"'Oh, yes, I can do all my business, and be back very well on Thursday,' said Mr. Robertson; objecting that if he waited over Friday it would be no use going till Monday. Brown tried to persuade him to alter his plans, but in vain; 'however,' said he, 'you may rely on seeing me on Thursday, if you'll look in, in the evening; as I would not miss the meeting on any account.' "This conversation took place at an early hour on Tuesday morning. Immediately afterwards Mr. Robertson bade his wife and children good-bye, and proceeded to the boat which left at eleven o'clock, having on board, besides himself, two other passengers, and two boatmen. "On Thursday evening, Mr. Brown, who had been busying himself in fortifying and encouraging their adherents against the next day, and had taken upon himself to answer for his friend Robertson's presence, as soon as he had finished business, set off to keep his appointment with the latter, anxious to ascertain that he was arrived. "His anxiety was soon relieved, for on his way he met him. "'Well, here you are,' said he, holding out his hand. "'Yes,' answered Robertson, not appearing to notice the hand, 'I have kept my promise.' "Upon that Mr. Brown introduced the subject of the meeting, and mentioned the hopes he had of carrying the question, with which Robertson seemed satisfied; but as soon as possible turning the conversation into another direction, he began talking to his friend about his wife and children, and certain arrangements he had wished to be made respecting his property. "His mind seemed so much more engrossed with these matters than the meeting, that little was said upon the latter subject, and Mr. Brown, having parted with him in the street, rather wondered why he chose such a moment to discuss his private affairs. "The next morning, at the appointed hour, the principal inhabitants of the place assembled in a public room at the Tun. Brown, who wanted to say a word to Robertson, lingered at the door; but as he did not come, he thought he must have arrived before himself, and went up stairs. "'Is Robertson here?' said he, on entering the room. "'No,' said one, 'I'm afraid he's not come back from Raasa.' "'Oh, yes,' said Brown, 'he'll be here; I saw him yesterday evening.' "They then discoursed about the matter in hand for some time, till finding the chairman was about to proceed to business, Robertson's absence was again reverted to. "'I know he's come back,' said one, 'for I saw him standing at his own door as I passed last night.' "'He can't have forgotten it,' said another. "'Certainly not, for we spoke of it last night,' said Brown. "'Perhaps he's ill,' suggested somebody. "'Just send your man to Mr. Robertson's, and say we are waiting for him,' said Brown to the landlord. "The landlord left the room to do so; and, in the meantime, they proceeded to business.