`` The better reason , since we were falsely suspected , that we should get clear , '' I cried . `` The innocent should surely come before the guilty . '' `` Why , David , '' said he , `` the innocent have aye a chance to get assoiled in court ; but for the lad that shot the bullet , I think the best place for him will be the heather . Them that havenae dipped their hands in any little difficulty , should be very mindful of the case of them that have . And that is the good Christianity . For if it was the other way round about , and the lad whom I couldnae just clearly see had been in our shoes , and we in his -LRB- as might very well have been -RRB- , I think we would be a good deal obliged to him oursel 's if he would draw the soldiers . '' When it came to this , I gave Alan up . But he looked so innocent all the time , and was in such clear good faith in what he said , and so ready to sacrifice himself for what he deemed his duty , that my mouth was closed . Mr. Henderland 's words came back to me : that we ourselves might take a lesson by these wild Highlanders . Well , here I had taken mine . Alan 's morals were all tail-first ; but he was ready to give his life for them , such as they were . `` Alan , '' said I , `` I 'll not say it 's the good Christianity as I understand it , but it 's good enough . And here I offer ye my hand for the second time . '' Whereupon he gave me both of his , saying surely I had cast a spell upon him , for he could forgive me anything . Then he grew very grave , and said we had not much time to throw away , but must both flee that country : he , because he was a deserter , and the whole of Appin would now be searched like a chamber , and every one obliged to give a good account of himself ; and I , because I was certainly involved in the murder . `` O ! '' says I , willing to give him a little lesson , `` I have no fear of the justice of my country . '' `` As if this was your country ! '' said he . `` Or as if ye would be tried here , in a country of Stewarts ! ''
`` It 's all Scotland , '' said I. `` Man , I whiles wonder at ye , '' said XXXXX .
Alan Christianity David Henderland Highlanders Stewarts deserter murder oursel second