The D.of A.is doubtless an excellent nobleman; but, Mr.David, timeo qui nocuere deos.
If you interfere to balk his vengeance, you should remember there is one way to shut your testimony out; and that is to put you in the dock.
There, you would be in the same pickle as Mr.Thomson's kinsman.

You will object that you are innocent; well, but so is he.

And to be tried for your life before a Highland jury, on a Highland quarrel and with a Highland Judge upon the bench, would be a brief transition to the gallows." * The Duke of Argyle.
Now I had made all these reasonings before and found no very good reply to them; so I put on all the simplicity I could.

"In that case, sir," said I, "I would just have to be hanged--would I not ?" "My dear boy," cries he, "go in God's name, and do what you think is right.

It is a poor thought that at my time of life I should be advising you to choose the safe and shameful; and I take it back with an apology.
Go and do your duty; and be hanged, if you must, like a gentleman.