52 NIMROD'S NORTHERN TOUR. 



But amidst this glitter of coronets, I must not overlook *' Charley 

 Lamb," as the half brother to Lord Eglinton is called by all his family 

 and all his friends; and when I state that, what the lexicographer would 

 designate as '* the termination ly," added to the Christian name of a 

 Scotchman, has the signification of something out of the common way, 

 (Johnny Campbell of Saddell, and Willy Hay of Dunse-castle, par ex- 

 ample), I trust 1 shall be excused for this familiar mention of Mr. 

 Lamb's name. And in truth, there is a great deal out of the common 

 way about this young gentleman, inasmuch as he is gifted with that 

 rare quality yclept dry humour. In my opinion, it is the very best 

 kind of wit a man can possess, for being seldom exercised but when he 

 is called upon to rally, it is seldom used but in self-defence. But this 

 is a digression. The first time I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Lamb 

 ■was at dinner at Lord Eglinton's, and as it happened we occupied ad- 

 joining chairs. ** I am in the wrong box," said I to myself, " I am 

 seated next to a young scion of nobility, wrapped up in the mantle of 

 aristocracy (for as yet I had not heard the sound of his voice) and I 

 would as soon be near to a mad bull." Now see the folly of trusting to 

 first impressions. The very first time Mr. Lamb opened his mouth, 

 not to eat, but to speak, I discovered my mistake. There was a pecu- 

 liar style of expressing himself, which although it defies the power of 

 the pen, I may be able to exemplify by calling it that cautious use of 

 the tongue, which, whilst uttering something that has more meaning 

 in it than it appears to have, insidiously provokes a reply. But it is in 

 the power of reply that Mr. Lamb shines, and although Milton makes 

 the devil at a loss for an answer, I never saw him ** stand perplexed," 

 and I believe he is often put to the test. As amongst a multitude of 

 proofs, one does the business, I will give an instance of this difficult and 

 rare talent. " Why dont you send Charley to sea ?" said a right ho- 



