le."

"But I am too young, sir, for such an appointment."

"Not at all, you blockhead; although you get a magistracy in the
paragraph, you don't imagine, I expect, you should get one directly.
No, no; there are gradations in all things. For instance, now,--first
a Chief Constableship of Police; next, a County Inspectorship; and
thirdly, a Stipendiary Magistracy. It is aisy to run you through the
two first in ordher to plant you in the third--eh? As for me I'm
snug enough, unless they should make me a commissioner, of excise or
something of that sort, that would not call me out upon active duty but,
at all events, there's nothing like having one's eye to business, and
being on the lookout for an opportunity."

"You know, father," observed Fergus, "I don't now nor ever did approve
of the system, or principle you pursue in these matters, and as I
will not join you in them, I can only say if I do receive a government
appointment, I shall not owe it to anything personally unbecoming
myself."

"Ah, you're young and green yet, Fergus, but time and expariance will,
open your eyes to your own interests, and you'll live to acknowledge the
folly of having scruples with the world--ay will you."

"It may be so, sir; but I thank God the time you speak of has not come
yet."

"Well," continued his father, "now that we have talked over that matter,
read this;",and, as he spoke, he handed Fergus a notice, evidently a
friendly one, to the following; effect--

"Hunda.

"Mr. O'Driscol.--It's said that ye're to goto Lisnagola on Shoosda next.
Now I tel ye there's a set upon yer life--don't go on that day, or it'll
bee worser for ye--any way don't pass Philpot's corner betuxt 2 and fore
o'cluck.

"A FRIEND THAT YEW WANST SAVED."

"What do you think of that, Fergus?"

"Why, sir, it's a proof that you have friends among these turbulent
people. I hope you don't intend going to Lisnagola on that day; by the
way it must mean this day, for this is Tuesday, and the note or notice,
or whatever you call it, is dated on Sunday, I perceive. I trust you
don't intend to to-day, sir, and expose yourself.

"I shall certainly go, sir," replied his father, rising up quite
indignantly. "What do you think I am? Do you think, sir, that
I--Fitzgerald O'Driscol, am the man to be intimidated by blood-thirsty
dogs like these? No, sir. I shall, at the proper time, arm myself, mount
my good horse and ride, calm as a milestone, past the very spot. D--n