The Waverley novels, by Sir Walter Scott, complete in 12 vol., printed from the latest English ed., embracing the author's last corrections, prefaces & notes.

THE HEART OF MID-LOTHIIAN. 443
language; and that the deponent was frightened, and crawled out of the
house when her back was turned, and went home to Saint Leonard's Crags,
as well as a woman in her condition dought.* Interrogated, why she did
not tell her story to her sister and father, and get force to search the house
for her child, dead or alive? Declares, it was her purpose to do so, but she
had not time. Interrogated, why she now conceals the name of the woman,
and the place of her abode? The declarant remained silent for a time, and
then said, that to do so could not repair the skaith that was done, but might
be the occasion of more. Interrogated, whether she had herself, at any
time, had any purpose of putting away the child by violence? Declares,
never; so might God be merciful to her- and then again declares, never,
when' she was in her perfect senses; but what bad thoughts the Enemy
might put into her brain when she was out of herself, she cannot answer.
And again solemnly interrogated, declares, that she would have been drawn
with wild horses, rather than have touched the bairn with an unmotherly
hand. Interrogated, declares, that among the ill language the woman gave
her, she did say sure enough that the declarant had hurt the bairn when
she was in the brain fever; but that the declarant does not believe that she
said this from any other cause than to frighten her, and make her be silent.
Interrogated, what else the woman said to her? Declares, that when the
declarant cried loud for her bairn, and was like to raise the neighbours, the
woman threatened her, that they that could stop the wean's skirling would
stop hers, if she did not keep a' the lounder.t And that this threat, with
the manner of the woman, made the declarant conclude, that the bairn's
life was gone, and her own in danger, for that the woman was a desperate
bad woman, as the declarant judged from the language she used. Interrogated, declares, that the fever and delirium were brought on her by hearing
bad news, suddenly told to her, but refuses to say what the said news related to. Interrogated, why she does not now communicate these particulars, which might, perhaps, enable the magistrate to ascertain whether the
child is living or dead? and requested to observe, that her refusing to do so
exposes her own life, and leaves the child in bad hands; as also, that her
present refusal to answer on such points, is inconsistent with her alleged
intention to make a clean breast to her sister. Declares, that she kens the
bairn is now dead, or, if living, there is one that will look after it; that for
her own living or dying, she is in God's hands, who knows her innocence
of harming her bairn with her will or knowledge; and that she has altered
her resolution of speaking out, which she entertained when she left the
woman's lodging, on account of a matter which she has since learned. And
declares, in general, that she is wearied, and will answer no more questions
at this time."
Upon a subsequent examination, Euphemia Deans adhered to the declaration she had formerly made, with this addition, that a paper found in her
trunk being shown to her, she admitted that it contained the credentials, in
consequence of which she resigned herself to the conduct of the woman at
whose lodgings she was delivered of the child. Its tenor ran thus:"DEAREST EFFrrE, —I have gotten the means to send to you by a woman
who is well qualified to assist you in your approaching straight; she is not
what I could wish her, but I cannot do better for you in my present condition. I am Obliged to trust to her in this present calamity, for myself
and you too. I hope for the best, though I am now in a sore pinch; yet
thought is free -I think Handie Dandie and I may queer the stifler* for
all that is come and gone. You will be angry for me writing this to my
little Cameronian Lily; but if I can but live to be a comfort to you, and a
father to your babie, you will have plenty of tim'e to scold. - Once more,
let none know your counsel - my life depends on this hag, d-n her - she
* i. e. was able to do, t i. e. the quieter. * Avoid the gallows.