But at the mere sight of my clothes, he began to brighten up; and as soon as I had told him in what a forward state our matters were and the part I looked to him to play in what remained, he sprang into a new man.
"And that is a very good notion of yours," says he; "and I dare to say that you could lay your hands upon no better man to put it through than Alan Breck.

It is not a thing (mark ye) that any one could do, but takes a gentleman of penetration.

But it sticks in my head your lawyer-man will be somewhat wearying to see me," says Alan.
Accordingly I cried and waved on Mr.Rankeillor, who came up alone and was presented to my friend, Mr.Thomson.
"Mr.Thomson, I am pleased to meet you," said he.

"But I have forgotten my glasses; and our friend, Mr.David here" (clapping me on the shoulder), "will tell you that I am little better than blind, and that you must not be surprised if I pass you by to-morrow." This he said, thinking that Alan would be pleased; but the Highlandman's vanity was ready to startle at a less matter than that.
"Why, sir," says he, stiffly, "I would say it mattered the less as we are met here for a particular end, to see justice done to Mr.Balfour; and by what I can see, not very likely to have much else in common.

But I accept your apology, which was a very proper one to make." "And that is more than I could look for, Mr.Thomson," said Rankeillor, heartily.