I would therefore advise that you
challenge your brother to single combat. I shall ensure your
safety, and he cannot refuse giving you satisfaction."
"But then the penalties?" said I.
"We will try to evade these," said he, "and, supposing you should
be caught, if once you are Laird of Dalcastle and Balgrennan,
what are the penalties to you?"
"Might we not rather pop him off in private and quietness, as we
did the deistical divine?" said I.
"The deed would be alike meritorious, either way," said he. "But
may we not wait for years before we find an opportunity? My
advice is to challenge him, as privately as you will, and there cut
him off."
"So be it then," said I. "When the moon is at the full, I will send
for him forth to speak with one, and there will I smite him and
slay him, and he shall trouble the righteous no more."
"Then this is the very night," said he, "The moon is nigh to the
full, and this night your brother and his sinful mates hold
carousal; for there is an intended journey to-morrow. The
exulting profligate leaves town, where we must remain till the
time of my departure hence; and then is he safe, and must live to
dishonour God, and not only destroy his own soul but those of
many others.
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