Quid Pro Quo
A WORTHY Roman Catholic clergyman, well known as Priest Matheson, and
universally respected in the district, had charge of a mission in
Aberdeenshire, and for a long time made his journeys on a piebald pony,
the priest and his Pyet Shelty sharing an affectionate recognition
wherever they came. On one occasion, however, he made his appearance on
a steed of a different description, and passing near a Seceding
meeting-house, he forgathered with the minister, who, after the usual
kindly greetings, missing the familiar pony, said, Ou, priest! fat's
come o' the auld Pyet?--He's deid, minister.--Weel, he was an auld
faithfu' servant, and ye wad nae doot gie him the offices o' the
Church?--Na, minister, said his friend, not quite liking this
allusion to his priestly offices, I didna dee that, for ye see he
turned Seceder afore he deed, an' I buried him like a beast. He then
rode quietly away.