N, SIR:

"Af you go this nite bout seven clocks or thereaway, you'd find a
Still-Hed an' Worm At full work, in they tipper End iv The brown Glen in
Ahadarra. Sir, thrum wan iv Die amstrung's Orringemen an' a fren to the
axshize."

The gauger after breakfast again resumed the conversation as follows:--

"Have you changed your mind, Harry, regarding the Excise? because if you
have I think I may soon have an opportunity of getting you a berth."

"No, sir, I feel an insurmountable repugnance to the life of a
Still--hem."

"Go on, man, to the life of a Still-hunter. Very well. Your father's
death last year left you and your sister there dependent upon me, for
the present at least; for what could a medical man only rising into
practice, with a, family to support and educate, leave behind him?"

"Unfortunately, sir, it is too true."

"In the mean time you may leave 'unfortunate' out, and thank God that
you had the shelter of my roof to come to; and be on your knees, too,
that I was a bachelor. Well, I am glad myself that I had and have a home
for you; but still, Harry, you ought to think of doing something for
yourself; for I may not live always, you know, and beside I am not rich.
You don't relish surgery, you say?"

"I can't endure it, uncle."

"But you like farming?"

"Above every other mode of life."

"Very well, I think it's likely I shall have a good farm to put you into
before long."

"Thank you, uncle. You may rest assured that both Maria and myself are
fully sensible of the kindness we have experienced at your hands."

"Small thanks to me for that. Who the devil would I assist, if not my
brother's orphans? It is true, I despise the world, but still we must
make our use of it. I know it consists of only knaves and fools. Now, I
respect the knaves; for if it were'nt for their roguery, the world would
never work; it would stand still and be useless. The fools I despise,
not so much because they are fools, as because they would be knaves if
they could; so that, you see I return again to my favorite principle of
honesty. I am going to Ballymacan on business, so good-bye to you both."

"Uncle," said his nephew, "one word with you before you go."

"What is it?"

"Would you suffer me to offer you a word of advice, and will you excuse
me for taking such a liberty with a man of your experience?"

"Certainly, Harry, and shall always feel thankful to any one that gives
me good advice."

"If this is not good