advice, it is at least well intended."

"Let us hear it first, and then we shall judge better."

"You say you will procure me a farm. Now, uncle, there is one thing
I should wish in connection with that transaction, which is, that you
would have no underhand--hem!--no private understanding of any kind with
Mr. Hycy Burke."

"Me a private understanding with Hycy Burke! What in the devil's name
has put such a crotchet as that into your head?"

"I only speak as I do, because I believe you have received a private
communication from him."

"Have I, faith! If so I am obliged to you--but I am simply ignorant of
the fact you mention; for, with my own knowledge', I never received a
line from him in my life."

"Then I must be wrong," replied Harry; "that is all."

"Wrong! Certainly you are wrong. Hycy Burke, I am told, is a compound
of great knave and gross fool, the knavery rather prevailing. But how is
this? Are not you and he inseparable?"

"He is a companion, uncle, but not a friend in the true sense--nor,
indeed, in any sense of that word. I spoke now, however, with reference
to a particular transaction, and not to his general character."

"Well, then, I have no underhand dealings with him, as you are pleased
to call them, nor ever had. I never to my knowledge received a line from
him in my life; but I tell you that if he comes in my way, and that I
can make use of him, I will. Perhaps he may serve us in the Elections.
Have you anything else to ask?"

"No sir," replied Harry, laughing. "Only I hope you will excuse me for
the liberty I took."

"Certainly, with all my heart, and you shall be always welcome to take
the same liberty. Good-bye, again."

Clinton now felt satisfied that Hycy's letter to his uncle was an
anonymous one, and although he could not divine its contents, he
still felt assured that it was in some way connected with the farm
transaction, or at all events detrimental to Bryan M'Mahon. He
consequently resolved to see Hycy, against whom, or rather against
whose principles he was beginning to entertain a strong repugnance, and
without any hesitation to repudiate the engagement he had entered into
with him.

He found Hycy at home, or rather he found him in conversation with Bat
Hogan behind his father's garden.

"What was that ruffian wanting with you, Hycy, if it's a fair question?"

"Perfectly," said Hycy, "from you; but not in sooth from your worthy
uncle."

"How is that?"

"Simply, he