that I shall put off replying to it for the present (as there is a witness wanting for the Scotch deed, etc.), and answer your March epistle, which, as you yourself say, is of much more importance.

But how shall I answer?

Between the devil and deep Sea,1

Between the Lawyer and Trustee

it is difficult to decide. Mr. Kinnaird writes that the Mortgage is the most advantageous thing possible; you write that it is quite the contrary. You are both my old acquaintances, both men of business, and both give good reasons for both your opinions; and the result is that I finish by having no opinion at all. I cannot see that it could any way be the interest of either to persuade me either one way or the other, unless you thought it for my advantage. In short, do settle it among you if you can, for I am at my wits' end betwixt your contrary opinions. One thing is positive. I will not agree to sell out of the funds at a loss, and the Dublin House property must be insured; but you should not have waited till the Funds get low again, as you have done, so as to make the affair impracticable. I retain, however, my bad opinion of the funds, and must insist on the money being one day placed on better security somewhere. Of Irish Security, and Irish Law, I know nothing, and cannot take upon me to dispute your Statement; but I prefer higher Interest for my Money (like everybody else I believe), and shall be glad to make as much as I can at the least risk possible.

It is a pity that I am not upon the Spot, but I

1. So Cuddie Headrigg, appealing to Claverhouse to save Morton from the Cameronians, found himself "atween the deil and "the deep sea."—Old Mortality, chap. xxxiii.