Fiction > Book editions > New York, 1893 - David Balfour

DAVID BALFOUR 291
" I have nothing to make either with him, or her, or
you ! " cries he in his gross voice.
" Under your favour, Mr. Sprott," said I, " this
young lady is come from Scotland seeking him, and by
whatever mistake, was given the name of your house for
a direction. An error it seems to have been, but I
think this places both you and me — who am but her
fellow-traveller by accident — under a strong obligation
to help our countrywoman."
'MVill you ding me daft ? " ho cries. "I tell ye I
ken nacthing and care less either for him or his breed.
I tell ye the man owes me money."'
" Tliat may very well be, sir," said I, who was now
rather more angry than himself. " At least I owe you
nothing ; the young lady is under my protection ; and
I am neither at all used with these manners, nor in the
least content with them."
As I said this, and without particularly thinking
Avhat I did, I drew a step or two nearer to his table ;
thus striking, by mere good fortune, on the only argu-
ment that could at all affect the man. The blood left
his lusty countenance.
" For the Lord's sake dinna be hasty, sir ! " he cried.
" I am truly wishfu' no to be offensive. But ye ken,
sir, I'm like a wheen guid-natured, honest, canty auld
fallows — my bark is waur nor my bite. To hear me, ye
micht whiles fancy I was a wee thing dour ; but na,
na ! its a kind auld fellow at hearty Sandie Sprott !