ese Irish allies
are unwieldy--when numerous. I remember once calling on Tom Scott, the
trainer, one day, and while we went through the stables I could not
help remarking the fine family of boys he had. 'Yes, sir,' said Tom,
modestly, 'they 're good-looking chaps, and smart ones. God Almighty
keep 'em little, sir!'"

"Ah, very true," sighed Meek; "God Almighty keep 'em little!"

"Then," resumed Linton, "you have never played out that golden game of
Irish legislation, which consists in enacting a law, and always ruling
against it. Decide for the education system, but promote the men who
oppose it. Condemn the public conduct of certain parties, and then
let them figure as baronets, or lieutenants of counties, in the next
'Gazette,' and, to crown all, seek out every now and then some red-hot
supporter of Government, and degrade him from the bench of magistrates
for maladministration! This, which in England would seem rather chaotic
legislation, will to Irish intelligence smack like even-handed justice."

"We have a bad press," said Meek, peevishly.

"No matter, it has the less influence. Believe me, it will be an evil
day for you Downing Street gentlemen when Ireland possesses a really
able and independent press,--when, avoiding topics of mere irritating
tendency, men address themselves to the actual wants of the country,
exemplifying, as they disclose them, the inaptitude and folly of English
legislation. Don't wait for that day, Meek. In all likelihood it
is distant enough, but in any case don't hasten its coming by your
prayers."

"You mustn't broach these doctrines out of doors, Tom," said Meek, in
a soft, caressing tone; "there is a horrid cant getting up just now
against English rule, and in favor of native manufactures."

"Which be they, Meek? I never heard of them. Maynooth is the only
factory I know of in the land, and a brisk trade it has, home and
colonial."

"You know as well as any man the benefits we have conferred on this
country."

"Yes, it demands no great tax on memory to repeat them. You found
a starving peasantry of a couple of millions, and, being unable or
incompetent to aid them, you ruined the gentry to keep them company.
You saw a mangy, miserable dog with famine in his flank and death in his
eye, and, answering his appeal to your compassion, you cut an inch off
his tail and told him to eat it."

"You are too bad, Tom--a great deal too bad. What are you looking for?"

"Nothing at prese