and my secret shall go to the gallows
and the grave with me."

Mrs. Logan was now greatly confounded, and after proffering in vain to
concede everything she could ask in exchange, for the particulars
relating to the murder, she became the suppliant in her turn. But the
unaccountable culprit, exulting in her advantage, laughed her to scorn;
and finally, in a paroxysm of pride and impatience, called in the
jailor and had her expelled, ordering him in her hearing not to grant
her admittance a second time, on any pretence.

Mrs. Logan was now hard put to it, and again driven almost to despair.
She might have succeeded in the attainment of that she thirsted for
most in life so easily had she known the character with which she had
to deal. Had she known to have soothed her high and afflicted spirit:
but that opportunity was past, and the hour of examination at hand. She
once thought of going and claiming her articles, as she at first
intended; but then, when she thought again of the Wringhims swaying it
at Dalcastle, where she had been wont to hear them held in such
contempt, if not abhorrence, and perhaps of holding it by the most
diabolical means, she was withheld from marring the only chance that
remained of having a glimpse into that mysterious affair.

Finally, she resolved not to answer to her name in the court, rather
than to appear and assert a falsehood, which she might be called on to
certify by oath. She did so; and heard the Sheriff give orders to the
officers to make inquiry for Miss Logan from Edinburgh, at the various
places of entertainment in town, and to expedite her arrival in court,
as things of great value were in dependence. She also heard the man who
had turned king's evidence against the prisoner examined for the second
time, and sifted most cunningly. His answers gave anything but
satisfaction to the Sheriff, though Mrs. Logan believed them to be
mainly truth. But there were a few questions and answers that struck
her above all others.

"How long is it since Mrs. Calvert and you became acquainted?"

"About a year and a half."

"State the precise time, if you please; the day, or night, according to
your remembrance."

"It was on the morning of the 28th of February, 1705."

"What time of the morning?"

"Perhaps about one."

"So early as that? At what place did you meet then?"

"It was at the foot of one of the north wynds of Edinburgh." "Was it by
appointment that you met?"

"No, it was