The Doctrine Of Chances
LORD KAMES used to relate a story of a man who claimed the honor of his
acquaintance on rather singular grounds. His lordship, when one of the
justiciary judges, returning from the north circuit to Perth, happened
one night to sleep at Dunkeld. The next morning, walking towards the
ferry, but apprehending he had missed his way, he asked a man whom he
met to conduct him. The other answered with much cordiality: That I
will do, with all my heart, my lord; does not your lordship remember me?
My name's John ----; I have had the honor to be before your lordship for
stealing sheep?--Oh, John, I remember you well; and how is your wife?
she had the honor to be before me, too, for receiving them, knowing them
to be stolen.--At your lordship's service. We were very lucky, we got
off for want of evidence; and I am still going on in the butcher
trade.--Then, replied his lordship, we may have the honor of
meeting again.