`` But just the habit he was in , and what he looked like , and his age , and the like ? I couldnae well do less . '' `` I wonder at your father 's son , '' cried Alan , sternly . `` Would ye sell the lad with a gift ? Would ye change his clothes and then betray him ? '' `` No , no , Alan , '' said James . `` No , no : the habit he took off -- the habit Mungo saw him in . '' But I thought he seemed crestfallen ; indeed , he was clutching at every straw , and all the time , I dare say , saw the faces of his hereditary foes on the bench , and in the jury-box , and the gallows in the background . `` Well , sir , '' says Alan , turning to me , `` what say ye to that ? Ye are here under the safeguard of my honour ; and it 's my part to see nothing done but what shall please you . '' `` I have but one word to say , '' said I ; `` for to all this dispute I am a perfect stranger . But the plain common-sense is to set the blame where it belongs , and that is on the man who fired the shot . Paper him , as ye call it , set the hunt on him ; and let honest , innocent folk show their faces in safety . '' But at this both Alan and James cried out in horror ; bidding me hold my tongue , for that was not to be thought of ; and asking me what the Camerons would think ? -LRB- which confirmed me , it must have been a Cameron from Mamore that did the act -RRB- and if I did not see that the lad might be caught ? `` Ye havenae surely thought of that ? '' said they , with such innocent earnestness , that my hands dropped at my side and I despaired of argument . `` Very well , then , '' said I , `` paper me , if you please , paper Alan , paper King George ! We 're all three innocent , and that seems to be what 's wanted . But at least , sir , '' said I to James , recovering from my little fit of annoyance , `` I am Alan 's friend , and if I can be helpful to friends of his , I will not stumble at the risk . ''
I thought it best to put a fair face on my consent , for I saw XXXXX troubled ; and , besides -LRB- thinks I to myself -RRB- , as soon as my back is turned , they will paper me , as they call it , whether I consent or not .
Alan Camerons George James Mamore Mungo bidding jury-box paper son