obtained
some little insight into the habits and details of this Ministry; at
least, you have seen enough to suspect more, and misrepresent what you
cannot comprehend. Now, sir, there is an almost universal custom in
all secret societies of making those who intrude surreptitiously within
their limits to take every oath and pledge of that society, and to
assume every responsibility that attaches to its voluntary members----'

'Excuse my interrupting you, sir; but my intrusion was purely
involuntary; I was made the dupe of a police spy.'

'Having ascertained which,' resumed he coldly, 'your wisest policy
would have been to have kept the whole incident for yourself alone, and
neither have uttered one syllable about it, nor ventured to come here,
as you have done, to display what you fancy to be your power over
the Minister of Police. You are a very young man, and the lesson may
possibly be of service to you; and never forget that to attempt a
contest of address with those whose habits have taught them every wile
and subtlety of their fellow-men will always be a failure. This Ministry
would be a sorry engine of government if men of your stamp could outwit
it.'

I stood abashed and confused under a rebuke which at the same time I
felt to be but half deserved.

'Do you understand Spanish?' asked he suddenly.

'No, sir, not a word.'

'I'm sorry for it; you should learn that language without loss of time.
Leave your address with my secretary, and call here by Monday or Tuesday
next.'

'If I may presume so far, sir,' said I, with a great effort to seem
collected, 'I would infer that your intention is to employ me in some
capacity or other. It is, therefore, better I should say at once, I have
neither the ability nor the desire for such occupation. I have always
been a soldier. Whatever reverses of fortune I may meet with, I would
wish still to continue in the same career. At all events, I could never
become a--a--'

'Spy. Say the word out; its meaning conveys nothing offensive to my
ears, young man. I may grieve over the corruption that requires such a
system, but I do not confound the remedy with the disease.'

'My sentiments are different, sir,' said I resolutely, as I moved
towards the door. 'I have the honour to wish you a good-morning.'

'Stay a moment, Tiernay,' said he, looking for something amongst his
papers; 'there are, probably, situations where all your scruples could
find accommodation, and even be ser