pany of
his friends; and that, on going home, Sir Thomas's servant had let him
in, in the dark, and from these circumstances he found it impossible to
prove an alibi. He begged of his relative, if ever an opportunity
offered, to do his endeavour to clear up that mystery, and remove the
horrid stigma from his name in his country, and among his kin, of
having stabbed a friend behind his back.

Lord Craigie, therefore, directed the two women to the proper
authorities, and, after hearing their evidence there, it was judged
proper to apprehend the present Laird of Dalcastle, and bring him to
his trial. But, before that, they sent the prisoner in the Tolbooth, he
who had seen the whole transaction along with Mrs. Calvert, to take a
view of Wringhim privately; and, his discrimination being so well known
as to be proverbial all over the land, they determined secretly to be
ruled by his report. They accordingly sent him on a pretended mission
of legality to Dalcastle, with orders to see and speak with the
proprietor, without giving him a hint what was wanted. On his return,
they examined him, and he told them that he found all things at the
place in utter confusion and dismay; that the lady of the place was
missing, and could not be found, dead or alive. On being asked if he
had ever seen the proprietor before, he looked astounded and unwilling
to answer. But it came out that he had; and that he had once seen him
kill a man on such a spot at such an hour.

Officers were then dispatched, without delay, to apprehend the monster,
and bring him to justice. On these going to the mansion, and inquiring
for him, they were told he was at home; on which they stationed guards,
and searched all the premises, but he was not to be found. It was in
vain that they overturned beds, raised floors, and broke open closets:
Robert Wringhim Colwan was lost once and for ever. His mother also was
lost; and strong suspicions attached to some of the farmers and house
servants to whom she was obnoxious, relating to her disappearance.

The Honourable Thomas Drummond became a distinguished officer in the
Austrian service, and died in the memorable year for Scotland, 1715;
and this is all with which history, justiciary records, and tradition,
furnish me relating to these matters.

I have now the pleasure of presenting my readers with an original
document of a most singular nature, and preserved for their perusal in
a still more singular manner. I offer