. The arguments of the latter prevailed, and the laird
was driven to sullen silence. But, to the women's utter surprise, as
the conquering disputant passed, he made a signal of recognizance
through the brambles to them, as formerly, and, that he might expose
his associate fully, and in his true colours, he led him back, wards
and forwards by the women more than twenty times, making him to confess
both the crimes that he had done and those he had in contemplation. At
length he said to him: "Assuredly I saw some strolling vagrant women on
this walk, my dear friend: I wish we could find them, for there is
little doubt that they are concealed here in your woods."

"I wish we could find them," answered Wringhim. "We would have fine
sport maltreating and abusing them."

"That we should, that we should! Now tell me, Robert, if you found a
malevolent woman, the latent enemy of your prosperity, lurking in these
woods to betray you, what would you inflict on her?"

"I would tear her to pieces with my dogs, and feed them with her flesh.
Oh, my dear friend, there is an old strumpet who lived with my
unnatural father, whom I hold in such utter detestation that I stand
constantly in dread of her, and would sacrifice the half of my estate
to shed her blood!"

"What will you give me if I will put her in your power, and give you a
fair and genuine excuse for making away with her; one for which you
shall answer at the bar, here or hereafter?"

"I should like to see the vile hag put down. She is in possession of
the family plate, that is mine by right, as well as a thousand valuable
relics, and great riches besides, all of which the old profligate
gifted shamefully away. And it is said, besides all these, that she has
sworn my destruction."

"She has, she has. But I see not how she can accomplish that, seeing
the deed was done so suddenly, and in the silence of the night."

"It was said there were some onlookers. But where shall we find that
disgraceful Miss Logan?"

"I will show you her by and by. But will you then consent to the other
meritorious deed? Come, be a man, and throw away scruples."

"If you can convince me that the promise is binding I will."

"Then step this way, till I give you a piece of information."

They walked a little way out of hearing, but went not out of sight;
therefore, though the women were in a terrible quandary, they durst not
stir, for they had some hopes that this extraordinary person was on a