for a tour, but as I have only once heard from him, shortly
after his departure, I am anxious lest any misfortune may have befallen
him. As I have been unable to obtain any news of him on making all
inquiries in my power, I venture to appeal to you. His letter was
written in deep dejection of spirit, and mentioned that he feared a
judgment had come upon him for wishing to appear as a Scotchman on
Scottish soil, as he had one moonlight night shortly after his arrival
seen his “wraith”. He evidently alluded to the fact that before his
departure he had procured for himself a Highland costume similar to
that which we had the honour to supply to you, with which, as perhaps
you will remember, he was much struck. He may, however, never have worn
it, as he was, to my own knowledge, diffident about putting it on, and
even went so far as to tell me that he would at first only venture to
wear it late at night or very early in the morning, and then only in
remote places, until such time as he should get accustomed to it. Unfortunately he did not advise me of his route so that I am in
complete ignorance of his whereabouts; and I venture to ask if you may
have seen or heard of a Highland costume similar to your own having
been seen anywhere in the neighbourhood in which I am told you have
recently purchased the estate which you temporarily occupied. I shall
not expect an answer to this letter unless you can give me some
information regarding my friend and partner, so pray do not trouble to
reply unless there be cause. I am encouraged to think that he may have
been in your neighbourhood as, though his letter is not dated, the
envelope is marked with the postmark of ‘Yellon’ which I find is in
Aberdeenshire, and not far from the Mains of Crooken. “I have the honour to be, dear sir,
“Yours very respectfully,
“Joshua Sheeny Cohen Benjamin