`` Surely , '' said Mr. Rankeillor , `` and if possible , out of court . For mark you here , Mr. David : we could no doubt find some men of the Covenant who would swear to your reclusion ; but once they were in the box , we could no longer check their testimony , and some word of your friend Mr. Thomson must certainly crop out . Which -LRB- from what you have let fall -RRB- I can not think to be desirable . '' `` Well , sir , '' said I , `` here is my way of it . '' And I opened my plot to him . `` But this would seem to involve my meeting the man Thomson ? '' says he , when I had done . `` I think so , indeed , sir , '' said I. `` Dear doctor ! '' cries he , rubbing his brow . `` Dear doctor ! No , Mr. David , I am afraid your scheme is inadmissible . I say nothing against your friend , Mr. Thomson : I know nothing against him ; and if I did -- mark this , Mr. David ! -- it would be my duty to lay hands on him . Now I put it to you : is it wise to meet ? He may have matters to his charge . He may not have told you all . His name may not be even Thomson ! '' cries the lawyer , twinkling ; `` for some of these fellows will pick up names by the roadside as another would gather haws . '' `` You must be the judge , sir , '' said I . But it was clear my plan had taken hold upon his fancy , for he kept musing to himself till we were called to dinner and the company of Mrs. Rankeillor ; and that lady had scarce left us again to ourselves and a bottle of wine , ere he was back harping on my proposal .
When and where was I to meet my friend Mr. XXXXX ; was I sure of Mr. T. 's discretion ; supposing we could catch the old fox tripping , would I consent to such and such a term of an agreement -- these and the like questions he kept asking at long intervals , while he thoughtfully rolled his wine upon his tongue .
David Rankeillor Thomson brow haws judge lawyer left reclusion sir