Part 21 (1/2)

One Highlander wrote to another the following smart letter:--

”My dear Glengarry,--As soon as you can prove yourself to be my chief, I shall be ready to acknowledge you. In the meantime

I am yours, MacDonald.”

The Duke of Wellington engaged an intelligent Scotch farmer, named Heriot, to act as his private secretary.

”Walking in the city one day,” says the Rev. Dr. Charles Rogers, ”Mr.

Heriot met an old acquaintance from Scotland.”

”Hallo! Heriot,” said his friend, ”what are you doing in London?”

”I am secretary to the Duke of Wellington,” answered Heriot.

”You are nothing of the sort,” said the Scotsman; ”and I fear you're doing little good, since you would impose upon me in this fas.h.i.+on.”

Returning to Scotland, it occurred to Heriot's acquaintance that he would write to the Duke, warning him that one Heriot ”had been pa.s.sing himself off as his secretary.”

He received the following reply:

”Sir,--I am directed by the Duke of Wellington to acknowledge the receipt of your letter; and I am,