andsmen find even the wobble of a boat discommoding.
No man is the same with an uneasy stomach."

"Next thing to an uneasy conscience--eh, Mr. Johnstone?"

"Worse, sir, far worse. You may forget the one at times, but the
other is never at rest."

"Oh, well, we are for a time now, at all events!" he cried, with
a ring of triumph in his voice, as we slowed up alongside the great
ship, and the sailors made us fast by the ladder.

"After you, sir," said my tormentor, as he pointed upward, and,
willy-nilly, I mounted the shaking steps with the horrid thought
that perhaps it was the last ladder I should mount save one that
would lead to a platform whence I would make my last bow to a
howling mob at Tyburn.

"It is fast growing dark, sir; we will not stand on ceremony," said
the captain, leading to the cabin.

"Do not, I pray," I answered, with some firmness, for now I was
only anxious for the last act of the ghastly farce to end; the
suspense was growing intolerable.

When wine and glasses were placed before us, the captain filled
them both and raised his.

"'Pon my soul, Mr. Johnstone, I am sorry to lose so good a companion,
but we must not put your landsman's endurance to too hard a proof.
I wish you a safe arrival with all my heart! My men will put you
ashore at once."

I was so fluttered by the unexpected turn and the honest heartiness
he threw into his words that I could scarce reply, but in some way
I made my acknowledgments. In a few moments I was over the side
and speeding towards the Harwich shore with all the force of six
oars pulled by six impatient men, and I'll wager none among them
was so impatient as the passenger they carried.

CHAPTER VII

HOW I COME TO TAKE A GREAT RESOLVE

I rewarded the men handsomely enough to call forth their approval,
and made my compliments so fully to Mr. Lockhart, with so many
messages to his family, that I left him more puzzled than ever as
to who Mr. Johnstone of Kirksmuir might be; and then picking up my
portmanteau, made as though I would enter the town.

Once the boat was safely out of sight, I looked about for a quiet
spot, and proceeded to effect a transformation in my outward
appearance more in keeping with my new role of courier. Removing
my wig, I smoothed my hair back, and fastened it with a plain
riband. I undid my sword, and snapping the blade, put the hilt,
which was handsomely mounted in silver, to one side, and then
stripping the lace and silv