s own niece? That I cannot tell. Why did Nattee give
me the necklace? I cannot tell; she would hardly betray her husband.
At all events, there is a mystery, and it can only be unravelled by
being pulled at; and I may learn something by meeting Melchior, whereas,
I shall learn nothing by remaining quiet. This last idea satisfied me,
and for many hours I remained in a train of deep thought, only checked
by paying for the horses at the end of every stage.

It was now past twelve o'clock, when I found that it was necessary to
change the chaise at every post. The country also, as well as the roads,
had changed much for the worse. Cultivation was not so great, the roads
were mountainous, and civilisation generally disappeared. It was nearly
dark when I arrived at the last post, from whence I was to take horses
to Mount Castle. As usual, the chaise also was to be changed; and I
could not help observing that each change was from bad to worse. Rope
harness was used, and the vehicles themselves were of the most crazy
condition. Still I had travelled very fairly, for an Irish postillion
knows how to make an Irish horse go a very fair pace. I descended from
the chaise, and ordered another out immediately. To this there was no
reply, except, "Wait, your honour; step in a moment, and rest from your
fatigue a little." Presuming this was merely to give them time to get
ready, I walked into the room of the inn, which indeed was very little
better than a hovel, and sat down by the turf fire in company with some
others, whom I could hardly distinguish for smoke. I paid the chaise and
postillion, and soon afterwards heard it drive off, on its way back.
After a few minutes I inquired if the chaise was getting ready.

"Is it the chaise your honour means?" said the landlady.

"Yes," replied I, "a chaise on to Mount Castle."

"Then I am sorry that your honour must wait a little; for our chaise, and
the only one which we have, is gone to the castle, and won't be back till
long after the moon is up. What will your honour please to take?"

"Not back till moonlight," replied I; "why did you not say so? and I
would have gone on with the other."

"Is it with the other you mane, your honour? Then if Teddy Driscoll could
make his horses go one step farther than our door, may I never have a
soul to be saved. Will your honour please to sit in the little room
Kathleen shall light a fire."

Vexed as I was with the idea of passing the night in this h