Well , it seems he was one of these gentry that think aye the worst of things ; and for greater security , he stuck his dirk throughout that poke before he opened it , and there was his bairn dead . I am thinking to myself , Mr. Balfour , that you and the man are very much alike . '' * Bag . `` Do you mean you had no hand in it ? '' cried I , sitting up . `` I will tell you first of all , Mr. Balfour of Shaws , as one friend to another , '' said Alan , `` that if I were going to kill a gentleman , it would not be in my own country , to bring trouble on my clan ; and I would not go wanting sword and gun , and with a long fishing-rod upon my back . '' `` Well , '' said I , `` that 's true ! '' `` And now , '' continued Alan , taking out his dirk and laying his hand upon it in a certain manner , `` I swear upon the Holy Iron I had neither art nor part , act nor thought in it . '' `` I thank God for that ! '' cried I , and offered him my hand . He did not appear to see it . `` And here is a great deal of work about a Campbell ! '' said he . `` They are not so scarce , that I ken ! '' `` At least , '' said I , `` you can not justly blame me , for you know very well what you told me in the brig. But the temptation and the act are different , I thank God again for that . We may all be tempted ; but to take a life in cold blood , Alan ! '' And I could say no more for the moment . `` And do you know who did it ? '' I added . `` Do you know that man in the black coat ? ''
`` I have nae clear mind about his coat , '' said XXXXX cunningly , `` but it sticks in my head that it was blue . ''
Alan Balfour Campbell Shaws back bairn dirk first fishing-rod things