It could answer no earthly purpose, and would only send abroad idle and unpleasant rumors throughout the country.

Will you promise this ?" "Of course I promise it," replied Barney; "what object could I gain by repeatin' it ?" "None whatsoever.

Well, then, be silent on the subject, and let us reach home as soon as we can." It would be difficult to describe honest Barney's feelings as they went along.

He imagined that he felt Harry's arm tremble within his, and when he thought of the reports concerning the evil spirit, and its connection with Mrs.Lindsay's family, his sensations were anything but comfortable.

He tossed and tumbled that night for hours in his bed before he was able to sleep, and when he did sleep the _Shan-dhinne-dhuv_ rendered his dreams feverish and frightful.
Precisely at this period, before Mrs.Lindsay had recovered from her indisposition, and could pay her intended visit to the Goodwins, a circumstance occurred which suggested to Harry Woodward one of the most remorseless and Satanic schemes that ever was concocted in the heart of man.