"Aweel, then," said Cuddie, "since naething else will please ye, write down that I cannot deny but I was there."
"Well, sir," said the Duke, "and do you think that the rising upon that occasion was rebellion or not?"
"I'm no just free to gie my opinion, stir," said the cautious captive, "on what might cost my neck; but I doubt it will be very little better."
"Better than what?"
"Just than rebellion, as your honour ca's it," replied Cuddie.
"Well, sir, that's speaking to the purpose," replied his Grace. "And are you content to accept of the King's pardon for your guilt as a rebel, and to keep the church, and pray for the King?"
"Blithely, stir," answered the unscrupulous Cuddie; "and drink his health into the bargain, when the ale's gude."
"Egad," said the Duke, "this is a hearty cock.—What brought you into such a scrape, mine honest friend?"
"Just ill example, stir," replied the prisoner, "and a daft auld jaud of a mither, wi' reverence to your Grace's honour."
"Why, God-a-mercy, my friend," replied the Duke, "take care of bad advice another time; I think you are not likely to commit treason on your own score.—Make out his free pardon, and bring forward the rogue in the chair."