have forgotten my glasses ; and our friend , Mr. David here '' -LRB- clapping me on the shoulder -RRB- , `` will tell you that I am little better than blind , and that you must not be surprised if I pass you by to-morrow . '' This he said , thinking that Alan would be pleased ; but the Highlandman 's vanity was ready to startle at a less matter than that . `` Why , sir , '' says he , stiffly , `` I would say it mattered the less as we are met here for a particular end , to see justice done to Mr. Balfour ; and by what I can see , not very likely to have much else in common . But I accept your apology , which was a very proper one to make . '' `` And that is more than I could look for , Mr. Thomson , '' said Rankeillor , heartily .
`` And now as you and I are the chief actors in this enterprise , I think we should come into a nice agreement ; to which end , I propose that you should lend me your arm , for -LRB- what with the dusk and the want of my glasses -RRB- I am not very clear as to the path ; and as for you , Mr. David , you will find XXXXX a pleasant kind of body to speak with .
Balfour Breck David Dundas Highlandman Rankeillor Thomson Torrance day left