Alan was well enough pleased to see his finery so fully remembered and set down ; only when he came to the word tarnish , he looked upon his lace like one a little mortified . As for myself , I thought I cut a miserable figure in the bill ; and yet was well enough pleased too , for since I had changed these rags , the description had ceased to be a danger and become a source of safety . `` Alan , '' said I , `` you should change your clothes . '' `` Na , troth ! '' said Alan , `` I have nae others . A fine sight I would be , if I went back to France in a bonnet ! '' This put a second reflection in my mind : that if I were to separate from Alan and his tell-tale clothes I should be safe against arrest , and might go openly about my business . Nor was this all ; for suppose I was arrested when I was alone , there was little against me ; but suppose I was taken in company with the reputed murderer , my case would begin to be grave . For generosity 's sake I dare not speak my mind upon this head ; but I thought of it none the less . I thought of it all the more , too , when the bouman brought out a green purse with four guineas in gold , and the best part of another in small change . True , it was more than I had . But then Alan , with less than five guineas , had to get as far as France ; I , with my less than two , not beyond Queensferry ; so that taking things in their proportion , Alan 's society was not only a peril to my life , but a burden on my purse . But there was no thought of the sort in the honest head of my companion . He believed he was serving , helping , and protecting me . And what could I do but hold my peace , and chafe , and take my chance of it ? `` It 's little enough , '' said Alan , putting the purse in his pocket , `` but it 'll do my business . And now , John Breck , if ye will hand me over my button , this gentleman and me will be for taking the road . '' But the bouman , after feeling about in a hairy purse that hung in front of him in the Highland manner -LRB- though he wore otherwise the Lowland habit , with sea-trousers -RRB- , began to roll his eyes strangely , and at last said , `` Her nainsel will loss it , '' meaning he thought he had lost it . `` What ! '' cried Alan , `` you will lose my button , that was my father 's before me ?
Now I will tell you what is in my mind , John XXXXX : it is in my mind this is the worst day 's work that ever ye did since ye was born . ''
Breck France Highland Na Queensferry finery guineas nainsel sea-trousers troth