`` My dear boy , '' cries he , `` go in God 's name , and do what you think is right . It is a poor thought that at my time of life I should be advising you to choose the safe and shameful ; and I take it back with an apology . Go and do your duty ; and be hanged , if you must , like a gentleman . There are worse things in the world than to be hanged . '' `` Not many , sir , '' said I , smiling . `` Why , yes , sir , '' he cried , `` very many . And it would be ten times better for your uncle -LRB- to go no farther afield -RRB- if he were dangling decently upon a gibbet . '' Thereupon he turned into the house -LRB- still in a great fervour of mind , so that I saw I had pleased him heartily -RRB- and there he wrote me two letters , making his comments on them as he wrote . `` This , '' says he , `` is to my bankers , the British Linen Company , placing a credit to your name . Consult Mr. Thomson , he will know of ways ; and you , with this credit , can supply the means . I trust you will be a good husband of your money ; but in the affair of a friend like Mr. Thomson , I would be even prodigal . Then for his kinsman , there is no better way than that you should seek the Advocate , tell him your tale , and offer testimony ; whether he may take it or not , is quite another matter , and will turn on the D. of A. Now , that you may reach the Lord Advocate well recommended , I give you here a letter to a namesake of your own , the learned Mr. Balfour of Pilrig , a man whom I esteem . It will look better that you should be presented by one of your own name ; and the laird of Pilrig is much looked up to in the Faculty and stands well with Lord Advocate Grant . I would not trouble him , if I were you , with any particulars ; and -LRB- do you know ? -RRB- I think it would be needless to refer to Mr. Thomson . Form yourself upon the laird , he is a good model ; when you deal with the Advocate , be discreet ; and in all these matters , may the Lord guide you , Mr. David ! '' Thereupon he took his farewell , and set out with Torrance for the Ferry , while Alan and I turned our faces for the city of Edinburgh . As we went by the footpath and beside the gateposts and the unfinished lodge , we kept looking back at the house of my fathers . It stood there , bare and great and smokeless , like a place not lived in ; only in one of the top windows , there was the peak of a nightcap bobbing up and down and back and forward , like the head of a rabbit from a burrow . I had little welcome when I came , and less kindness while I stayed ; but at least I was watched as I went away .
XXXXX and I went slowly forward upon our way , having little heart either to walk or speak .
Alan David Edinburgh Grant Pilrig Torrance fervour gateposts laird nightcap