3028. This is a summons at the instance of Robert Mouat, residing in Lerwick, principal tenant under Robert Bruce, Esq. of Simbister, dated 29th September 1870, giving you warning to leave at Martinmas: was that summons served upon you by a sheriff officer?-Yes.
3029. Did you leave in consequence of it?-No; it was in the latter part of the harvest that I received it, which was a very inconvenient time for me to leave, and I went to Mouat and spoke to him about it. He told me that if I would promise to be an obedient tenant, and agree to fish for him the same as I had been doing before, and pay the expense of the summons, I could stay. I knew that it was then coming towards the end of his lease, and I agreed to do that. If I had thought he was to continue longer on the place, I would have left.
3030. Did you pay for the summons?-I did.
3031. You have handed me another letter in the following terms:
'MOUL, 1869, <Jan>. 18<th>.
'THOMAS JAMIESON.
'LAURANCE MALCOLMSON.
'WILLIAM MANSON.
'WILLIAM MOUAT.
'I this day duly give you notice to look out for A house at Martamas 1869, as I am not incline to keep such men as you for your preasent condick.
'ROBERT MOUAT.'
3032. What does that letter refer to?-It was sent to us because we had allowed Malcolm Malcolmson to give his share of the fish away to another merchant than Mouat.
3033. You understood Mouat to refer to Malcolmson having sold, his fish to Tulloch?-Yes.
3034. This letter was written at an earlier period than the warning you received yourself?-Yes, the year before.