With stern and austere gravity he persevered in his task, after having just raised his head to notice the advance of the stranger.

It would have been impossible to have discovered, from his countenance and manner, the internal feelings of agony with which he contended.

Mr.Middleburgh waited an instant, expecting Deans would in some measure acknowledge his presence, and lead into conversation; but, as he seemed determined to remain silent, he was himself obliged to speak first.
"My name is Middleburgh--Mr.James Middleburgh, one of the present magistrates of the city of Edinburgh." "It may be sae," answered Deans laconically, and without interrupting his labour.
"You must understand," he continued, "that the duty of a magistrate is sometimes an unpleasant one." "It may be sae," replied David; "I hae naething to say in the contrair;" and he was again doggedly silent.
"You must be aware," pursued the magistrate, "that persons in my situation are often obliged to make painful and disagreeable inquiries of individuals, merely because it is their bounden duty." "It may be sae," again replied Deans; "I hae naething to say anent it, either the tae way or the t'other.

But I do ken there was ance in a day a just and God-fearing magistracy in yon town o' Edinburgh, that did not bear the sword in vain, but were a terror to evil-doers, and a praise to such as kept the path.

In the glorious days of auld worthy faithfu' Provost Dick,* when there was a true and faithfu' General Assembly of * Note M.Sir William Dick of Braid.
the Kirk, walking hand in hand with the real noble Scottish-hearted barons, and with the magistrates of this and other towns, gentles, burgesses, and commons of all ranks, seeing with one eye, hearing with one ear, and upholding the ark with their united strength--And then folk might see men deliver up their silver to the state's use, as if it had been as muckle sclate stanes.