The monks of Dryburgh heard the Laird of Meldrum, was dying. Two brethren set out to visit him. They arrived to find him dead. They were disappointed. They had been nurturing the laird hoping for a bequest. With long faces the monks returned to their monastery to report the laird’s death.
An idea came to one of the brothers. The idea was to conceal his death. Remove his body, find someone to pass for the laird: then procure a lawyer, having instructed the substitute to bequeath his wealth to the monastery: this done, the living man to be replaced by the dead one and the death announced. It was agreed the scheme should be instantly actioned.
There was a poor man, in the neighbourhood, named Thomas Dickson, who resembled the deceased. They went to him explaining the matter, offering him a handsome gratuity. Thomas, soon agreed. “Never ye fear. I’ll mak a guid job o’t”.
The plan proceeded. The lawyer had been told to take down the old man’s will. The monks intimated to the dying man to dictate his will.
Thomas, in a feeble tone, responded. ” I bequeath to Tammas Dickson, all ma movable guids and lyin’ money”
The monks were speechless, at finding themselves so outwitted. They dared not breathe a word of the trick. Thomas went on till in possession of everything, bar a few trifles he left to the monks.
The monks returned to their monastery. Thomas Dickson stepped into a comfortable living.
