“Maybe.”
“I am a friend, sir, to civil and religious liberty,—to Dreepdaily and its charter,—to the old Whig constitution of 1688,—and to the true interests of the people.”
“Weel?”
“Confound the fellow!” thought I, “was there ever such an insensate block? I must bring him to the point at once. Mr M’Auslan,” I continued in a very insinuating tone, “such being my sentiments, may I venture to calculate on your support?”
“There’s twa words to that bargain,” replied M’Auslan, departing from monosyllables.
“Any further explanation that may be required, I am sure will readily—”
“It’s nae use.”
“How?” said I, a good deal alarmed. “Is it possible you are already pledged?”
“No.”