CHAPTER VI.
THE DINNER.
When I retired to my room to dress for dinner, I found my servant waiting with a note from my uncle, to which, he informed me, the messenger expected an answer.
I broke the seal and read:-- DEAR CHARLEY,--Do not lose a moment in securing old Blake,--if you have not already done so,--as information has just reached me that the government party has promised a cornetcy to young Matthew if he can bring over his father.

And these are the people I have been voting with--a few private cases excepted--for thirty odd years! I am very sorry for your accident.

Considine informs me that it will need explanation at a later period.

He has been in Athlone since Tuesday, in hopes to catch the new candidate on his way down, and get him into a little private quarrel before the day; if he succeeds, it will save the county much expense, and conduce greatly to the peace and happiness of all parties.

But "these things," as Father Roach says, "are in the hands of Providence." You must also persuade old Blake to write a few lines to Simon Mallock, about the Coolnamuck mortgage.