"
There was no religious scruple that irritated my enlightened
friend and master so much as this. He could not endure it. And,
the sentiments of our great covenanted reformers being on his
side, there is not a doubt that I was wrong. He lost all patience on
hearing what I advanced on this matter, and, taking hold of me,
he led me into a darksome booth in a confined entry; and, after a
friendly but cutting reproach, he bade me remain there in secret
and watch the event. "And, if I fall," said he, "you will not fail to
avenge my death?"
I was so entirely overcome with vexation that I could make no
answer, on which he left me abruptly, a prey to despair; and I saw
or heard no more till he came down to the moonlight green
followed by my brother. They had quarrelled before they came
within my hearing, for the first words I heard were those of my
brother, who was in a state of intoxication, and he was urging a
reconciliation, as was his wont on such occasions. My friend
spurned at the suggestion, and dared him to the combat; and after
a good deal of boastful altercation, which the turmoil of my
spirits prevented me from remembering, my brother was
compelled to draw his sword and stand on the defensive.
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