The moment that Samuel admitted him, the former
made his escape by the prince's side as he entered, seemingly in a
state of distraction. I was little better, when I saw this dreaded
personage enter my chamber, which he had never before
attempted; and. being unable to ask his errand, I suppose I stood
and gazed on him like a statue.
"I come with sad and tormenting tidings to you, my beloved and
ungrateful friend," said he, "but, having only a minute left to save
your life, I have come to attempt it. There is a mob coming
towards you with two dead bodies, which will place you in
circumstances disagreeable enough: but that is not the worst, for
of that you may be able to clear yourself. At this moment there is
a party of officers, with a justiciary warrant from Edinburgh,
surrounding the house, and about to begin the search of it for you.
If you fall into their hands, you are inevitably lost; for I have been
making earnest inquiries, and find that everything is in train for
your ruin."
"Aye, and who has been the cause of all this?" said I, with great
bitterness. But he stopped me short, adding, "There is no time for
such reflections at present; I gave my word of honour, that your
life should be safe from the hand of man.
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