And as I continued to walk up and down , and saw people looking askance at me upon the street or out of windows , and nudging or speaking one to another with smiles , I began to take a fresh apprehension : that it might be no easy matter even to come to speech of the lawyer , far less to convince him of my story . For the life of me I could not muster up the courage to address any of these reputable burghers ; I thought shame even to speak with them in such a pickle of rags and dirt ; and if I had asked for the house of such a man as Mr. Rankeillor , I suppose they would have burst out laughing in my face . So I went up and down , and through the street , and down to the harbour-side , like a dog that has lost its master , with a strange gnawing in my inwards , and every now and then a movement of despair . It grew to be high day at last , perhaps nine in the forenoon ; and I was worn with these wanderings , and chanced to have stopped in front of a very good house on the landward side , a house with beautiful , clear glass windows , flowering knots upon the sills , the walls new-harled * and a chase-dog sitting yawning on the step like one that was at home . Well , I was even envying this dumb brute , when the door fell open and there issued forth a shrewd , ruddy , kindly , consequential man in a well-powdered wig and spectacles . I was in such a plight that no one set eyes on me once , but he looked at me again ; and this gentleman , as it proved , was so much struck with my poor appearance that he came straight up to me and asked me what I did . * Newly rough-cast . I told him I was come to the Queensferry on business , and taking heart of grace , asked him to direct me to the house of Mr. Rankeillor . `` Why , '' said he , `` that is his house that I have just come out of ; and for a rather singular chance , I am that very man . '' `` Then , sir , '' said I , `` I have to beg the favour of an interview . '' `` I do not know your name , '' said he , `` nor yet your face . '' `` My name is David Balfour , '' said I. `` David Balfour ? '' he repeated , in rather a high tone , like one surprised . `` And where have you come from , Mr. David Balfour ? '' he asked , looking me pretty drily in the face . `` I have come from a great many strange places , sir , '' said I ; `` but I think it would be as well to tell you where and how in a more private manner . '' He seemed to muse awhile , holding his lip in his hand , and looking now at me and now upon the causeway of the street . `` Yes , '' says he , `` that will be the best , no doubt . '' And he led me back with him into his house , cried out to some one whom I could not see that he would be engaged all morning , and brought me into a little dusty chamber full of books and documents . Here he sate down , and bade me be seated ; though I thought he looked a little ruefully from his clean chair to my muddy rags .
`` And now , '' XXXXX he , `` if you have any business , pray be brief and come swiftly to the point .
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