This is a secret, and I tell you only in friendship,
therefore pray let it remain one, and say not another word about
the matter."
I assented, and said no more concerning it; for it instantly struck
me that this was no other than the Czar Peter of Russia, having
heard that he had been travelling through Europe in disguise, and
I cannot say that I had not thenceforward great and mighty hopes
of high preferment, as a defender and avenger of the oppressed
Christian Church, under the influence of this great potentate. He
had hinted as much already, as that it was more honourable, and
of more avail to put down the wicked with the sword than try to
reform them, and I thought myself quite justified in supposing
that he intended me for some great employment, that he had thus
selected me for his companion out of all the rest in Scotland, and
even pretended to learn the great truths of religion from my
mouth. From that time I felt disposed to yield to such a great
prince's suggestions without hesitation.
Nothing ever astonished me so much as the uncommon powers
with which he seemed invested. In our walk one day, we met with
a Mr.
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