ice, on seeing Hycy approach, that he might overhear this
conversation without being seen, felt, considerably surprised that Hycy
should seem to have been ignorant that there was a letter for M'Mahon,
seeing that it was he himself who had sent it there. He consequently
began to feel that there was some mystery in the matter; but whatever it
might be, he knew that it was beyond his power to develop.

On coming forward from the dark part of the shop, where he had been
standing, he asked the post-master if there was a second letter for
M'Mahon.

"No," replied the man, "there is only the one. If you see him, tell him
there's a letter from Major Vanston in the office for him."

We must still trace Hycy's motions. On leaving the post-office, he went
directly to the Head Inn, where he knew Bryan M'Mahon was waiting until
the town should become perfectly calm and quiet. Here he found Bryan,
whose mind was swayed now to one side and now to another, on considering
the principle on which he had voted, and the consequences to which that
act might expose him.

"I know I will have much to endure," he thought, while pacing the room
by himself in every way, "but I little value anything the world at large
may think or say, so that I don't lose the love and good opinion of
Kathleen Cavanagh."

"Why, Bryan," said Hycy, as he entered, "I think you must provide a
secretary some of these days, your correspondence is increasing so
rapidly."

"How is that?" inquired the other.

"Simply that there's another letter in the post-office for you, and if I
don't mistake, from the same hand--that of our friend the Major."

"I'm not aware of anything he could have to write to me about now,"
replied Bryan; "I wonder what can it be?"

"If you wish I shall fetch you the letter," said Hycy, "as you have an
objection I suppose to go out until the town is empty."

"Thank you, Hycy, I'll feel obliged to you if you do; and Hycy, by
the way, I am sorry that you and I ever mistook or misunderstood one
another; but sich things happen to the best of friends, and why should
we hope to escape?"

"Speak only for yourself, Bryan," replied Hycy, "the misunderstanding
was altogether on your side, not on mine. I always knew your value and
esteemed you accordingly. I shall fetch your letter immediately."

On returning he placed the document aforesaid in M'Mahon's hands,
and said, in imitation of his friend Teddy Phats--"Come now, read her
up." Bryan opened