I am sure if ever Cluny hated any man it was David Balfour . He looked me all over with a warlike eye , and I saw the challenge at his lips . But either my youth disarmed him , or perhaps his own sense of justice . Certainly it was a mortifying matter for all concerned , and not least Cluny ; the more credit that he took it as he did . `` Mr. Balfour , '' said he , `` I think you are too nice and covenanting , but for all that you have the spirit of a very pretty gentleman . Upon my honest word , ye may take this money -- it 's what I would tell my son -- and here 's my hand along with it ! '' CHAPTER XXIV THE FLIGHT IN THE HEATHER : THE QUARREL Alan and I were put across Loch Errocht under cloud of night , and went down its eastern shore to another hiding-place near the head of Loch Rannoch , whither we were led by one of the gillies from the Cage . This fellow carried all our luggage and Alan 's great-coat in the bargain , trotting along under the burthen , far less than the half of which used to weigh me to the ground , like a stout hill pony with a feather ; yet he was a man that , in plain contest , I could have broken on my knee . Doubtless it was a great relief to walk disencumbered ; and perhaps without that relief , and the consequent sense of liberty and lightness , I could not have walked at all . I was but new risen from a bed of sickness ; and there was nothing in the state of our affairs to hearten me for much exertion ; travelling , as we did , over the most dismal deserts in Scotland , under a cloudy heaven , and with divided hearts among the travellers . For long , we said nothing ; marching alongside or one behind the other , each with a set countenance : I , angry and proud , and drawing what strength I had from these two violent and sinful feelings ; Alan angry and ashamed , ashamed that he had lost my money , angry that I should take it so ill . The thought of a separation ran always the stronger in my mind ; and the more I approved of it , the more ashamed I grew of my approval . It would be a fine , handsome , generous thing , indeed , for Alan to turn round and say to me : `` Go , I am in the most danger , and my company only increases yours . '' But for me to turn to the friend who certainly loved me , and say to him : `` You are in great danger , I am in but little ; your friendship is a burden ; go , take your risks and bear your hardships alone -- '' no , that was impossible ; and even to think of it privily to myself , made my cheeks to burn . And yet Alan had behaved like a child , and -LRB- what is worse -RRB- a treacherous child . Wheedling my money from me while I lay half-conscious was scarce better than theft ; and yet here he was trudging by my side , without a penny to his name , and by what I could see , quite blithe to sponge upon the money he had driven me to beg . True , I was ready to share it with him ; but it made me rage to see him count upon my readiness . These were the two things uppermost in my mind ; and I could open my mouth upon neither without black ungenerosity . So I did the next worst , and said nothing , nor so much as looked once at my companion , save with the tail of my eye . At last , upon the other side of Loch Errocht , going over a smooth , rushy place , where the walking was easy , he could bear it no longer , and came close to me .
`` David , '' says he , `` this is no way for two friends to XXXXX a small accident .
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