"I cannot be convinced till I have heard you.

I cannot be your friend till I am properly informed.

If you were more trustful, it would better befit your time of life.

And you know, Mr.Balfour, we have a proverb in the country that evil-doers are aye evil-dreaders." "You are not to forget, sir," said I, "that I have already suffered by my trustfulness; and was shipped off to be a slave by the very man that (if I rightly understand) is your employer ?" All this while I had been gaining ground with Mr.Rankeillor, and in proportion as I gained ground, gaining confidence.

But at this sally, which I made with something of a smile myself, he fairly laughed aloud.
"No, no," said he, "it is not so bad as that.