Scotland/Scots > Wilson's tales of the Borders and of Scotland > Volume 3

MAJOR WEIR’S COACH.
257
seen it; and scarce an inhabitant of the Cowgate or St.
Mary’s Wynd, but thought they had heard it often before
the present occurrence.
That the treasurer had by some means been transported
to the Figgate Whins in the major’s coach, a great many
firmly believed; for two of the incorporation on the same
night had been alarmed by a coach driving furiously down
the Cowgate; but they could not describe its appearance,
as they had hid themselves until it passed, fearful of see¬
ing the spectre carriage and its unearthly attendants. It
was at least certain that, of late, many had been aroused
out of their sleep by the noise of a carriage; and, the re¬
port gaining ground, the terror of the citizens became so
great that few chose to be upon any of the streets after
twelve at night, unless urged by extreme necessity. This
state of foolish alarm, as the magistrates called it, could
not be allowed to continue within their jurisdiction; and
they resolved to investigate the 'whole affair. Several were
examined privately; but the treasurer was too ill to be
spoken to, even by his friend the deacon. There was a
strange harmony in the statements of several who had
really distinctly heard the sounds of horses’ feet, and the
rumbling of a carriage, and the ravings of the unfortunate
treasurer. The authorities were completely at a stand how
to proceed. Several shook their heads and looked grave;
others proposed to request the ministers of the city to
watch the major’s carriage, and pray it out of the city.
But the provost’s committee sent for the captain of the
train-bands, and consulted with him: he agreed to have
twelve of the band and six of the town-guard in readiness
by twelve at night, to waylay the cause of annoyance,
should it make its appearance, and unravel the mystery.
That there was some unlawful purpose connected with it,
several of the council had little doubt. These meetings
were private, and the proceedings are not on record to
Vol. v. i