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'Nay, then, said Thomas Trumbull, 'if it is a work of necessity, and in the honest independent way of business, no doubt there is balm in Gilead. But prithee, Robin, wilt thou see if Nanty Ewart be, as is most likely, amongst these unhappy topers; and if so, let him step this way cannily, and speak to me and this young gentleman.
'To a place where you will be as snug and quiet as a mouse in his hole, said Nanty, 'if so be that we can get you there safely. Good-bye, Father Crackenthorp poison the quartermaster, if you can.
But indeed that's his own look-out; for were he the best man in Scotland, and the chairman of the d d Board to boot, and had fifty men at his back, he were as well not visit the laird for anything but good. As for Nanty, he is word and blow, a d d deal fiercer than Cristie Nixon that they keep such a din about. I have seen them both tried, by'
'Am I right now? said the young lawyer. 'Why, for that matter, answered Nanty, 'the letter is right, sure enough; but whether you are right or not, is your own business rather than mine. And, striking upon a flint with the back of a knife, he kindled a cigar as thick as his finger, and began to smoke away with great perseverance.
'Aye, aye, truly is he, said Job; 'never man knew the Border, dale and fell, pasture and ploughland, better than Nanty; and he can always bring him to the laird, too, if you are sure the gentleman's right.
Nanty Ewart guessed the cause of his involuntary shuddering. 'What the devil should I gain, he said, 'by passing so poor a card as you are? Have I not had ace of trumps in my hand, and did I not play it fairly? Aye, I say the JUMPING JENNY can run in other ware as well as kegs. Put SIGMA and TAU to Ewart, and see how that will spell D'ye take me now?
'But this Alan Fairford? said Nanty 'come sip up the drop of brandy, man, and tell me some more about him, and whether you are seeking him for good or for harm. 'For my ain gude, and for his harm, to be sure, said Peter.
Nanty himself sat down by Fairford, helped him to his tea, with such other refreshments as he could think of, and seemed in his way sincerely desirous to make his situation as comfortable as things admitted. Fairford had thus an opportunity to study his countenance and manners more closely. It was plain, Ewart, though a good seaman, had not been bred upon that element.
Half-way betwixt the house and the beach, they saw the bodies of Nanty Ewart and Cristal Nixon blackening in the sun. 'That was your informer? said Redgauntlet, looking back to General Campbell, who only nodded his assent. 'Caitiff wretch! exclaimed Redgauntlet; 'and yet the name were better bestowed on the fool who could be misled by thee.
Thus, and with much more to the same purpose, Nanty ran on, increasing, by his well-intended annoyance, the agony of Alan Fairford, who, tormented by a racking pain along the back and loins, which made the rough trot of the horse torture to him, had his aching head still further rended and split by the hoarse voice of the sailor, close to his ear.
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