He was the prettiest man of his kindred ; and the best swordsman in the Hielands , David , and that is the same as to say , in all the world , I should ken , for it was him that taught me . He was in the Black Watch , when first it was mustered ; and , like other gentlemen privates , had a gillie at his back to carry his firelock for him on the march . Well , the King , it appears , was wishful to see Hieland swordsmanship ; and my father and three more were chosen out and sent to London town , to let him see it at the best . So they were had into the palace and showed the whole art of the sword for two hours at a stretch , before King George and Queen Carline , and the Butcher Cumberland , and many more of whom I havenae mind . And when they were through , the King -LRB- for all he was a rank usurper -RRB- spoke them fair and gave each man three guineas in his hand . Now , as they were going out of the palace , they had a porter 's lodge to go by ; and it came in on my father , as he was perhaps the first private Hieland gentleman that had ever gone by that door , it was right he should give the poor porter a proper notion of their quality . So he gives the King 's three guineas into the man 's hand , as if it was his common custom ; the three others that came behind him did the same ; and there they were on the street , never a penny the better for their pains . Some say it was one , that was the first to fee the King 's porter ; and some say it was another ; but the truth of it is , that it was Duncan Stewart , as I am willing to prove with either sword or pistol . And that was the father that I had , God rest him ! '' `` I think he was not the man to leave you rich , '' said I. `` And that 's true , '' said Alan . `` He left me my breeks to cover me , and little besides . And that was how I came to enlist , which was a black spot upon my character at the best of times , and would still be a sore job for me if I fell among the red-coats . '' `` What , '' cried I , `` were you in the English army ? '' `` That was I , '' said Alan . `` But I deserted to the right side at Preston Pans -- and that 's some comfort . '' I could scarcely share this view : holding desertion under arms for an unpardonable fault in honour . But for all I was so young , I was wiser than say my thought . `` Dear , dear , '' says I , `` the punishment is death . '' `` Ay '' said he , `` if they got hands on me , it would be a short shrift and a lang tow for Alan ! But I have the King of France 's commission in my pocket , which would aye be some protection . ''
`` I misdoubt it much , '' said I. `` I have doubts mysel ' , '' said XXXXX drily .
Alan David George Pans first gillie hours shrift swordsman usurper