The laird, with little hesitation, accepted the offer, and, according to appointment, the stranger called with the money “on the chap o’ twal” the following night—
“As muckle goud, and rather mair,
Than wad out-weigh twal pecks o’ bear.”
He had not time to wait till it was counted, but, assuring the laird that it was all right, he presented the bond for signature. This, however, read that after fifteen years the laird should be the stranger’s servant. But the laird wouldn’t have this:—
“As upright folk abhor mischief—
As honest men despise a thief—
As dogs detest a grunting sow,
So laigh the laird disdained to bow!”
And, bursting out with:—
“Hence, Satan! to your black abode,