1839-40. PEDESTKIAN EXCURSION. 247 



would have been seized by the enraged people, and burned 

 alive, roasted, as all unboiled murphies should be. In con- 

 sequence, I have never got out to walk, and the excess of 

 vapours without has begotten dyspeptic, blue-devil vapours 

 within, of which I have not yet got a clear riddance, though a 

 clamber up Arthur Seat with Professor Blackie has expelled 

 most, and given notice of leave to all of them." 



The next letter speaks of a pedestrian excursion in prospect, 

 in which George was to have his cousin James as companion. 

 How this plan was carried out, and what were its effects, suc- 

 ceeding chapters will show. 



" September 5th. 



" I was away at the country when your letter arrived, having 

 gone for two days to Penicuik with John Niven, and since I 

 came back I have been making preparations for setting off to 

 Stirling to-day, if possible. The weather, however, is at present 

 very stormy, and unless it improve I shall not leave till to-mor- 

 row. I intend to walk about the country there for a few days, 

 and then set off for Glasgow, when the Association meets. I 

 shall return as soon as the Meeting is over. 



" I go to the country without much desire to be there, I have 

 so much to do ; but I feel the need of some relaxation, and it 

 will gain time in the end. I have nothing to tell about almost 

 anything. ... I have not yet written to Glasgow, but they 

 know my intention of coming. I shall be there a week, and 

 leave the moment the business is over. Meanwhile the sun 

 has come out, and it prompts me to pack up. I'll write you 

 either from Glasgow, or as soon as I return." 



With this glimpse of sunlight we close the chapter, having 

 before us many days like those St. Paul speaks of, in which 

 neither sun nor stars appeared. 



