And a very good speculation it proved, for, whereas he was then scarcely able to make both ends meet by mere professional roguery, and dressed in a black gown--which you know he always wears in court--yet he no sooner threw the cloak of religion over that, than he advanced rapidly--and the consequence is that he is now privately a usurious discounter of bills." "Faith and honor, now, father, do you,tell me so ?" "It's a fact, Philip, my son, and what is more--but the truth is, that neither he nor I can afford to quarrel with each other." "Why, father?
what's that 'more' you were going to add ?" "At this present time, Phil, it must bo secret--but it is arranged between him and me, that he is to succeed Harman in Beleveen; whilst you are to come in for M'Loughlin's holding." "For which I shall have the pleasure,to drink your health to-night, my old boy--upon my honor and soul you are an excellent old cock, and I'm very proud of you." "Go ahead, Phil; no nonsense.

But stay, are those fellows of mine come yet ?--I shall receive their informations, and have Harman in the stone jug before night.

It is a bad case of murder committed upon a man in the execution of the law, do you see, Phil, and consequently I cannot take bail." "No, certainly not, captain--as Darby says, certainly not, plaise your worship--ha, ha!" "Come, Phil, keep quiet; it is now time that operations should seriously commence.

I have gained most of my points, thank--Valentine M'Clutchy, at all events.

I am head agent; you are my Deputy-master of an Orange Lodge--a Magistrate, and write J.P.after my name--Captain and Paymaster in the Castle Cumber cavalry, and you lieutenant; and though last, not least, thanks to my zeal and activity in the Protestant cause, I am at length a member of the Grand Panel of the county.