pon it, at this time, as the
worst country in the universe for a poor honest man to live in; and
therefore determined to remain in France, at all events.

I was confirmed in this resolution by a reverend priest, who, passing by
at this time, and overhearing us speak English, accosted us in the same
language, telling us he was our countryman, and wishing it might be in
his power to do us any service. We thanked this grave person for his
courteous offer, and invited him to drink a glass with us, which he did
not think proper to refuse, and we went altogether into a tavern of
his recommending. After having drunk to our healths in a bumper of good
Burgundy, he began to inquire into our situation, particularly the
place of our nativity, which we no sooner named than he started up, and,
wringing our hands with great fervour, shed a flood of tears, crying,
"I come from the same part of the country! perhaps you are my own
relations." I was on my guard against his caresses, which I suspected
very much, when I remembered the adventure of the money-dropper; but,
without any appearance of diffidence, observed, that, as he was born
in that part of the country, he must certainly know our families, which
(howsoever mean our present appearance might be) were none of the most
obscure or inconsiderable. Then I discovered our names, to which I
found he was no stranger; he had known my grandfather personally; and,
notwithstanding an absence of fifty years from Scotland, recounted so
many particulars of the families in the neighbourhood, that my scruples
were entirely removed, and I thought myself happy in his acquaintance.
In the course of our conversation, I disclosed my condition without
reserve, and displayed my talents to such advantage, that the old father
looked upon me with admiration, and assured me, that, if I stayed in
France, and listened to reason, I could not fail of making my fortune,
to which he would contribute all in his power.

My uncle began to be jealous of the Priest's insinuation, and very
abruptly declared, that if ever I should renounce my religion, he would
break off all connection and correspondence with me; for it was his
opinion, that no honest man would swerve from his principles in which he
was bred, whether Turkish, Protestant, or Roman. The father, affronted
at this declaration, with great vehemence began a long discourse,
setting forth the danger of obstinacy, and shutting one's eyes
against the light. He