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

THE SNOW STORM.
127
So, my friends (said the narrator, with a sigh) here was
an end to this fortune and to my luck, at that bout, at any
rate. Still, gentlemen (went on the little hump-backed
man in the bright yellow waistcoat), I maintain there was
luck in the caul.
I was now, you must know, my friends, getting up in
years—that is to say, I was now somewhere about one-and-
twenty. Well, my father, thinking it full time that I should
be put in a way of doing something for myself, applied, in
my behalf, to a certain nobleman who resided in our neigh¬
bourhood, and who was under obligations to my father for
some election servicesi When my father called on the
peer alluded to, and informed him of his object—“Why,
sir,” said his lordship, “ this is rather a fortunate circum¬
stance for both of us. I am just now in want of precisely
such a young man as you describe your son to be, to act as
my secretary and amanuensis, and will therefore be very
glad to employ him.” His lordship then mentioned his
terms. They were liberal, and, of course, instantly accepted.
This settled, my father was desired to send me to Cram
Hall, his lordship’s residence, next day, to enter on my new
duties.
Here, then, you see, was luck at last, gentlemen, (said
the little hump-backed gentleman in the bright yellow
waistcoat); for the nobleman was powerful, and there was
no saying what he might do for me. Next day, accordingly,
I repaired to Cram Hall with a beating, but exulting heart;
for I was at once proud of my employment, and terrified
for my employer, who was, I knew, a dignified, pompous,
vain, conceited personage.
“ Show off your Latin to him, Dick, my boy,” said my
father, before I set out: “ it will give him a good opinion
of your talents and erudition.” I promised that I would.
Well, on being introduced to his lordship, he received
me with the most affable condescension; but there was