-- it would be my duty to lay hands on him . Now I put it to you : is it wise to meet ? He may have matters to his charge . He may not have told you all . His name may not be even Thomson ! '' cries the lawyer , twinkling ; `` for some of these fellows will pick up names by the roadside as another would gather haws . '' `` You must be the judge , sir , '' said I . But it was clear my plan had taken hold upon his fancy , for he kept musing to himself till we were called to dinner and the company of Mrs. Rankeillor ; and that lady had scarce left us again to ourselves and a bottle of wine , ere he was back harping on my proposal . When and where was I to meet my friend Mr. Thomson ; was I sure of Mr. T. 's discretion ; supposing we could catch the old fox tripping , would I consent to such and such a term of an agreement -- these and the like questions he kept asking at long intervals , while he thoughtfully rolled his wine upon his tongue . When I had answered all of them , seemingly to his contentment , he fell into a still deeper muse , even the claret being now forgotten . Then he got a sheet of paper and a pencil , and set to work writing and weighing every word ; and at last touched a bell and had his clerk into the chamber . `` Torrance , '' said he , `` I must have this written out fair against to-night ; and when it is done , you will be so kind as put on your hat and be ready to come along with this gentleman and me , for you will probably be wanted as a witness . '' `` What , sir , '' cried I , as soon as the clerk was gone , `` are you to venture it ? '' `` Why , so it would appear , '' says he , filling his glass . `` But let us speak no more of business . The very sight of Torrance brings in my head a little droll matter of some years ago , when I had made a tryst with the poor oaf at the cross of Edinburgh . Each had gone his proper errand ; and when it came four o'clock , Torrance had been taking a glass and did not know his master , and I , who had forgot my spectacles , was so blind without them , that I give you my word I did not know my own clerk . '' And thereupon he laughed heartily . I said it was an odd chance , and smiled out of politeness ; but what held me all the afternoon in wonder , he kept returning and dwelling on this story , and telling it again with fresh details and laughter ; so that I began at last to be quite put out of countenance and feel ashamed for my friend 's folly . Towards the time I had appointed with Alan , we set out from the house , Mr. Rankeillor and I arm in arm , and Torrance following behind with the deed in his pocket and a covered basket in his hand .
All through the town , the lawyer was bowing right and XXXXX , and continually being button-holed by gentlemen on matters of burgh or private business ; and I could see he was one greatly looked up to in the county .
Edinburgh Rankeillor T. Thomson afternoon left o'clock oaf to-night tryst