On Friday after St Andrew's day, namely 3 December, James Melrose asked of John Frier . . .

"One Friday efter Sanct Andreu day, viz. the threid day of December anno prenotato James Melros in presens of thir vytnes undervrytting inquirit Jhone Frier in the Volgait, 'In quhat maner of vay purpos ye to me?' And instantlie the said Jhone Freiris answeris and sais that Jhone Mithag bailye come one Friday at morne ayrlie and, befor vytnes, laufully arrestit all the gudis about my hous in nayme and behalff of Thome Ellot, be verteu of his office in absens of the seriandis. And thair without delay the said Jhone resignit all the corne, thrissing and nocht thrissing, all uther guidis about his hous to the cessacioun of the sammyne in the forsaid bailye handis to pay Thome Ellot and James Melros vith, 'And quhilkis of thaim I haif maist of det to haif maist of my gudis, for I propone with helpe of God to pay all men.' {. . .}