f on the one
hand, and a beggarman's brat on the other. However, proceed--I perceive
that I shall be obliged to sink under the force of such testimony--ha!
ha! ha!"

At this moment old Jemmy Burke, having accidentally heard that morning
that such an investigation was to take place, and likely to bear upon
the conduct of his eldest son, resolved to be present at it, and he
accordingly presented himself as Hycy had concluded his observations.

The high integrity of his character was at once recognized--he was
addressed in terms exceedingly respectful, if not deferential, by
the two magistrates--Chevydale having at once ordered the servant in
attendance to hand him a chair. He thanked him, however, but declined it
gratefully, and stood like the rest.

In the meantime the investigation proceeded. "Mr. Burke," said
Chevydale, addressing himself to the old man, whose features, by the
way, were full of sorrow and distress--"it may be as well to state to
you that we are not sitting now formally in our magisterial capacity, to
investigate any charges that may be brought against your son, but simply
making some preliminary inquiries with respect to other charges, which
we have been given to understand are about to be brought against the
notorious Hogans."

"Don't lay the blame upon the Hogans," replied Kate, fiercely--"the
Hogans, bad as people say they are, only acted under Hycy Burke. It was
Hycy Burke."

"But," said Chevydale, probably out of compassion for the old man, "you
must know we are not now investigating Mr. Burke's conduct."

"Proceed, gintlemen," said his father, firmly but sorrowfully; "I have
heard it said too often that he was at the bottom of the plot that
ruined Bryan M'Mahon, or that wint near to ruin him; I wish to have that
well sifted, gintlemen, and to know the truth."

"I can swear," continued Kate, "that it was him got up the whole plan,
and gave them the money for it. I seen him in our house--or, to come
nearer the truth, in Gerald Cavanagh's kiln, where we live--givin' them
the money."

"As you are upon that subject, gentlemen," observed Harry Clinton, "I
think it due to the character of Bryan M'Mahon to state that I am in a
capacity to prove that Hycy Burke was unquestionably at the bottom--or,
in point of fact, the originator--of his calamities with reference to
the act of illicit distillation, and the fine which he would have been
called on to pay, were it not that the Commissioners of Exc