ied the priest. "It wasn't I but my senior curate, Father M'Pepper;
and he has already been reprimanded by his Bishop."

"Well," replied the other, "I am glad to hear it. However, I, now
solemnly declare, as an honest man and an Irish, gentleman, that neither
I, nor any one for me, with my knowledge, ever gave or sent any money to
Bryan M'Mahon; but perhaps we may ascertain who did. M'Mahon, have you
got the letter about you?"

"I have, sir," replied Bryan, "and the bank-note, too."

"You will find the frank and address both in your own handwriting," said
Hycy. "It was I brought him the letter from the post-office."

"Show me the letter, if you plaise," said Nanny, who, after looking
first at it and then at Hycy, added, "and it was I gave it this little
tear near the corner, and dhrew three scrapes of a pin across the paper,
an' there they are yet; an' now I can take my oath that it was Mr. Hycy
that sent that letther to Bryan M'Mahon--an' your Reverence is the very
man I showed it to, and that tould me who it was goin' to, in the street
of Ballymacan."'

On a close inspection of the letter it was clearly obvious that,
although there appeared at a cursory glance a strong resemblance between
the frank and the address, yet the difference was too plain to be
mistaken.

"If there is further evidence necessary," said Vanston, looking at Hycy
significantly, "my agent can produce it--and he is now in the house."

"I think you would not venture on that," replied Hycy.

"Don't be too sure of that," said the other, determinedly.

"Sir," replied Father Magowan, "there is nothing further on that point
necessary--the proof is plain and clear; and now, Bryan M'Mahon, give
me your hand, for it is that of an honest man--I am proud to see that
you stand pure and unsullied again; and it shall be my duty to see that
justice shall be rendered! you, and ample compensation made for all that
you have suffered."

"Thank you, sir," replied Bryan, with an air of deep dejection, "but I
am sorry to say it is now too late--I am done with the country, and with
those that misrepresented me, for ever."

Chevydale looked at him with deep attention for a moment, then whispered
something to Vanston, who smiled, and nodded his head approvingly.

Jemmy Burke now prepared to go. "Good mornin', gintlemen," he said, "I
am glad to see the honest name cleared and set right, as it ought to be;
but as for myself, I lave you wid a heavy--wid a breakin