I must refer to a.very early period of my life, were I to point out my first achievements as a tale teller — but I believe some Of my Old schoolfellows can still bear witness that I had a distinguished character for that talent, at a time when the applause of my companions was my recompense for the disgraces and punishments which the future romance-writer incurred for. Being idle himself, and keeping Others idle, during hours that should have been employed on our tasks The chief enjoy ment of my holidays was to escape with a chosen friend, who had the same taste with myself, and alternately to. Recite to each other such wild adven tures as we were able to devise. We told, each. In turn, interminable tales Of_~knight-errantry and battles and enchantments, which were continued from one day tolanother as opportunity offered, without our ever thinking of bringing them to a conclusion. As we observed a strict secrecy on the subject Of this intercourse,'it acquiredall the character of a concealed pleasure, and we used to select, for the scenes Of our indulgence, long walks through the solitary. And romantic environs of Arthur's Seat, Salisbury Crags, {braid Hills, and similar places in the vicinity of Edinburgh; and the recollection of those holidays still forms an. Oasis in the pilgrimage which. I have to look back upon. I have only to add, that my friend still lives.