`` 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 Balfour ? '' says he . `` The same , '' said I. `` Whom you have seen ? '' he asked . `` By whom I was received into his own house , '' I answered . `` Did you ever meet a man of the name of Hoseason ? ''
asked Mr. XXXXX .
Angus Balfour Campbell Essendean Hoseason March Pitarrow Rankeillor people sir