Thomas Burlings, Elder details

“I mind very well too, on the afternoon of the dividual same day, that my door-neighbour, Thomas Burlings, popped in; [...] It’s a wearyfu’ thing that whisky. I wish it could be banished to Botany Bay.”

“It is that,” said I. “Muckle and nae little sin does it breed and produce in this world.”

“I’m glad,” quoth Thomas, stroking down his chin in a slee way, “I’m glad the guilty should see the folly o’ their ain ways; it’s the first step, ye ken, till amendment.” (p. 181)