The D. of A. is doubtless an excellent nobleman ; but , Mr. David , timeo qui nocuere deos . If you interfere to balk his vengeance , you should remember there is one way to shut your testimony out ; and that is to put you in the dock . There , you would be in the same pickle as Mr. Thomson 's kinsman . You will object that you are innocent ; well , but so is he . And to be tried for your life before a Highland jury , on a Highland quarrel and with a Highland Judge upon the bench , would be a brief transition to the gallows . '' * The Duke of Argyle . Now I had made all these reasonings before and found no very good reply to them ; so I put on all the simplicity I could . `` In that case , sir , '' said I , `` I would just have to be hanged -- would I not ? '' `` My dear boy , '' cries he , `` go in God 's name , and do what you think is right . It is a poor thought that at my time of life I should be advising you to choose the safe and shameful ; and I take it back with an apology . Go and do your duty ; and be hanged , if you must , like a gentleman . There are worse things in the world than to be hanged . '' `` Not many , sir , '' said I , smiling . `` Why , yes , sir , '' he cried , `` very many . And it would be ten times better for your uncle -LRB- to go no farther afield -RRB- if he were dangling decently upon a gibbet . '' Thereupon he turned into the house -LRB- still in a great fervour of mind , so that I saw I had pleased him heartily -RRB- and there he wrote me two letters , making his comments on them as he wrote . `` This , '' says he , `` is to my bankers , the British Linen Company , placing a credit to your name . Consult Mr. Thomson , he will know of ways ; and you , with this credit , can supply the means . I trust you will be a good husband of your money ; but in the affair of a friend like Mr. Thomson , I would be even prodigal . Then for his kinsman , there is no better way than that you should seek the Advocate , tell him your tale , and offer testimony ; whether he may take it or not , is quite another matter , and will turn on the D. of A. Now , that you may reach the Lord Advocate well recommended , I give you here a letter to a namesake of your own , the learned Mr. Balfour of Pilrig , a man whom I esteem .
It will look better that you should be presented by one of your own name ; and the laird of XXXXX is much looked up to in the Faculty and stands well with Lord Advocate Grant .
A. Argyle Company Highland Judge Pilrig Thomson deos fervour right