`` I was thinking that , '' said Alan . `` And what for why ? '' asked Ebenezer . `` Why , Mr. Balfour , '' replied Alan , `` by all that I could hear , there were two ways of it : either ye liked David and would pay to get him back ; or else ye had very good reasons for not wanting him , and would pay for us to keep him . It seems it 's not the first ; well then , it 's the second ; and blythe am I to ken it , for it should be a pretty penny in my pocket and the pockets of my friends . '' `` I dinnae follow ye there , '' said my uncle . `` No ? '' said Alan . `` Well , see here : you dinnae want the lad back ; well , what do ye want done with him , and how much will ye pay ? '' My uncle made no answer , but shifted uneasily on his seat . `` Come , sir , '' cried Alan . `` I would have you to ken that I am a gentleman ; I bear a king 's name ; I am nae rider to kick my shanks at your hall door . Either give me an answer in civility , and that out of hand ; or by the top of Glencoe , I will ram three feet of iron through your vitals . '' `` Eh , man , '' cried my uncle , scrambling to his feet , `` give me a meenit ! What 's like wrong with ye ? I 'm just a plain man and nae dancing master ; and I 'm tryin to be as ceevil as it 's morally possible . As for that wild talk , it 's fair disrepitable . Vitals , says you ! And where would I be with my blunderbush ? '' he snarled .
`` Powder and your auld hands are but as the snail to the swallow against the bright steel in the hands of XXXXX , '' said the other .
Alan Balfour David Ebenezer Glencoe blythe disrepitable first meenit shanks