Now, the ice being broke, I felt considerable zeal in our great
work, but pretended much more; and we might soon have
kidnapped them all through the ingenuity of my patron, had not
our next attempt miscarried, by some awkwardness or mistake of
mine. The consequence was that he was discovered fairly, and
very nigh seized. I also was seen, and suspected so far that my
reverend father, my mother, and myself were examined privately.
I denied all knowledge of the matter; and they held it in such a
ridiculous light, and their conviction of the complete
groundlessness of the suspicion was so perfect, that their
testimony prevailed, and the affair was hushed. I was obliged,
however, to walk circumspectly, and saw my companion the
prince very seldom, who was prowling about every day, quite
unconcerned about his safety. He was every day a new man,
however, and needed not to be alarmed at any danger; for such a
facility had he in disguising himself that, if it had not been for a
password which we had between us, for the purposes of
recognition, I never could have known him myself.
It so happened that my reverend father was called to Edinburgh
about this time, to assist with his counsel in settling the national
affairs.
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